- Largo Braccini, 2 - I-10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
- Horticulture, Postharvest Horticulture, Aromatic Plant based Essential oil, Fragrance & flavor and Herbal Industry, Conservation of aromatic and medicinal plants, Seedlings, Lettuce, and 15 morePlant root, Food Science and Technology, Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, Food Science, Postharvest Physiology of Fruits and Vegetables, Vegetable Science, Soilless Culture Technique, Soilless, Transplants, Sustainable agriculture, Food Security, Oxalic and Mesoxalic Acids, Organic agriculture, and Food Safetyedit
Marigolds (Calendula officinalis L.) are valuable in ornamentation, human food, and other uses; to enhance productivity, plant growth regulators produce stimulatory effects, including salicylic acid (SA) and spermidine (SP), but there is... more
Marigolds (Calendula officinalis L.) are valuable in ornamentation, human food, and other
uses; to enhance productivity, plant growth regulators produce stimulatory effects, including salicylic
acid (SA) and spermidine (SP), but there is a lack of scientific evidence about such effects in marigolds.
The study assessed, under greenhouse conditions, changes in physico-chemical parameters, enzymatic activity, and bioactive compounds of marigold cvs. Hybrid and French marigolds were sprayed
of SA (1 and 2 mM) and SP (2 and 3 mM) and compared to control (pure water). The SA at 2 mM
improved leaf length (8.20 cm), flower height and diameter (5.32, 8.28 cm), flower fresh and dry
weight (14.30, 1.5 g), and the maximum number of flower petals (55) in ‘Hybrid’. Similarly, 2 mM SA
gave the maximum number of leaves (40.71) and stem thickness (5.76 mm) in ‘French’, but 3 mM SP
promoted the maximum plant height in ‘Hybrid’. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase
activities increased in ‘Hybrid’ with 2 mM SA; with this SA dose, ‘Hybrid’ had higher contents of
total phenolic compounds (68.34 mg GAE g−1
), antioxidants (77%), carotenoids (110 mg 100 g−1
), and
flavonoids (67.5 mg RE g−1
) than the control. The best dose for improving growth in both marigold
varieties was 2 mM SA.
uses; to enhance productivity, plant growth regulators produce stimulatory effects, including salicylic
acid (SA) and spermidine (SP), but there is a lack of scientific evidence about such effects in marigolds.
The study assessed, under greenhouse conditions, changes in physico-chemical parameters, enzymatic activity, and bioactive compounds of marigold cvs. Hybrid and French marigolds were sprayed
of SA (1 and 2 mM) and SP (2 and 3 mM) and compared to control (pure water). The SA at 2 mM
improved leaf length (8.20 cm), flower height and diameter (5.32, 8.28 cm), flower fresh and dry
weight (14.30, 1.5 g), and the maximum number of flower petals (55) in ‘Hybrid’. Similarly, 2 mM SA
gave the maximum number of leaves (40.71) and stem thickness (5.76 mm) in ‘French’, but 3 mM SP
promoted the maximum plant height in ‘Hybrid’. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase
activities increased in ‘Hybrid’ with 2 mM SA; with this SA dose, ‘Hybrid’ had higher contents of
total phenolic compounds (68.34 mg GAE g−1
), antioxidants (77%), carotenoids (110 mg 100 g−1
), and
flavonoids (67.5 mg RE g−1
) than the control. The best dose for improving growth in both marigold
varieties was 2 mM SA.
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Root architecture can be very important in plant productivity. The importance of studies on root morphology and development is discussed to improve seedling growth. Root systems of dicotyledonous species are reviewed, with emphasis on... more
Root architecture can be very important in plant productivity. The importance of studies on root morphology and development is discussed to improve seedling growth. Root systems of dicotyledonous species are reviewed, with emphasis on differences between growth of basal and lateral roots. The presence of different types of roots in plant species suggests possible differences in function as well. The architecture of a root system related to its functions is considered. Classical methods for studying root systems comprise excavation of root system, direct observation, and indirect analyses. While the first method is destructive and the third is effective in understanding root architecture only on a relatively gross scale, observation methods allow the scientist a complete a nondestructive architectural study of a root system. The three groups are reviewed related to their potential to give valuable information related to the root architecture and development of the seedling, with emph...
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There is an expanding interest worldwide in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) due to their use as raw materials in the production of medicinal, aromatic and cosmetic products [...]
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Policy recommendations elaborated during the SMARTCHAIN project for foster the development of short food supply chain and overcomes legal barriers.
Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation mainly includes UVA (320–400 nm). UVA intensity varies depending on the season and geographic location, while it is projected to rise owing to climate change. Since it elicits secondary metabolism,... more
Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation mainly includes UVA (320–400 nm). UVA intensity varies depending on the season and geographic location, while it is projected to rise owing to climate change. Since it elicits secondary metabolism, additional knowledge on the UVA dependence of phytochemical production is required for both farmers and processors, particularly under natural settings. In this field study, the pheno-morphological traits and essential oil composition responses to UVA intensity were addressed in three Thymus species [T. daenensis (endemic to Iran), T. fedtschenkoi (semi-endemic), T. vulgaris (common thyme)]. During growth, three UVA levels (ambient, enriched, excluded) were realized in combination with spraying protectants [water (control), melatonin, glutathione, iron-zinc nanofertilizer]. In T. daenensis, enriched UVA caused early flowering. The height of T. daenensis was the longest under enriched UVA, and the shortest under excluded UVA. In control plants, enriched and...
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Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is an important medicinal plant, of which all parts have pharmaceutical and nutritional applications and which is distributed throughout the southwest regions of Iran. The aerial parts of myrtle were collected... more
Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is an important medicinal plant, of which all parts have pharmaceutical and nutritional applications and which is distributed throughout the southwest regions of Iran. The aerial parts of myrtle were collected at different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, unripe fruit and ripening fruit stages, after the fully mature fruit dispersal stage) from Fars Province of Iran and were analyzed with GC–FID and GC–MS. All the data were submitted to multivariate statistical analysis, showing many differences among the various plant parts and their phenological stages. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (18.9–50.5%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (38.2–72.4%) were the most abundant class in the volatile emissions, with α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, limonene, linalool, α-terpineol, linalyl acetate and geranyl acetate being the main constituents in the majority of the examined samples. α-Pinene content ranged from 8.88% at the after fully mature fruit dispersal stage (leaves) to ...
Research Interests: Botany, Horticulture, Phenology, Phytochemical, Myrtaceae, and 3 moreLinalool, Myrtus communis, and Limonene
The use of phytochemicals is gaining interest for the treatment of metabolic syndromes over the synthetic formulation of drugs. Senna is evolving as one of the important plants which have been vastly studied for its beneficial effects.... more
The use of phytochemicals is gaining interest for the treatment of metabolic syndromes over the synthetic formulation of drugs. Senna is evolving as one of the important plants which have been vastly studied for its beneficial effects. Various parts of Senna species including the root, stem, leaves, and flower are found rich in numerous phytochemicals. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical experiments established that extracts from Senna plants have diverse beneficial effects by acting as a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. In this review, Senna genus is comprehensively discussed in terms of its botanical characteristics, traditional use, geographic presence, and phytochemical profile. The bioactive compound richness contributes to the biological activity of Senna plant extracts. The review emphasizes on the in vivo and in vitro antioxidant and anti-infectious properties of the Senna plant. Preclinical studies confirmed the beneficial effects of the Senna plant extracts and its ...
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The physiological changes and phytochemical pathways of processed watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) undergone during storage are not well known. The objective of this work was to evaluate the respiration rate and the inherent and... more
The physiological changes and phytochemical pathways of processed watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) undergone during storage are not well known. The objective of this work was to evaluate the respiration rate and the inherent and external quality of watercress inoculated with B. subtilis and packaged as a fresh-cut product and stored at 4 °C for 11 days. Watercress was grown using continuous flotation (FL) in a greenhouse using substrate disinfection and inoculated or not with Bacillus subtilis as a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The fresh-cut watercress respiration rate and phytochemical profile changed during the shelf life. The inherent phytochemical compounds were retained during the storage of the fresh-cut salad bags. The best results were found in watercress grown in a disinfected substrate but were less satisfactory when seeds and substrates were inoculated with PGPR. In general, the external quality and the pigment contents progressively decreased duri...
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... Dicotiledoni Portulaca oleracea, erba porcellana Fumaria officinalis, fumaria comune Amaranthus spp., amaranto Veronica persica, veronica Chenopodium spp., farinaccio ... Il gambo deve essere turgido ma non lignificato, lungo almeno... more
... Dicotiledoni Portulaca oleracea, erba porcellana Fumaria officinalis, fumaria comune Amaranthus spp., amaranto Veronica persica, veronica Chenopodium spp., farinaccio ... Il gambo deve essere turgido ma non lignificato, lungo almeno 20 cm, con un taglio netto alla base, por ...
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the production, contents, and essential oil (EO) components of sage as a function of the diurnal variation. The EOs from the aerial parts of the plant harvested at different day/night times were... more
The objective of this study was to evaluate the production, contents, and essential oil (EO) components of sage as a function of the diurnal variation. The EOs from the aerial parts of the plant harvested at different day/night times were extracted by hydro-distillation. Plants were harvested in 2 h intervals (twelve harvesting times during each 24-h day). Harvesting between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. revealed the highest EO percentage (1.14%), whereas harvesting between 04:00 and 06:00 a.m. indicated the minimum EO percentage (0.599%). The analysis of the EO identified 32 components. The major identified EO compounds were cis-thujone (34.38–46.18%), 1,8-cineol (8.70–11.07%), camphor (9.65–14.38%), and trans-thujone (9.43–14.19%). The highest value of cis-thujone (46.18%) was related to the harvest time of 04:00–06:00 a.m., and the lowest value (34.38%) was recorded at the harvest time of 00:00–02:00 a.m. The highest value of trans-thujone (14.19%) was obtained between 10:00–00:00 p.m., and...
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Información del artículo 25- Valerianella fuori suolo.
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Il progressivo abbandono delle coltivazioni negli areali montani costituisce una importante problematica per le numerose ripercussioni sull'assetto idrogeologico e sul paesaggio, in quanto si determina la rottura di importanti... more
Il progressivo abbandono delle coltivazioni negli areali montani costituisce una importante problematica per le numerose ripercussioni sull'assetto idrogeologico e sul paesaggio, in quanto si determina la rottura di importanti sinergie tra agricoltura, turismo e tutela ambientale, fondamentali per lo sviluppo globale di questi territori marginali. Una coltura importante per l'adattabilità a queste situazioni è da sempre la patata, per la quale sarebbe opportuno individuare le cultivar più idonee soprattutto in relazione ai parametri ...
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The genus Bulbophyllum is of scientific interest due to the phytochemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus. Most Bulbophyllum species are epiphytic and located in habitats that range from... more
The genus Bulbophyllum is of scientific interest due to the phytochemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus. Most Bulbophyllum species are epiphytic and located in habitats that range from subtropical dry forests to wet montane cloud forests. In many cultures, the genus Bulbophyllum has a religious, protective, ornamenting, cosmetic, and medicinal role. Detailed investigations into the molecular pharmacological mechanisms and numerous biological effects of Bulbophyllum spp. remain ambiguous. The review focuses on an in-depth discussion of studies containing data on phytochemistry and preclinical pharmacology. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarize the therapeutic potential of Bulbophyllum spp. biocompounds. Data were collected from several scientific databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect, other professional websites, and traditional medicine books to obtain the necessary information. Evidence from pharmacological studies h...
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The effects of abiotic stresses on medicinal plants metabolism are well known, but how plants respond to the interaction of these stressors is little understood. Therefore, the current experiment was aimed to investigate changes in growth... more
The effects of abiotic stresses on medicinal plants metabolism are well known, but how plants respond to the interaction of these stressors is little understood. Therefore, the current experiment was aimed to investigate changes in growth and concentration of various primary and secondary metabolites of A. vera grown under water deficit and different light intensity conditions. A split-plot in time research was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a research greenhouse. The factorial combination of four irrigation regimes (irrigation after depleting 20, 40, 60, and 80% of soil water content) and three light intensities (50, 75, and 100% of sunlight) were considered as the main factors. Sampling time was considered as sub factor. The results showed that the highest leaf, gel, and peel fresh weights were observed when the plants were subjected to low light intensity and irrigation was done after depleting 20% soil water moisture. Plants developed un...
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Emanuela Fontana, Jeanet Hoeberechts, and Silvana Nicola* Agroselviter–Vegmap, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, TO, 10095, Italy Artemisia glacialis is a spontaneous aromatic plant widespread in the mountains of Piedmont Region (Italy),... more
Emanuela Fontana, Jeanet Hoeberechts, and Silvana Nicola* Agroselviter–Vegmap, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, TO, 10095, Italy Artemisia glacialis is a spontaneous aromatic plant widespread in the mountains of Piedmont Region (Italy), living at 1400-2000 m.(asl). The flowers are used to produce a liquor of geographical origin called 'Genepì'. A number of Artemisia species are used to produce the liquor, mainly wild crafted. At the present time, only Artemisia mutellina is cultivated to produce the liquor, being A. glacialis ...
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Marigold is one of the commercially exploited flowering crops that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The production of economical yield and better quality of marigold flowers requires proper crop management techniques. Crop regulation is... more
Marigold is one of the commercially exploited flowering crops that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The production of economical yield and better quality of marigold flowers requires proper crop management techniques. Crop regulation is an important technique to make the marigold production profitable. This can be done by adopting application of plant growth regulators (PGRs). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of PGRs on flowering and antioxidant activity of two cultivars of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) viz. “Pusa Narangi Gainda” (hereinafter referred to as Narangi) and “Pusa Basanthi Gainda” (hereafter referred to as Basanthi). Plants were sprayed with abscisic acid (ABA), N-acetyl thiazolidine (NAD), gibberellic acid (GA3), salicylic acid (SA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and oxalic acid (OA) at the concentrations of 100, 150, 250, 300 and 800 mg·L−1, each. Results revealed that the plants treated with 500–600 mg·L−1 IBA exhibited maximum increase i...
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many victims worldwide and has generated a serious economic crisis. Substantial changes have occurred in the food and ornamental production chains. The aim of the present review has been to summarize some... more
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many victims worldwide and has generated a serious economic crisis. Substantial changes have occurred in the food and ornamental production chains. The aim of the present review has been to summarize some of the main effects that the pandemic is having on horticulture and on the new habits of people. Infections and quarantine measures have prevented the regular flow of certain goods and of connected services. Cases of shortages and/or surpluses, a lack of the availability of labor, and a reduction in demand for some food products and flowers have occurred. New food production approaches have emerged and a reconnection between farmers and consumers has been spreading, thereby facilitating product distribution. Moreover, during the forced isolation, people have had to face periods of stress. The benefits that can be derived from leisure activities related to flowers and ornamental plants, and from access to nature and urban green spaces are increasingl...
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It is currently possible to exploit specialised and standardised growing techniques in a context in which both land and water are becoming scarce. Agronomic innovation and automation are being coupled to an increasing sensitivity towards... more
It is currently possible to exploit specialised and standardised growing techniques in a context in which both land and water are becoming scarce. Agronomic innovation and automation are being coupled to an increasing sensitivity towards environment protection and a reduction in input losses. Consequently, modern horticulture is shifting from traditional culture systems, in the open field, to protected cultivation and soilless culture systems (SCS). Protected cultivation and SCS allow the provision of water and nutrients to the plant root system to be controlled and regulated, thus favouring root oxygenation. The punctual and real crop needs are satisfied by the hydroponic nutrient solution (HNS) . SCS introduce both resource optimisation and a reduction in losses, and thus increase food security and profitability in modern dynamic and intensive systems. Some SCS require the use of substrates or substrate mixes that must be chemically stable and should prevent the release of elements that can interfere with the HNS composition, thus inducing both phytotoxicity and microbial contamination. An HNS should be formulated using microbiologically safe water, and calibrating the macro-, meso- and micronutrients on the basis of the chemical composition of the water. However, it is also necessary to consider the interactions that occur in an HNS formulation between the individual elements that can affect plant growth, crop yield and injury susceptibility. Indicators, such as pH, electrical conductivity, oxygen content and temperature, should be checked periodically. The HNS supply period per day, volume per unit area or per plant, and the number of events during the day should be determined and tailored for a proper plant production in SCS. The HNS supply, whether continuous or discontinuous, can be supplied directly to the root using sub-irrigation or nebulisation systems, or from the aerial part using drip irrigation or sprinkling systems. The water and nutrient supply in SCS can be organized either through open-cycle hydroponic systems, in which the plants are fed with a specifically prepared HNS, without recovering the drainage, or through closed-cycle hydroponic systems, in which the drainage is collected, analysed, sanitised, integrated with the absorbed nutrients and re-inserted into the system. Each horticultural crop has its own specific water and nutrient supply needs that arise from specific physiological responses.
New cultural techniques have been developed to improve the yield and raw material quality at harvest, and enhance the postharvest shelf life, by standardizing the growing system. Among the different Soilless Cultivation Systems, the New... more
New cultural techniques have been developed to improve the yield and raw material quality at harvest, and enhance the postharvest shelf life, by standardizing the growing system. Among the different Soilless Cultivation Systems, the New Growing System (NGS®) is a closed-recirculating system that was designed for open fields and protected cultivations. The aim of this work was to investigate the structural setting of the system and its functioning to harness the full potentiality of NGS®. A lab-scale pilot plant (LSPP) was designed with NGS® technology and the technical aspects have been set up to have a standardized and reproducible growing system. The trials were conducted on growing mature-leaf vegetable species; that is, on both head and multi-leaf vegetables, and on culinary herbs at high plant densities. Positive yield results were found for culinary herbs and leafy vegetables. Mints showed high yields for the two re-growths carried out after the first harvest. The LSPP can als...