Report on the seventh international “fascination of plants day” (FoPD) that brought to light the voluntary spirit into the Faculty of Biology

Abstract

The seventh international “Fascination of Plants Day” (FoPD) was held in May 2024  at the Faculty of Biology (BF) of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (SU), in collaboration  with the Agrobioinstitute (ABI) of the Agricultural Academy (AA). The event was a part of Sofia  University’s “May Days of Culture” and aimed to highlight the significance of plant science and  the fascinating world of plants. FoPD-2024 brought together academic members and student  volunteers, which resulted in a unique combination of fresh perspectives, creativity, and high quality presentations. Through interactive talks and demonstrations, curious facts were shared  about topics such as vampire plants, urban tree species, and plant communication through light.  Key discussions explored the role of plants in our lives, addressing questions like: What are  plant "superfoods"? Why are legumes important? What exactly is organic farming, and is it  practiced in our country? How do electromagnetic fields impact precision agriculture? How do  microalgae serve as vital sources of useful substances? Answers were also provided to questions  about plant diseases and their defense mechanisms. Visitors were introduced to a “laboratory  oasis” that showcased the powers and health benefits of medicinal plants. STEM experiments   involving plants were organized for the curious ones, offering hands-on learning experiences.  Attendees were also delighted by the plant collections at the Faculty of Biology and the Institute  of Decorative and Medicinal Plants, which featured a variety of greenhouse-grown plants  suitable for decoration or as gifts. The S.K.O.R.E.C. student club demonstrated its volunteer  initiatives focused on biodiversity knowledge and conservation. The organizers’ creativity shone  in a special plant workshop and a children’s corner. Additionally, an entertaining quiz was held  to test what visitors had learned during FoPD. This exciting event successfully celebrated the  captivating world of plants and their invaluable role in our lives. 

References:

Zhiponova M. K., Yotovska K. S. & Iantcheva A. V. 2020. Fascination of plants  day (FoPD) – reality and tradition in Bulgaria. - Annual of Sofia University  “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Biology, Book 2 – Botany 104: 85-102. 

Zhiponova M. K., Yotovska K. S. & Iantcheva A. V. 2022. Report on the Sixth  international “Fascination of plants day” (FoPD) at the Faculty of Biology  of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". - Annual of Sofia University “St.  Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Biology, Book 2 – Botany 106: 57-72. 

FoPD Statistics-2024: https://plantday18may.org/statistics/ (Last accessed 3rd  November 2024). 

FoPD - Success story - 2022: https://plantday18may.org/wp-content/ uploads/2023/02/FoPDSuccessStories2022FINAL.pdf (Last accessed 3rd  November 2024). 

Radio Show "Aꜰternoon ꜰor the Curious": https://bnr.bg/hristobotev/ post/101992073 (Last accessed 3rd November 2024).