Characterization of a pothos (Scindapsus aureus) virus with unusual properties

A virus for which the name of pothos latent virus (PoLV) is proposed, was isolated by inoculation of sap from symptomless plants ofScindapsus aureus. PoLV had isometric particlesc. 30 nm in diameter, a monopartite genome consisting of a non polyadenylated, single-stranded RNA moleculec. 4,300 nucleotides in length, constitutingc. 17% of the particle weight, and a single type of coat protein subunit with aM _r ofc. 40,000 Daltons. The biological properties (host range reactions) of PoLV resembled those ofTombusviridae for it infected most of the artificial hosts locally, inducing symptoms recalling those elicited by several species of the above family. Like tombus- and carmoviruses, PoLV had two subgenomic RNAs which, however, differed in size from those of both genera. The dsRNA pattern was also distinctly different. Cytopathological features recalled those of tombusviruses except for the lack of multivesicular inclusion bodies. PoLV was serologically related to, but distinct from twoCarmovirus (i.e., galinsoga mosaic and Ahlum waterborne viruses) and threeTombusvirus species (i.e. eggplant mottled crinkle, Sikte waterborne and Lato river viruses). Thus, PoLV had properties somewhat intermediate between those ofTombusvirus andCarmovirus genera but bridged the two taxa through the serological relationship with some of their species. The taxonomic position of PoLV is still undetermined. It must await the results of molecular investigations now underway.     

Properties of a citrus isolate of olive latent virus 1, a new necrovirus

A virus was recovered by sap transmission from plants of several citrus species exhibiting or not symptoms of chlorotic dwarf (CCD), a disease recently reported from Eastern Mediterranean Turkey. The virus was identified as an isolate of olive latent virus 1 (OLV-1), originally described as a possible sobemovirus. The citrus isolate of OLV-1 (OLV-1/Tk) possesses biological, morphological, physico-chemical, and ultrastructural properties similar, if not identical to those of the OLV-1 type strain and is also serologically indistinguishable from it. In addition, OLV-1/Tk has many properties, especially physico-chemical, in common with serotypes A and D of tobacco necrosis necrovirus (TNV-A and TNV-D). However, OLV-1/Tk is only very distantly related serologically to both TNV-A and D, suggesting that it can be regarded as a distinct species in the genusNecrovirus. OLV-1/Tk could not be detected in citrus tissues by ELIS A or dot-blot molecular hybridization, probably because of the extremely low virus concentration. By contrast, limited virus recovery was obtained by sap inoculation and fair detection rates were afforded by PCR. OLV-1/Tk was identified in 54 of 92 (59%) citrus plants affected by CCD and in 14 of 49 (28%) symptomless plants. These results do not support the notion that there is a cause-effect relationship between OLV-1/Tk and CCD, even though the more frequent association of this virus with diseased plants remains intriguing.     

Benefits and well-being perceived by people visiting green spaces in periods of heat stress

In urban environments, green spaces have proven to act as ameliorating factors of some climatic features related to heat stress, reducing their effects and providing comfortable outdoor settings for people. In addition, green spaces have demonstrated greater capacity, compared with built-up areas, for promoting human health and well-being. In this paper, we present results of a study conducted in Italy and the UK with the general goal to contribute to the theoretical and empirical rationale for linking green spaces with well-being in urban environments. Specifically, the study focused on the physical and psychological benefits and the general well-being associated with the use of green spaces on people when heat stress episodes are more likely to occur. A questionnaire was set up and administered to users of selected green spaces in Italy and the UK (n=800). Results indicate that longer and frequent visits of green spaces generate significant improvements of the perceived benefits and well-being among users. These results are consistent with the idea that the use of green spaces could alleviate the perception of thermal discomfort during periods of heat stress.     

Structural diversity and height growth models in urban forest plantations: A case-study in northern Italy

Current knowledge on the growth models of urban forest plantations several years after their establishment still remains poor and fragmentary. Furthermore few studies have assessed the growth of urban plantations on reclaimed land, such as brownfield sites.This paper assesses urban forest plantations in terms of tree height growth, crown width and vertical structural using as a case study tree inventory-data collected in an urban forest plantation (Parco Nord Milano, PNM northern Italy). In this research tree inventory-data was used to achieve the following objectives: (i) to develop a series of tree height-growth models and tree crown-width models for the main taxonomic units in the study-area; (ii) to analyse the temporal pattern of current increments of tree height; (iii) to assess the vertical stratification of tree crowns using a method developed by Latham et al. (1998).The results suggest that during the earlier stage after planting, trees reach high levels of growth (tree height and crown width) regardless of the taxonomic unit. Evidence is found to support a high level of spatial competition between individual trees of different taxonomic units in as little as 15–18 years. Competition between trees appears to be mainly affected by diametrical differentiation rather than hypsometric variation: trees grow more in diameter than in height. Furthermore a decrease in longitudinal growth was observed for most tree species while the radial growth tends to be constant over time. The research at PNM shows that in temperate climates this can be achieved in less than 30 years. We believe that these analyses could provide important data supporting the planning of new urban forest plantations on reclaimed land and inter alia provide some answers to the questions around plantations growth evaluation and management.     

Spatiotemporal variations of albedo in managed agricultural landscapes: inferences to global warming impacts (GWI)

Landscape Ecology - Albedo can be used to quantify ecosystem and landscape contributions to local and global climate. Such contributions are conventionally expressed as radiative forcing (RF) and...