Estimation of basket trap selectivity for changeable nassa (Nassarius mutabilis) in the Adriatic Sea

Size selectivity of basket traps for changeable nassa (Nassarius mutabilis) was estimated through comparative fishing trials with traps varying in mesh size and net colour. Selectivity curves of two commercial (19 mm white twine and 19 mm black twine) and three experimental (23, 26 and 28 mm white twine) traps were estimated using SELECT method. In addition, theoretical size-selectivity curves were calculated from morphometric data using a simplified version of Sechin method.Differing from the opinion of fishermen, N. mutabilis did not show any preference for dark coloured twine. Retention curves estimated with SELECT method had a very sharp selectivity and well fitted catch data in all cases. Theoretical size-selectivity curves were very close to size-selectivity curves obtained from experimental data. The two types of curve were very similar in shape, although the theoretical ones were shifted towards larger size classes and showed a slightly steeper slope than SELECT curves. The mesh size commonly used by fishermen is not adequate for rationally exploiting the resource, as catches mainly included undersized specimens, whilst the 23 and 26 mm mesh sizes would represent a good compromise between reduced occurrence of undersized individuals and satisfactory yields of commercial product.     

Exchangeable Ca,Mg, and K of rock fragments and fine earth from sandstone and siltstone derived soils and their availability to grass

Rock fragments (particles > 2 mm) are usually considered chemically inert for plant growth. In this paper, the potential fertility in terms of exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K of rock fragments from sandstone and siltstone derived soils from northern Apennines (Italy) is reported and contrasted with that of the fine earth (particles < 2 mm). The results show that rock fragments are a source of Ca, Mg, and K. When expressed on a volume basis, the abundance of these exchangeable nutrients sometimes may equal or surpass that of the fine earth. The plant uptake of Mg and K has been demonstrated in growth experiments with Agrostis under controlled conditions.     

Juice components of a new pigmented citrus hybrid Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck x Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan

Fruit juice of a new pigmented citrus hybrid named Omo-31 and those of its parents clementine cv. Oroval (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.) and Moro orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] were analyzed during fruit maturation to determine juice yield, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio (classical parameters of quality), and potential health beneficial components, such as vitamin C, flavanones, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids. Results showed that juice yield, TA, TSS, and TSS/TA ratio values of Omo-31 were similar to those of the Moro orange. Vitamin C content of the new hybrid was slightly higher than that of clementine and lower than that of the Moro orange, but at maturity stage no differences were observed among the three genotypes. The phenolic compounds content of the new hybrid and those of the parents and their evolution during maturation were studied. At maturity stage the amount of anthocyanins, flavanones, and hydroxycinnamic acids in Omo-31 was found to be notably higher than those of the parents. The high level of antioxidant substances makes this new fruit important for its nutritional benefits.     

Rapid determination of lignin content of straw using fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy

To determine lignin content in triticale and wheat straws, calibration models were built using Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with partial least-squares regression. The best model for triticale and wheat straws was built using averaged spectra with raw spectrum in spectrum format and constant in path length as spectral pretreatments. The values of r(2), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), and residual predictive deviation (RPD) for the triticale straw model were 0.935, 0.305, and 3.89, respectively. The r(2), RMSEP, and RPD values for the wheat straw model were 0.985, 0.163, and 8.50, respectively. Both models showed good predictive ability. A model built using both triticale and wheat straws indicated that the values of r(2), RMSEP, and RPD were 0.952, 0.27, and 4.63, respectively. This model also showed good predictive ability and could predict lignin contents in triticale and wheat straws with the same high accuracy.     

Emmer wheat, a potential new host of Tilletia indica

Two representative Italian emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum) landraces, two selected lines and three improved emmer wheat cultivars, derived from crosses with durum wheat (Molisano landrace × ‘Simeto’), were tested for their susceptibility to Tilletia indica, the cause of Karnal bunt of wheat. Plants of emmer wheat were inoculated by injecting allantoid sporidial suspensions into the boot cavity of plants, just prior to ear emergence. A highly susceptible Indian spring wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum) was used as a comparative control. At maturity of the plants, the seeds were harvested and assessed for incidence and severity of disease. All emmer wheat genotypes tested were infected but showed differing levels of susceptibility. The percentage of infected seeds for individual genotypes ranged from 5.4 to 75.0% compared with 99.1% for WL-711. The severity of infection was less in the old landraces, but it was higher in all the improved emmer wheat cultivars. In conclusion, Italian cultivars of emmer wheat were found to be highly susceptible to T. indica, and are potentially able to support the establishment of the pathogen.Authors L. Riccioni and M. Valvassori contributed equally to this work and should both be considered as first author.     

Impact of alfalfa mosaic virus subgroup I and II isolates on terpene secondary metabolism of Lavandula vera D.C., Lavandula×alardii and eight cultivars of L. hybrida Rev.

Lavandula vera D.C., Lavandula×alardii and eight different L. hybrida Rev. cultivars cultivated at the Herb Garden of Casola Valsenio (Italy), found naturally infected by Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), have been evaluated for the influence of their pathologic status on essential oil biosynthesis and quality. The viral disease, consisting of a “yellow mosaic” on leaves and stems, was identified by means of electron microscopy, RT-PCR-RFLP and PAS-ELISA assays. Molecular characterization of the coat protein gene of four AMV isolates suggested that three of them belonged to subgroup I (from cvs. Ordinario and Grosso, Lavandula×alardii), while the isolate from cv. Sumiens showed molecular features of subgroup II. The infection of Lavandula plants by AMV (of the two subgroups) was found to decrease essential oil secretion. Changes in the relative composition regarded the linalool-linalyl acetate ratio; the overall increase in terpenic esters and in some cases increased sesquiterpenic abundance. Infection caused by AMV subgroup II isolate influenced negatively the quality of the essential oil much more than AMV isolates belonging to subgroup I. The importance of the phytopathological status of essential oil bearing crops is outlined.     

p53 protein expression in conjunctival squamous cell carcinomas of domestic animals

The expression of p53 protein was investigated in eight formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded conjunctival squamous cell carcinomas of five horses and one cow, dog and cat each by an immunohistochemical procedure in order to evaluate protein overexpression. Anti-human p53 protein mouse monoclonal antibodies known to be cross-reactive with p53 protein of the animal species examined were used. Positive p53 nuclear immunostaining was detected in five equine, one bovine and one feline cases. Conversely, no p53 immunostaining was found in the only canine case examined. These results demonstrate a frequent p53 overexpression in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma that could be related to UV-induced mutations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene.