A modification of the technique of etiolation and blanching, using Velcro adhesive strips as blanching material, was used as a pretreatment to improve rooting percentage of some Quercus species. Softwood cuttings from stock plants of... more
A modification of the technique of etiolation and blanching, using Velcro adhesive strips as blanching material, was used as a pretreatment to improve rooting percentage of some Quercus species. Softwood cuttings from stock plants of different age, grown both indoor and outdoor and stem cuttings from seedlings of different origin, were taken to determine the relative benefit of each treatment. Part of the cuttings was treated with an inoculum of Agrobacterium rhizogenes. An additional trial was conducted on stoolbeds applying girdling, banding and IBA on young suckers of two different species of oak. Rooting ranged from almost 0% in the outdoor trial on adult plants to 98.8% in Q. mongolica stem cuttings from seedlings. Rooting strongly decreased with the age of the mother plants and was also species- and ecotype-dependant. The effect of the initial stock plant treatments did not show significant influence on rooting percentage while the number and length of the new roots were, in g...
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Molecular mechanisms that are the base of the strategies adopted by Mediterranean plants to cope with the challenges imposed by limited or excessive solar radiation during the summer season have received limited attention. In our study,... more
Molecular mechanisms that are the base of the strategies adopted by Mediterranean plants to cope with the challenges imposed by limited or excessive solar radiation during the summer season have received limited attention. In our study, conducted on C. incanus plants growing in the shade or in full sunlight, we performed measurements of relevant physiological traits, such as leaf water potential, gas exchange and PSII photochemistry, RNA-Seq with de-novo assembly, and the analysis of differentially expressed genes. We also identified and quantified photosynthetic pigments, abscisic acid, and flavonoids. Here, we show major mechanisms regulating light perception and signaling which, in turn, sustain the shade avoidance syndrome displayed by the ‘sun loving’ C. incanus. We offer clear evidence of the detrimental effects of excessive light on both the assembly and the stability of PSII, and the activation of a suite of both repair and effective antioxidant mechanisms in sun-adapted lea...
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... Milan Univ. (Italy). Istituto di Coltivazioni Arboree),Colugnati, G. (Centro Pilota per la Vitivinicoltura, Gorizia (Italy)),Altissimo, A. (Studi Agronomi Associati, Vicenza (Italy)),Filippetti, I. (Bologna Univ. (Italy). Centro... more
... Milan Univ. (Italy). Istituto di Coltivazioni Arboree),Colugnati, G. (Centro Pilota per la Vitivinicoltura, Gorizia (Italy)),Altissimo, A. (Studi Agronomi Associati, Vicenza (Italy)),Filippetti, I. (Bologna Univ. (Italy). Centro Interdipartimentale ...
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The aim of this research was to evaluate the possibility of integrating tools currently used for assessments of tree decay in the urban environment with innovative techniques used in other fields and industries for various applications,... more
The aim of this research was to evaluate the possibility of integrating tools currently used for assessments of tree decay in the urban environment with innovative techniques used in other fields and industries for various applications, such as quality control, environmental ...
To verify the responses of visible foliar injury (VFI), we exposed seedlings of three oak species for 4.5 months in an open air facility, using differing ozone (O3) and drought treatments: O3 (three levels from ambient to ×1.4 ambient),... more
To verify the responses of visible foliar injury (VFI), we exposed seedlings of three oak species for 4.5 months in an open air facility, using differing ozone (O3) and drought treatments: O3 (three levels from ambient to ×1.4 ambient), and drought (three levels of irrigation from 40% to 100% field capacity). We related the accumulated phytotoxic O3 dose (POD1) and cumulative drought index (CDI) to the O3 and drought VFI and assessed growth increment (height, diameter, leaf number), biomass (of all organs), and physiological parameters: net photosynthesis per plant (Pn), photosynthetic nitrogen (PNUE) and phosphorus use efficiency (PPUE)). The results indicated that an increase in POD1 promoted O3 VFI in Quercus robur and Quercus pubescens, while Quercus ilex was asymptomatic. The POD1-based critical level at the onset of O3 VFI was lower for Q. robur than for Q. pubescens (12.2 vs. 15.6 mmol m−2 POD1). Interestingly, drought reduced O3 VFI in Q. robur but increased it in Q. pubesce...
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The goal of this work was to assess the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and deficit irrigation applied in the nursery on the post-transplant growth and physiology of Acer campestre L. and Tilia cordata Mill. For this purpose, 144... more
The goal of this work was to assess the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and deficit irrigation applied in the nursery on the post-transplant growth and physiology of Acer campestre L. and Tilia cordata Mill. For this purpose, 144 preconditioned plants were planted in an experimental plot in northern Italy and were monitored for three growing seasons. Controlled inoculation in the nursery enhanced the root colonization rate three years after transplanting only in Acer campestre. Inoculated Acer campestre showed higher survival, shoot length, turgor potential and leaf gas exchange than non-inoculated plants throughout the experiment. By contrast, in Tilia cordata, no difference in root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi was observed between plants inoculated or not in the nursery three years after transplanting. Indeed, the survival, growth and physiology of Tilia cordata after transplanting were little affected by inoculation. Deficit irrigation in the nursery determined higher sur...
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The influence of fertilization on shoot growth, leaf gas exchange, leaf chlorophyll content, and mineral content was monitored on sweetgum (Liquidambar stryraciflua L.), Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum Schott), and European... more
The influence of fertilization on shoot growth, leaf gas exchange, leaf chlorophyll content, and mineral content was monitored on sweetgum (Liquidambar stryraciflua L.), Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum Schott), and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) over a 3-year period after planting in the urban environment. The research was carried out on newly planted trees that were placed in different urban sites and fertilized after planting. Fertilization was repeated for 2 years after planting at the beginning of the spring. There were contrasting results according to the species and the year of measurements. Fertilization was to a limited extent effective in the first year after planting but failed to provide better results in the following years. Thus, the results of this research do not support the utility of fertilizer application as a method to improve plant establishment, growth, or physiology after transplanting in the urban environment.
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The many-faceted relationships that exist between plants and humans play an integral role on the development of our civilisation that goes merely beyond some productive aspects, involving other scientific sectors like anthropology,... more
The many-faceted relationships that exist between plants and humans play an integral role on the development of our civilisation that goes merely beyond some productive aspects, involving other scientific sectors like anthropology, ethnobotany, geography, art and environmental sciences and, above all, the group of social sciences like psychology and sociology. Comprehension of the psychological, physiological and social responses of people towards plants can be a valid tool for the improvement of physical and psychic conditions, both of single individuals and of whole communities. Though some very ancient references are present in the literature, the study of these aspects of fundamental importance has stimulated the interest of several researchers mainly in the last 10-15 years, especially in Anglo-Saxon countries and the United States, producing, as a consequence, a substantial bibliography, So-called horticultural therapy is not a new therapy. It can be done at home, in either public or private gardens, in green spaces or in structures for the cultivation of plants attached to hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and hospices. It has, therefore, great flexibility and, probably, its great therapeutic value resides in the fact that it can be a preventive medicine and a therapy of support to traditional medical treatments, contributing to the harmonic exploitation of residual potentialities and to a more structurally defined personality of the patient.
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Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) include many chemical compounds emitted by plants into the atmosphere. These compounds have a great effect on biosphere–atmosphere interactions and may affect the concentration of atmospheric... more
Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) include many chemical compounds emitted by plants into the atmosphere. These compounds have a great effect on biosphere–atmosphere interactions and may affect the concentration of atmospheric pollutants, with further consequences on human health and forest ecosystems. Novel methods to measure and determine BVOCs in the atmosphere are of compelling importance considering the ongoing climate changes. In this study, we developed a fast and easy-to-handle analytical methodology to sample these compounds in field experiments using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers at the atmospheric level. An improvement of BVOCs adsorption from SPME fibers was obtained by coupling the fibers with fans to create a dynamic sampling system. This innovative technique was tested sampling Q. ilex BVOCs in field conditions in comparison with the conventional static SPME sampling technique. The results showed a great potential of this dynamic sampling system t...
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Abstract Urban trees can play a crucial role in developing sustainable, safe and resilient cities, but at the same time they can pose risks. The study deals with a procedure able to quantify the risk that a tree subjected to the action of... more
Abstract Urban trees can play a crucial role in developing sustainable, safe and resilient cities, but at the same time they can pose risks. The study deals with a procedure able to quantify the risk that a tree subjected to the action of a windstorm, without or with ongoing precipitations (a rainstorm), can cause by falling on potential targets located over its area of influence. The procedure has a modular structure: it is based on the combination of four components (hazard, exposure, vulnerability and damage) that can be developed and/or adapted to different case studies by maintaining the same configuration. Two concepts are introduced and discussed: the “Scale”, concerning the spatial extension over which the analysis is performed, and the “Degree of Knowledge” (DoK), on the accuracy devoted to estimate each component involved in the risk definition. Firstly, each procedure component is described, and the principles behind its division in four DoKs are explained. Then, the risk-analysis procedure is tested by means of a practical example. Results obtained with different DoKs in defining the hazard component are compared and discussed. The procedure is able to quantify the risk, but the lack of literature data seems to affect its reliability. Thus, aiming at the development of a tool as less subjective as possible, some topics where further research is needed are identified.
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There is no doubt that metropolitan areas are, and will increasingly be, the engines of economic growth and fertile grounds for the development of technology, creativity and innovation and this will need a shift in the future cities... more
There is no doubt that metropolitan areas are, and will increasingly be, the engines of economic growth and fertile grounds for the development of technology, creativity and innovation and this will need a shift in the future cities planning and management especially regarding the increase in green areas. This must be done through a regeneration process that can only refer to the 17 objectives of sustainable development (UN, 2019) that are frequently neglected in regeneration programs and this is likely to result in unsustainable urban renewal in many cities. Three main challenges for sustainable urban regeneration can be identified:- environmental (climate change, carbon emissions and use of resources), - social (inequality, cohesion and health), - institutional (governance). We need to promote the start of a real "green revolution", a revolution that, through the increase in plant cover, will make our cities a better place, doing it with an inclusive approach. The "...
It is well known that, at present, more than a half of the world population live in the built-up areas (in Europe almost 80%) and the urbanization trend will continue as the population increases and more people will live in large cities.... more
It is well known that, at present, more than a half of the world population live in the built-up areas (in Europe almost 80%) and the urbanization trend will continue as the population increases and more people will live in large cities. In this scenario arboriculture and urban forestry should have a main role in the effort to manage urbanization and to create livable cities and it is certain that all green areas, starting from the single tree specimens to periurban forests which, in some way, recall the "concept of nature", can fulfil a paramount function in improving life quality and in reaching the minimal threshold for human well-being. What is going to happen next - over 10-15 years - will obviously be of the greatest interest to all people concerned with urban environment. This latter poses some constraints to tree growth and survival: drought, poor soil quality and compaction, pollutants, salinity, pathogens, light heterogeneity, and conflicts with human activities often cause premature plant death or limit plant growth, thus reducing the net benefit by urban green areas. It is therefore important to better understand the dynamics leading to tree decline in the urban environment, and to develop strategies and techniques aimed at improving the horticultural tolerance (i.e. the capacity to provide benefits, not only to survive, under stressful conditions) of urban trees. These include nursery pre-conditioning techniques and post-planting management techniques, but a key role is played by species selection. Hundreds of species are used in the urban environment, but selection criteria are frequently based upon aesthetics and whether the species are native or not, rather than on the tolerance to typical stresses imposed by the built environment and on the capacity to provide substantial benefits therein
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The influence of fertilization and soil amendments on plant growth and leaf gas exchange was monitored on English oak trees (Quercus robur L.) over a 3-year period after planting. The results indicate that shoot growth, leaf area,... more
The influence of fertilization and soil amendments on plant growth and leaf gas exchange was monitored on English oak trees (Quercus robur L.) over a 3-year period after planting. The results indicate that shoot growth, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and leaf gas exchange were higher in fertilized plants, especially during the second and third years after planting. However, compost and leonardite were rarely better than the control. Soil physical characteristics were positively influenced by soil amendments, which promoted a better structure and lowered penetration resistance compared to control and fertilization.
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The aim of this work was to investigate the drought tolerance of different Tilia species and of different cultivars of Acer platanoides grown during the establishment phase, and to evaluate irrigation effect on their growth and... more
The aim of this work was to investigate the drought tolerance of different Tilia species and of different cultivars of Acer platanoides grown during the establishment phase, and to evaluate irrigation effect on their growth and physiology. In winter 2004–2005, 168 trees [8–10 cm (3–4 in) circumference] of Tilia platyphyllos, T. cordata, T. × europaea, T. tomentosa, Acer platanoides ‘Summershade’, A. platanoides ‘Deborah’, and A. platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ were planted in the field. Eighty-four plants were irrigated with a drip irrigation system (4 l/h) and eighty-four were not. Height, trunk diameter, and shoot elongation were measured at the end of the growing season in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured monthly during the 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. Leaf greenness index content was measured in 2006 and 2007. Results indicate that T. tomentosa and T. cordata are more drought tolerant during establishment than T. platyphyllos, whil...
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A species’ water use characteristics and growth habits are important to urban foresters. Seedlings from three species (and two sources)—Quercus cerris L., Q. pubescens Willd., and Q. robur L.—were container-grown and subjected to a three... more
A species’ water use characteristics and growth habits are important to urban foresters. Seedlings from three species (and two sources)—Quercus cerris L., Q. pubescens Willd., and Q. robur L.—were container-grown and subjected to a three day water use trial under nonlimiting soil moisture conditions. Water use varied among species and between sources within a species. Larger seedlings used more water than smaller seedlings; Q. robur seedlings were the tallest, 70.5 cm (27.8 in), and had the greatest water use seedling, 73.4 g (2.5 oz) water, while Q. pubescens and Q. cerris seedlings were shorter, 46 and 45 cm (18.1 and 17.7 in), and averaged 47.5 and 44.9 g (1.68 and 1.58 oz) water, respectively. Quercus pubescens seedlings had the highest water use cm-2 leaf area (0.111 g); Q. cerris seedlings had the highest height-adjusted water use (1.4 g water cm-1 height). There were significant differences in water use between sources within species. Principal component analysis, using 20 va...
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Cistus x incanus L. is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We therefore investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of an... more
Cistus x incanus L. is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We therefore investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of an ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from C. x incanus L. leaves on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. HPLC analysis revealed myricetin and quercetin derivatives to be the major compounds in EAF; EAF up to 1 µM of total phenolic content, was not cytotoxic and inhibited the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (p < 0.05) and the production of prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, EAF triggered the mRNA expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and elicited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as well as the expression of its main target gene, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (p < 0.05). These data indicate that EAF attenuates experimental inflammation via...
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Two organic mulching materials applied to newly planted Tilia × europaea and Aesculus × carnea trees were evaluated for effects on tree growth and physiology. Both mulches were efficient in maintaining a cleared area around newly planted... more
Two organic mulching materials applied to newly planted Tilia × europaea and Aesculus × carnea trees were evaluated for effects on tree growth and physiology. Both mulches were efficient in maintaining a cleared area around newly planted trees, although pine bark was more durable than coarse compost from mixed green material. Trees mulched with compost generally had greater height, trunk diameter, and current-year shoot growth. Differences were more evident in the first year in Aesculus and in the second year in Tilia. Mulching with compost increased carbon assimilation of linden leaves in 2005 when compared with pine bark and chemical weeding. Both mulching materials increased transpiration of horsechestnut in 2005. Little effect on gas exchange was found in 2006 in both species. However, because mulched trees were larger with longer shoots, whole plant leaf gas exchange was probably greater. Mulching had very limited effects on chlorophyll fluorescence. Results of this project hav...
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We compared the effects of compost-amended backfill and of the size of the exposed surface area on Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) trees planted in a high-quality backfill on a brownfield area previously occupied by a truck factory.... more
We compared the effects of compost-amended backfill and of the size of the exposed surface area on Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) trees planted in a high-quality backfill on a brownfield area previously occupied by a truck factory. After 3 years, trees with larger and mulched planting areas had higher leaf gas exchange, leaf chlorophyll, and mineral content than those grown under pavement. The effects of the different quantities of compost in the backfill were more difficult to assess within the framework of this study. Although these effects may become significant in the long term, it is difficult to prescribe compost addition as a useful technique to improve plant growth and physiology when the native soil has been completely replaced by good topsoil.
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ABSTRACT To verify the effects of compost-based substrates on plant biomass production and leaf gas exchanges, 200 uniform, rooted cuttings of Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’and 200 of Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’were potted in 3-l containers... more
ABSTRACT To verify the effects of compost-based substrates on plant biomass production and leaf gas exchanges, 200 uniform, rooted cuttings of Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’and 200 of Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’were potted in 3-l containers using three different media (in volume). Treatments included: a) compost 1 (20% peat moss, 40% of composted yardwaste, 40% of pumice); b) compost 2 (40% peat moss, 30% of composted yardwaste, 30% pumice); c) compost 3 (40% peat moss, 20% of raw fiber, 40% pumice); 4) control (60% peat moss, 40% pumice). The effect of the different substrates was species-specific. No differences were found in terms of biomass production aftertwo years of cultivation in both species, while some differences were found in the first year with plants grown in uncomposted raw-fiber showing less growth. Leaf gas exchanges were not influenced in Acer campestre plants in the first year, while in the second year, substrate 3 showed lower Pn and evaporation rate. No appreciable differences were detected in Cornus plants. The study shows that it is possible to use compost- based substrates in container nursery production without negative effects on plant biomass accumulation and leaf gas exchanges.
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The influence of two biostimulants on leaf gas exchanges and leaf characteristics of English oak (Quercus robur L.) was evaluated in a urban environment over two growing seasons. Trunk diameter and shoot growth were also monitored.... more
The influence of two biostimulants on leaf gas exchanges and leaf characteristics of English oak (Quercus robur L.) was evaluated in a urban environment over two growing seasons. Trunk diameter and shoot growth were also monitored. Treatments included 1) control (no biostimulants); 2) Root Grow WP, a commercial hydrosoluble powder made of a mix of humic acids, marine algae, Yucca extracts, vitamins, amino acids, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and 3) Mycobacter DP, a commercial granular mix of endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi, biostimulants bacteria, humic acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, acrylamide, Yucca extracts, and marine algae. No statistical differences were found on trunk diameter increase and shoot growth. Photosynthesis, evaporation rate, and water-use efficiency were higher in plants treated with biostimulants than control plants on every observation date. No differences were found regarding leaf fresh/dry weight ratio and specific leaf weight, while chlorophyll content, leaf...
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The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of mulching with compost on growth and leaf gas exchange of two widely-used ornamental trees in comparison to local nursery management standards. In addition, effects on soil respiration,... more
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of mulching with compost on growth and leaf gas exchange of two widely-used ornamental trees in comparison to local nursery management standards. In addition, effects on soil respiration, soil temperature and water evaporation from soil were determined. An equal number (180 each) of uniform hedge maple (Acer campestre L.) and 180 hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) were planted in an experimental plot located in Pistoia. Treatments compared were: 1) chemical weeding by herbicides; 2) natural grass cover, mowed twice per year; 3) harrowing once a year; and 4) mulching with mixed compost (50% green+50% from household waste, 5 to 10 cm thick). Over a two-year period, stem diameter, shoot extension and leaf gas exchange were measured. In the second year leaf chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, soil respiration, soil evaporation content and soil temperature were also recorded. Mulching with compost influenced shoot extension and stem...
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The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of two different irrigation regimes on growth and physiology of some widely used shade tree species grown in containers. Trees were irrigated with 1200 ml/day (normal irrigation, NI),... more
The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of two different irrigation regimes on growth and physiology of some widely used shade tree species grown in containers. Trees were irrigated with 1200 ml/day (normal irrigation, NI), according to the standard water volumes distributed in the nurseries, or 600 ml/day (reduced irrigation, RI). Among the species investigated, only Tilia cordata showed greater growth under normal irrigation if compared to reduced irrigation. The other species included in this experiment (Acer pseudoplatanus, A. platanoides, T. tomentosa, and T. platyphyllos) had no benefits from normal irrigation and, under reduced irrigation, showed no symptoms of water stress. Irrigation had no effect on leaf gas exchange of the species considered. Therefore, for these species, water consumption can be reduced by a half without affecting nursery stock quality. This study demonstrated that irrigation volumes usually distributed in nurseries are generally too high if ...
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different nursery production methods and backfill compositions on tree performance after transplanting in the urban landscape.
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With the aim of ascertaining the effects of some management techniques on the grape drying process, research was carried out in the "Moscatello di Montalcino" production area. The following grape drying techniques were tested:... more
With the aim of ascertaining the effects of some management techniques on the grape drying process, research was carried out in the "Moscatello di Montalcino" production area. The following grape drying techniques were tested: a) cutting the shoot below the first cluster; b) "squeezing" the cluster pedicel with metal tweezers; c) hanging the cluster on a metal grid-frame in a covered environment; d) control (untreated vines). The results show that the treatments always reduced the time and affected the trend of the grape drying process, above all as regards the total soluble solids (°Brix) and titratable acidity, while pH values were less affected. Cutting the shoot below the first cluster promoted faster sugar concentration. Berry weight was always lower in the treated vines due to the dehydration phenomena which also affected the must percentage in the berries. This was much lower in the "shoot cutting" and "pedicel squeezing" treated vines ...
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ABSTRACT In the second half of the 19th century some gardens in Tuscany were transformed and new species were introduced. Persimmon species were also introduced at the end of the century and some specimens are still present in the... more
ABSTRACT In the second half of the 19th century some gardens in Tuscany were transformed and new species were introduced. Persimmon species were also introduced at the end of the century and some specimens are still present in the gardens, beautifying them with their outstanding ornamental features. In addition, due to the double attitude of these species, they were also largely planted outside peasants&#39; houses. In the last 30 years most of these houses have been restored into permanent residences, or &quot;country houses&quot;, and some owners have chosen to revert the countryside back to how it was before the 20th century, that is, before the introduction of new types of gardens sometimes alien to this countryside. At present, though, the interest in persimmon species suited for ornamental, and landscape purposes is still not very widespread. Thus, the development of a successful Diospyros ornamental nursery industry would be greatly enhanced if it were possible to spread the use of genotypes showing peculiar and original features. Some varieties have, in fact, potential uses as ornamentals because of their thick and beautiful foliage as well as their plentiful fruit which remain on the trees until January, well after leaf fall.
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The use of plant extracts in skin-care cosmetics is a modern trend due to their richness in polyphenols that act as anti-aging molecules. Hibiscus roseus is a perennial species naturalized in Italy, with beautiful soft pink flowers; its... more
The use of plant extracts in skin-care cosmetics is a modern trend due to their richness in polyphenols that act as anti-aging molecules. Hibiscus roseus is a perennial species naturalized in Italy, with beautiful soft pink flowers; its phenolic composition and biological activities have not been studied yet. The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify the phenolics and to evaluate the antioxidant, sun protection factor (SPF), and anti-collagenase activities of the ethanolic extracts of H. roseus leaves (HL) and flowers (HF). p-Coumaric, chlorogenic, and trans-ferulic acids derivatives as well as quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids were the main phenolic compounds detected. Catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, tiliroside, oenin, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside were detected only in HF, while phloridzin was exclusive from HL, which also showed greater amounts of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. HF was richer in f...
Research Interests: Botany, Chemistry, Medicine, Plants, Quercetin, and 3 morePolyphenol, Chlorogenic Acid, and Kaempferol
Carotenoids and phenylpropanoids play a dual role of limiting and countering photooxidative stress. We hypothesize that their “antioxidant” function is prominent in plants exposed to summer drought, when climatic conditions exacerbate the... more
Carotenoids and phenylpropanoids play a dual role of limiting and countering photooxidative stress. We hypothesize that their “antioxidant” function is prominent in plants exposed to summer drought, when climatic conditions exacerbate the light stress. To test this, we conducted a field study on Phillyrea latifolia, a Mediterranean evergreen shrub, carrying out daily physiological and biochemical analyses in spring and summer. We also investigated the functional role of the major phenylpropanoids in different leaf tissues. Summer leaves underwent the most severe drought stress concomitantly with a reduction in radiation use efficiency upon being exposed to intense photooxidative stress, particularly during the central hours of the day. In parallel, a significant daily variation in both carotenoids and phenylpropanoids was observed. Our data suggest that the morning-to-midday increase in zeaxanthin derived from the hydroxylation of ß-carotene to sustain non-photochemical quenching an...
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The Mediterranean basin represents one of the key hotspots in terms of biodiversity and endemic floristic richness in the world (i.e., a reservoir of plant biodiversity). With ongoing climate change, the Mediterranean vegetation is... more
The Mediterranean basin represents one of the key hotspots in terms of biodiversity and endemic floristic richness in the world (i.e., a reservoir of plant biodiversity). With ongoing climate change, the Mediterranean vegetation is increasingly exposed to different sources of environmental stresses, such as drought, heat, and solar irradiance. To cope with these severe abiotic stresses, beside morpho-anatomical traits, Mediterranean endemic species enhance the production of secondary metabolites, especially terpenes and polyphenols. These compounds have different roles in plants. Terpene and polyphenol compounds play a key antioxidant function (quenching Reactive Oxygen Species) thus improving ozone and drought tolerance, while also acting as pollinator attractors and repellents for dangerous herbivorous insects (contributing to the taste and odour of different plant tissues). In addition to their roles in plants, these bioactive compounds provide multiple health-promoting benefits ...
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Fruit extracts of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) and Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) have several applications in nutraceutical, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries thanks to their richness in antioxidant polyphenols, whose... more
Fruit extracts of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) and Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) have several applications in nutraceutical, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries thanks to their richness in antioxidant polyphenols, whose composition changes with the extraction method applied. We aimed to compare the efficiency of the fermentation extraction, recently applied by industries, with the ultrasound-assisted extraction–UAE, a well-known and efficient technique, on the yield of antioxidant polyphenols from elderberry fruits and pomegranate fruit-peels. Extracts were obtained by both methods, analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the antioxidant capacities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging (HRS) assays. The main compounds detected in elderberry were caffeoyl and quercetin derivatives, present in higher amounts in UAE extracts. In pomegranate, punicalagin were the main constituents, also detected in highe...
Research Interests: Chemistry, Food Science, Antioxidant, Fermentation, Sambucus Nigra, and 3 moreDPPH, Polyphenol, and Punica
Ozone (O3) is an oxidative air pollutant that affects plant growth. Moringa oleifera is a tree species distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. This species presents high morphological plasticity, which increases its ability... more
Ozone (O3) is an oxidative air pollutant that affects plant growth. Moringa oleifera is a tree species distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. This species presents high morphological plasticity, which increases its ability to tolerate stressful conditions, but with no O3 risk assessment calculated so far. The present study assessed the O3 risk to different M. oleifera ecotypes using exposure-based index (AOT40) or flux-based index (PODy - where y is a threshold of O3 uptake). PODy considers the O3 uptake through the stomata and the consequence of environmental climate conditions on stomatal conductance (gsto); thus, it is efficient in assessing O3 risk. Five M. oleifera ecotypes were subjected to ambient (Amb.); middle (Mid. X1.5), and High (x2.0) O3 concentrations for 77 days in a free-air controlled exposure facility (FACE). Leaf biomass (LB) was evaluated, and the biomass loss was projected assuming a clean atmosphere (10 ppb as 24 h O3 average). The gsto parameterization was calculated using the Jarvis-type multiplicative algorithm considering several climate factors, i.e., light intensity, air temperature, air vapor pressure deficit, and AOT40. Ozone exposure harmed the LB of all ecotypes. The high gsto (∼559 mmol H2O m-2 s-1) can be considered the reason for the species' O3 sensitivity. M. oleifera is adapted to hot climate conditions, and gsto was restricted with air temperature (Tmin) below ∼ 9 °C. As expected, the PODy index performed better than the AOT40 for estimating the O3 effect on biomass losses. We recommend a y threshold of 4 nmol m-2 s-1 to incorporate O3 effects on M. oleifera LB. To not exceed a 4% reduction of LB for any M. oleifera genotype, we recommend the critical levels of 1.1 mmol m-2 POD4.
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Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing hygrophilic tree native to a humid sub-tropical region of India, now widely planted in many regions of the Southern Hemisphere characterized by low soil water availability. The widespread cultivation of... more
Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing hygrophilic tree native to a humid sub-tropical region of India, now widely planted in many regions of the Southern Hemisphere characterized by low soil water availability. The widespread cultivation of this plant worldwide may have led to populations with different physiological and biochemical traits. In this work, the impact of water stress on the physiology and biochemistry of two M. oleifera populations, one from Chaco Paraguayo (PY) and one from Indian Andhra Pradesh (IA) region, was studied in a screenhouse experiment where the water stress treatment was followed by re-watering. Through transcriptome sequencing, 2201 potential genic simple sequence repeats were identified and used to confirm the genetic differentiation of the two populations. Both populations of M. oleifera reduced photosynthesis, water potential, relative water content and growth under drought, compared to control well-watered plants. A complete recovery of photosynthesis a...
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Plants can reduce erosion during heavy raining periods and improve slope stability through their root morphology, development, biomass, and architecture. Heavy rains can increase erosion, becoming a danger for traffic and people who live... more
Plants can reduce erosion during heavy raining periods and improve slope stability through their root morphology, development, biomass, and architecture. Heavy rains can increase erosion, becoming a danger for traffic and people who live around slopes. The control of slope stability is often required in urban and peri-urban environments, and for this reason ornamental species can be appropriately selected for a dual use, namely improving the aesthetical value of green areas along the urban and suburban roads and mitigating the erosion effects. The species used must have good tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as high and low temperature, drought, pollution and nutrient deficiency. Otherwise, their limited growth can reduce their beneficial effects. Ornamental plants that can be used for reducing the erosion of slopes must be in full growth during periods with a higher incidence of rains and must also be compatible with the temperature ranges in different seasons. These species can ...
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Pistacia lentiscus leaves are used in several applications, thanks to their polyphenolic abundance. Thiswork aimed to characterize the polyphenols and to optimize the extraction conditions to shorten the time, decrease the consumption of... more
Pistacia lentiscus leaves are used in several applications, thanks to their polyphenolic abundance. Thiswork aimed to characterize the polyphenols and to optimize the extraction conditions to shorten the time, decrease the consumption of solvent, and to maximize the yield of different classes of phenolics, which have diverse industrial applications. The variables were optimized by applying a Box–Behnken design. Galloyl and myricetin derivatives were the most abundant compounds, and two new tetragalloyl derivatives were identified by LC-MS/MS. According to the models, the maximum yields of polyphenols (51.3 ± 1.8 mg g−1 DW) and tannins (40.2 ± 1.4 mg g−1 DW) were obtained using 0.12 L g−1 of 40% ethanol at 50 °C. The highest content of flavonoids (10.2 ± 0.8 mg g−1 DW) was obtained using 0.13 L g−1 of 50% ethanol at 50 °C, while 0.1 L g−1 of 30% ethanol at 30 °C resulted in higher amounts of myricitrin (2.6 ± 0.19 mg g−1 DW). Our optimized extraction decreased the ethanolic fraction ...
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Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves are rich in polyphenols, conferring them a high antioxidant activity. The application of UV-B can be used to maintain the post-harvest nutraceutical quality of basil leaves. We aimed to investigate the... more
Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves are rich in polyphenols, conferring them a high antioxidant activity. The application of UV-B can be used to maintain the post-harvest nutraceutical quality of basil leaves. We aimed to investigate the effects of pre-harvest UV-B application on polyphenolic and pigment contents, antioxidant capacity, and the visual quality of basil stored leaves. We also evaluated the applicability of the non-invasive Dualex® for monitoring the accumulation of leaf epidermal phenolics (Flav Index). After exposing plants to white light (control) and to supplemental UV-B radiation for 4 d, the leaves were harvested and stored for 7d (TS7). The UV-B leaves showed both a higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than the controls at TS7. In addition, the correlations between the Flav Index and phenolic content demonstrated that Dualex® can reliably assess the content of epidermal phenolics, thus confirming its promising utilization as a non-destructive method for m...