Il progetto “Laboratorio Sistema Madonie” strumento per la conservazione e la valorizzazione del germoplasma locale

Aspetti della flora e della vegetazione forestale

Primi dati sul progetto di censimento degli ulivi monumentali della Sicilia.

Sanitary improvement of the Citrus colletion in the Botanical Garden of Palermo (Italy)

An Endemic Plant of the Mediterranean Area: Phytochemical Characterization of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruits Extracts at Different Ripening Stages

This work focused on the extraction, quantification, and characterization of bioactive compounds of Arbutus unedo L. fruits, comparing the results obtained from the different ripening states. Extractions were performed by different methods (such as maceration extraction and ultrasonic extraction) and food grade solvents (aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvents) in each of the all ripening states (four states considered, associated with four different colors, i.e., green, yellow, orange, and red). The presence of (poly)phenols was quantified and characterized, and scavenging activity was determined by the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The content of bioactive compoun…

Genetic Distinctiveness Highlights the Conservation Value of a Sicilian Manna Ash Germplasm Collection Assigned to Fraxinus angustifolia (Oleaceae)

The cosmopolitan genus Fraxinus comprises about 40 species occupying several habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. With some species hybridizing and sharing genetic variants, questions remain on the species assignment of germplasm within the genus Fraxinus despite numerous species-specific assessments. A multidisciplinary approach was employed to provide a definitive insight into the genetics of an endangered Fraxinus &ldquo

Esperienze finalizzate alla gestione conservativa dei boschi di faggio in Sicilia

Con riferimento ai boschi di faggio del Parco naturale dei Nebrodi, in Sicilia, vengono esposti i risultati di un particolare intervento di conversione di un ceduo in fustaia. Il metodo prescelto è quello della matricinatura intensiva con rilascio del materiale di risulta triturato sul posto.

The Sicilian Life Project “Conservation in situ and ex situ of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei”: first results

Piante e loro anomalie vegetative. schede documentarie. 1-26

Le specie di interesse forestale della Sicilia e problemi di conservazione.

Caratteri ecologici e distributivi di Stipa sicula

Sottoazione A3) Studio dell'alimentazione della coturnice in natura

Analisi dello stato degli ambienti umidi temporanei in relazione al grado di conservazione del paesaggio nel Parco delle Madonie.

Caratterizzazione morfologica del polline dei taxa siciliani del genere Pyrus (Rosaceae)

Contributo alla conoscenza dei querceti caducifogli dei Monti di Palermo

Materiali per una carta tematica delle emergenze floristiche e vegetazionali del Parco dei Nebrodi.

The role of herbaria for taxonomic and distributional studies in Characeae: examples from the Herbarium Mediterraneum Panormitanum (PAL) and the Florence Tropical Herbarium (FT)

Characeae is a taxonomically critical family. Taxonomical uncertainties inevitably affect its distributional data. The role of herbarium specimens, particularly types and original material, is crucial for unravelling taxonomical ‘knots’. Moreover, wet areas have undergone dramatic reduction and modification in the last century and historical herbarium specimens may represent basic documents for the reconstruction of former distributions. Some preliminary data from two different Italian Herbaria are here presented. The Herbarium Mediterraneum Panormitanum (PAL, the standard acronym according to the Index herbariorum, http://sweetgum.nybg.org/ ih) houses four folders of Characeae exsiccata. T…

Il punteruolo delle palme

Contributo alla caratterizzazione morfologica del polline di Prunus avium L.

La Dieta mediterranea per tutto l'anno

La promozione e la valorizzazione della Dieta Mediterranea come strumento di prevenzione primaria delle principali malattie cardiovascolari, metaboliche, oncologiche e degenerative è l’obiettivo di Idimed e questo opuscolo è uno degli strumenti della sua strategia di divulgazione. Idimed, fedele alla sua impostazione sistemica, ha sempre parlato di alimentazione a 360°, integrando i diversi aspetti del fenomeno: culturali, salutistici, agronomici, botanici, gastronomici, psicologici, relazionali e della comunicazione. Far conoscere l’alimento, descrivere la realizzazione della ricetta, fornire indicazioni su quantità, uso dei condimenti, specificità della tradizione e raccomandazioni saluti…

Affinità genetiche tra Abies nebrodensis e gli altri abeti mediterranei.

The essential oil compositions of three Sicilian accessions of Viscum album L. growing on three different host trees

Viscum album L., (Common Mistletoe), is a hemiparasitic shrub that lives on a wide range of woody plant species, known since Neolithic period for its ritual and for pharmacological properties. Up to now, no investigation has been reported on the chemical composition of the essential oils of V. album aerial parts in relation with the diverse host trees. Consequently, the essential oils compositions of three Sicilian accession of V. album, growing on Quercus suber L., Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Olea europaea L. var. europaea cv. 'Santagatese', respectively, were evaluated by GC-MS. The three populations showed quite different profiles indicating that the nature of the host considerably infl…

Carta del paesaggio vegetale dei Monti Sicani sud-orientali (Sicilia centro-occidentale).

Indagini morfologiche e corologiche sulle popolazioni siciliane del genere Sorbus subgen. Aria (Rosaceae, Maloideae)

Carta del paesaggio e della biodiversità vegetale dei Monti Sicani Sud-Orientali (Sicilia centro-occidentale)

First results on the phenotypic analysis of wild and cultivated species of Pyrus in Sicily

Phenotypic analysis of Pyrus in Sicily using a set of 19 characters on 71 accessions belonging to 7 species is here reported. Results show a high level of morphological variation in this genus. Cluster analysis of the morphological characters allows to identify two groups: the first closely related to wild pears and the latter related to P. communis s. l. and P. sicanorum. It is likely to think that many Ethno-Varieties, usually attributed to P. communis, on the contrary are attributable to wild Sicilian pears and belong to indigenous germplasm.

Evaluation of the DNA barcoding approach to develop a reference data-set for the threatened flora of Sicily

The Mediterranean Basin is one of the most significantly altered World Biodiversity Hotspots with extensive habitat loss and fast genetic population erosion, for which urgent biodiversity reconnaissance and preservation actions are required. In particular, Sicily has about 600 taxa classified as threatened or near-threatened. The correct recognition and identification of such biodiversity is required for supporting further activities. The objective of this work is to assess the ability of the DNA barcoding approach to identify different taxonomic groups from a collection of the most threatened plant taxa, throughout natural Sicilian populations. The evaluation of the DNA barcoding core mark…

Raccolta e conservazione del germoplasma frutticolo negli agroecosistemi tradizionali della Sicilia

Pyrus sicanorum (Rosaceae) a new species from Sicily

SCHEDE 22-26 IN SCHICCHI R. E RAIMONDO F. M. SCHEDE PER IL CENSIMENTO DEGLI ALBERI MONUMENTALI DI SICILIA

Ibridazione interspecifica nel genere Quercus L. (Fagaceae): il caso di Quercus soluntina Tin. ex Lojac.

LC‐ESI / HRMS analysis of glucosinolates, oxylipins and phenols in Italian rocket salad ( Diplotaxis erucoides subsp. erucoides (L.) DC .) and evaluation of its healthy potential

BACKGROUND This study investigated the chemical profile and biological activity of Diplotaxis erucoides subsp. erucoides (L.) DC. (Brassicaceae) collected in Sicily (Italy). RESULTS Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMS) analysis of the ethanol extract revealed the presence of 42 compounds - glucosinolates, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and oxylipins. The extract was tested for its antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. Promising protection from lipid peroxida…

Schede per il censimento degli alberi monumentali di Sicilia. 27-36

Gli habitat naturali di interesse comunitario (Direttiva 92/43/CEE) del pSIC Monte Genuardo e Santa Maria del Bosco (ITA020035)

Diachronic Analysis of Beech Forest in the Nebrodi Park (Northern Sicily)

A comparison between the current surface of Beech forest in the Nebrodi Park (Northern Sicily) with the measurements performed in the past is here reported. 12.854 hectares of Beech forest were recognized against 10.336 hectares of 1959 with a percentage increase of 24.37%. The increase of forest is mainly due at the change of land use through a better forest management and grazing.

PRIMI DATI SUGLI INNESTI DI ABIES NEBRODENSIS (LOJAC.) MATTEI ESEGUITI SU ABETI ESOTICI NELL’AREA DI INDIGENATO (MADONIE)

C2 = PRIMI DATI SUGLI INNESTI DI ABIES NEBRODENSIS (LOJAC.) MATTEI ESEGUITI SU ABETI ESOTICI NELL’AREA DI INDIGENATO (MADONIE) R. SCHICCHI, P. BONOMO, M. CANDORE, G. DI NOTO, A. PUCCI, F. TRAPANI, P. MARINO Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale e Biodiversità dell'Università, via Archirafi 38, 90123 Palermo (I) rosario.schicchi@unipa.it Abies nebrodensis è una specie endemica relitta, gravemente minacciata di estinzione, la cui popolazione naturale è costituita da 30 individui distribuiti discontinuamente in una piccola area del territorio di Polizzi Generosa, all’interno del Parco naturale delle Madonie in Sicilia. La minaccia di estinzione è dovuta, oltre all'esiguità della popolazione, al …

Micromorphological approach to the systematics of Mediterranean Isoëtes species (Isoëtaceae, Lycopodiophyta): analysis of the megaspore surface

Megaspore ornamentation is one of the few morphological characters used in the taxonomy of the genus Isoëtes. In the present work, we test the application of this character for distinguishing some Isoëtes species occurring in the Mediterranean: Isoëtes sicula, which according to some authors should be included as a variety in I. histrix, and the recently described I. todaroana, whose affinity with other taxa is currently unknown. Two additional species (I. duriei, I. velata) were also included in the analysis. The megaspores were studied using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and chemical treatment. In all species, the megaspore surface is cove…

Fixed oil from seeds of narrow-leaved ash (F. angustifolia subsp. angustifolia): Chemical profile, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. angustifolia is a plant with an age-old use for the production of manna. However, it is also a valuable source of fixed oil rich-seeds. In the present study we examined the chemical and biological properties of this oil in order to support a possible application in foodstuffs, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Fatty acid composition, volatile and phenolic substances were evaluated. Oleic and linoleic acid represented 45.5% and 50.0%, respectively, of the total fatty acid composition. Among polar phenolic substances identified (secoiridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, phenolic acids and alcohols, flavonoids, coumarins) isoverbascoside is for the first time reported i…

Un Giardino botanico montano a Castelbuono nel Parco delle Madonie (Sicilia).

Esperienze finalizzate alla produzione di materiale vegetale utile ai fini del recupero ambientale nell’area del Parco regionale dei Nebrodi.

Biodiversity and evolution of the dendroflora in the Mediterranean

The main old representatives of the Mediterranean dendroflora, their origin and distribution are treated. Relevant threats and strategy for in situ and ex situ conservation are also discussed here.

Cartografare la biodiversità: un caso studio nella carta della biodiversità e del paesaggio del Parco delle Madonie

Interventi di conservazione degli alberi monumentali in Sicilia

Gli alberi monumentali, elementi fra i più appariscenti del mondo vegetale, possono essere considerati beni unici ed irripetibili. Essi rappresentano un peculiare aspetto della biodiversità che deve essere tutelato e valorizzato alla stessa stregua dei monumenti in pietra, dei centri storici, delle grandi strutture architettoniche (Schicchi & Raimondo, 1999). Negli ultimi anni in Sicilia, come in altre regioni italiane, le iniziative volte alla conoscenza di questo particolare patrimonio culturale si sono intensificate, grazie alla sensibilità di diversi enti territoriali (comuni, province, regioni, parchi naturali). Per questa stessa regione, Schicchi & Raimondo (2005, 2006, 2007) e Schicc…

I grandi alberi di Sicilia

Il presente lavoro è il primo prodotto di una complessa attività di ricerca riguardante la biodiversità espressa dalle specie frutticole tradizionali nell’ambito degli agrosistemi della Sicilia. Si tratta di manifestazioni considerevoli, di veri e propri segni impressi dall’attività agricola sui territori rurali dell’Isola, frutto della secolare azione di selezione varietale operata pazientemente da numerose generazioni di agricoltori su ventisette specie coltivate. La salvaguardia delle antiche varietà di frutta si collega ad una molteplicità di aspetti, fra cui quelli scientifici, educativi, ecologici, storico-culturali, paesaggistici e produttivi. Con riferimento a questi ultimi, il patr…

A “FREUD GARDEN” AT THE UNIVERSITY TOWN OF PALERMO (SICILY)

I grandi alberi dei Nebrodi

In questo libro sono presentati i risultati di una ricerca portata avanti dagli Autori, botanici del Dipartimento di Biologia ambientale e Biodiversità dell’Università di Palermo. L’indagine ha riguardato sia ambienti di tipo forestale sia di tipo agricolo tradizionale ed ha messo in luce un ricco patrimonio arboreo di tipo monumentale. Significative sono le immagini relative ai grandi aceri, ai ragguardevoli individui di due specie endemiche dei Nebrodi (Pyrus vallis-demonis e Malus crescimannoi) e al faggio di Fago scuro che rappresenta il patriarca di tutti i faggi d’Italia. Dopo il 150° dell’Unità d’Italia non poteva mancare il Grande Pino piantato in concomitanza dello sbarco di Giusep…

Recupero, conservazione e analisi genetica della collezion di agrumi dell'Orto Botanico di Palermo

Elementi espressivi della flora vascolare nel Piano di Gestione "Monti Madonie" in Sicilia

BOTANICAL CONTRIBUTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL LAND EVALUATION IN THE FP7 MEMOLA PROJECT

ANALISI DELLA VEGETAZIONE RIPICOLA DELL’ALTO ALCANTARA (NEBRODI, SICILIA)

La vegetazione dei corsi d’acqua della Sicilia è stata analizzata nelle sue linee generali (Brullo & Spampinato, 1990). Alcuni aspetti montani restano tuttavia ancora inesplorati. Con riferimento al Fiume Alcantara, nel corso di indagini condotte nell’omonimo Parco regionale, è stata rilevata la vegetazione del tratto montano. In questo contesto vegetazionale, contribuisce ad imprimere una fisionomia riconoscibile a distanza Salix alba s.l., presente con individui monumentali (Schicchi & Bazan, 2005), che si associa a varie altre specie legnose fra cui Populus nigra L. e Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. Frequente è anche la presenza di Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby, specie verosimilmente spont…

Schede 27/36. In: Schicchi, R, Raimondo, FM. Schede per il censimento degli alberi monumentali di Sicilia 27-36.

Sicilian monumental trees reports. 27-36. – The reports 27-36 concerning unpublished monumental trees surveyed in Sicily are here presented. They are: the Almond tree of Rifesi Santuary [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb var. dul- cis]; the Ash tree (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl subsp. angustifolia) in Alefina land and Tusa country; the Olive trees (Olea euro- paea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea) in the following lands: Murro, Fontecà and Serra Bruno; the largest Apple tree of Crescimanno (Malus crescimannoi Raimondo) and the Hawthorn tree (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) of Piano Menta; the Willow tree of Mangalaviti Homes (Salix alba L. subsp. vitellina ) and the Common Yew of Tassita Wood (Tax…

NUOVE AREE DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NATURALISTICO NELLA SICILIA CENTRO-OCCIDENTALE: PROPOSTA DI TUTELA

New areas of outstanding natural importance in central-western Sicily: a proposal for their conser- vation. With a view to the expected updating of the Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and the following designation of the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) by the Italian Ministry according to the Council Directive 92/43/EEC, some areas of outstanding natural importance in central-west- ern Sicily, currently not protected, are identified and described. Fifteen areas of various sizes are located in five different provinces (Trapani, Palermo, Agrigento, Caltanissetta and Enna); here sev- eral habitats of Community interest, including some prioritary ones, and numerous endemic and/or rare s…

Ecologia e distribuzione di Fraxinus excelsior (Oleaceae) in Sicilia

Insights Into the Cultivable Microbial Ecology of “Manna” Ash Products Extracted From Fraxinus angustifolia (Oleaceae) Trees in Sicily, Italy

Microbial communities characterizing a specific food matrix, generally, strongly contribute to both its composition, and properties for food applications. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the cultivable microbial ecology of Sicilian "Manna" ash products in order to acquire new information on the hygienic quality, shelf-life and potential application of this traditional food. To this purpose, several manna samples belonging to different commercial categories were collected and subjected to the analysis of bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. Furthermore, an investigation of the sugar content and physicochemical parameters was performed. The results of our study fo…

Contributo alla conoscenza della biodiversità e del paesaggio vegetale del S.I.C. Monte Triona e M. Colomba ( Sicilia centro- occidentale)

Paesaggio in attesa. Temi del Piano Territoriale Paesaggistico AGRIGENTO

Celtis tournefortii subsp. aetnensis (Tornab.) Raimondo & Schicchi stat. nov. in: Giardina G., Raimondo F. M., Spadaro V. - A Catalogue of plants growing in Sicily.

Schede alberi monumentali

Phytochemical investigation of the needles of Aabies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei

Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei (Pinaceae) is a species living in a very small population only in a confined area of Sicily. In this study, the dichloromethane extract of the leaves was analyzed. Apart from three already known metabolites namely dehydroabietic acid; maltol; and rheosmin, previously detected in other species of Abies, a lanostane derivative was isolated. Its chemical structure was elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic methods.

Crioconservazione dei semi del frassino monumentale di Puntaloro (Fraxinus angustifolia).

Il frassino di Puntaloro, riferito a Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl (Oleaceae) è localizzato nel territorio di Petralia Sottana in provincia di Palermo, all‘interno del Parco delle Madonie. Si tratta di un ragguardevole individuo di 28 m di altezza, con una circonferenza a petto d‘uomo di circa 8 m e di oltre 400 anni di età (Schicchi & Raimondo, 2007). Il presente studio si propone la salvaguardia del germoplasma di questo individuo, indebolito da avversità meteoriche e parassitarie, utilizzando tecniche integrate di conservazione ex situ e in situ realizzate mediante la crioconservazione dei semi e la reintroduzione in natura delle piante ottenute dalle semine effettuate. Le samare di Fraxinu…

Land unit definition for potential distribution of endangered species

In Europe several mapping techniques exist to lay out plant distribution. Most of them, however, are focused on actual and not on potential species distribution range. Spatial predictions become more important for rare and endangered taxa because their conservation is related to existing as well as potential biotopes. The large part of detailed distribution models applies advanced statistics on a large data-set of environmental variables. Data-input availability limits the choice of the prediction model for species distribution and application of results in a detailed scale. Distribution pattern accuracy determinates its applicability in environmental management (for tracing edges, defining…

Results of efforts made for in situ and ex situ conservation of Abies nebrodensis (Pinaceae) in Sicily

Detection of ephemeral genetic sub-structure in the narrow endemic Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei (Pinaceae) using RAPD markers

A. nebrodensis (Nebrodi fir, Sicilian fir) is restricted to a small area of the Madonie Natural Park in Sicily. According to recent estimates, its only population consists of 30 adult individuals and a fluctuating number of juveniles derived from natural regeneration; besides, some hundreds of cultivated plants are preserved as ex situ collection. We used RAPD data from six 10-mer primers to examine the consequences of extensive historical clearance and human pressures on the extant population. Data from multiple life stages and different habitat conditions were considered, affording an opportunity to ascertain for the first time the structure of genetic variation in the extant uneven-aged …

Aspetti botanici a supporto del progetto faunistico relativo all'incremento naturale delle popolazioni di coturnice siciliana e di coniglio selvatico

Biodiversità vegetale degli stagni temporanei della Sicilia

Gli ambienti umidi effimeri ospitano comunità vegetali specializzate e sono sede esclusiva di rare microterofite nonché autentiche stazioni di rifugio per molte specie a ciclo effimero. Per l’interesse bio-ecologico, Braun-Blanquet ha definito queste fitocenosi un gioiello floristico. Anche la Comunità Europea, con la direttiva Habitat 92/43/CEE, riconosce agli stagni temporanei mediterranei una notevole importanza e li individua come habitat prioritario (3170*). Questi ambienti, essendo stagionali, di modesta estensione, spazialmente dispersi e difficilmente cartografabili, spesso vengono trascurati negli studi a scala di paesaggio. Tali habitat, invece, rappresentano veri e propri micro-h…

Genetic analysis of Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) cultivars by ISSR molecular markers

Eight cultivars of Citrus aurantium L., showing peculiar morphological traits of the fruits and leaves, were analyzed genetically. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) was chosen as molecular markers because they represent a highly efficient system for investigating variability at intraspecific level. The particular morphological traits were discussed, the genetic identity and distance matrix based on Nei index was calculated, and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram was generated. A total of 53 clearly distinguished DNA bands were considered for the ISSR analysis of which 24 were polymorphic. A basic C. aurantium fingerprinting pattern was obtained. The I…

Osservazioni sulla vegetazione a Quercus ilex dei substrati gessosi di Valle dell’Aquila (Caltanissetta, Sicilia)

Le dinamisme de la végétation d’une montagne représentative de la Sicile, le Massif des Madonie

Schede N° 22-26

Ambienti umidi temporanei:emergenze e problematiche di conservazione

Nuclei di vegetazione forestale a leccio e viburno nei Monti Sicani (Sicilia)

Emergenze floristiche e vegetazionali delle Madonie

Presentazione dei temi del Piano Paesaggistico

Si racconta come si fa un Piano Paesaggistico

Francesco Minà Palumbo e l'agricoltura in Sicilia.

2.2 Paesaggio forestale attuale

Un popolamento monumentale di Taxus baccata nel Parco Regionale dei Nebrodi (Sicilia)

Viene riportata l’individuazione un inedito popolamento di Taxus baccata, che per età e caratteristiche dendrometriche viene inquadrato nella tipologia di “popolamento monumentale”. Il biotopo si localizza all’interno del faggeto acidofilo delle pendici settentrionali di Monte Soro (Contrada Lenza Monica), a sud-est del Lago Biviere di Cesarò (7°56’47” Nord - 14°43’04’’Est) ed è posto a quota 1.330 m.

Approccio micromorfologico alla sistematica del genere Isoëtes (Isoëtaceae, Lycopodiophyta): analisi della superficie delle megaspore

Schede per il censimento degli alberi monumentali di Sicilia. 37-43

The reports 37-50 concerning unpublished monumental trees sur- veyed in Sicily are here presented. They are: the Cherry tree of Ciccio Faranda, the Almond tree of Corte del Sole [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb var. dulcis], the Olive trees (Olea europaea L. var. europaea) in the following lands: Innari, Maviti, Misilmeri and Favorita Park; the Common pear (Pyrus communis L.) of the Pistacchiera.

Contributo alla conoscenza della biodiversità varietale di Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. subsp. persica, nell’Alta Valle del Platani (Sicilia centro-occidentale)

Indagini per la caratterizzazione dei complessi ibridogeni di Pistacia L.

Aspetti ecologici, floristici e vegetazionali dei querceti caducifogli mesofili con agrifoglio delle Madonie (Sicilia settentrionale)

Investigation on the pollen morphology of traditional cultivars of Prunus species in Sicily

In this study pollen grains of 13 cultivars and 3 rootstocks belonging to 5 species (<em>P. armeniaca</em>, <em>P. domestica</em>, <em>P. dulcis</em>, <em>P. persica</em>, <em>P. avium</em>) of the genus <em>Prunus </em>collected from North-East Sicily were examined for the micromorphological characterization through the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The length of polar axis (<em>P</em>) and the equatorial diameter (<em>E</em>) of grain, <em>P/E </em>ratio, the length of colpi (<em>C</em>), diameter of perforations (<em>DP</em>) and the number of perforat…

La biodiversità varietale delle specie frutticole negli agro-ecosistemi tradizionali delle Madonie.

Reuse of Food Waste: The Chemical Composition and Health Properties of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) Cultivar Essential Oils

The aim of the present study is to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzyme inhibition, and hypolipidemic effect of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Sicilian Citrus maxima (pomelo) flavedo. Using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) we analysed the Eos of five cultivars of C. maxima, namely, ‘Chadock’, ‘Maxima’, ‘Pyriformis’, ‘Terracciani’, and ‘Todarii’, and their blends. The antioxidant activity was performed by using a multi-target approach using 2,2′-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reduc…

Fingerprinting con marcatori molecolari ISSR in cultivar del genere Citrus L.

Typification of the Linnaean name Ambrosinia bassii and other nomenclatural remarks in the genus Ambrosinia (Araceae)

Although Ferdinando Bassi is the nomenclatural authority for the genus Ambrosina, the correct spelling of the name should be the Linnaean “Ambrosinia”. A lectotype is designated for A. bassii, the only species currently recognized. In addition, two lectotypes, two epitypes and one neotype are designated for other names of taxa currently treated within the infra-specific variability of A. bassii.

Catalogo pomologico degli Antichi fruttiferi di Sicilia

Natura e campagna coltivata

La consapevolezza della modernità porta a interrogarsi sulla natura morfologica e dimensionale dei nuovi luoghi per comprenderne il senso delle relazioni spaziali e tentarne un'elaborazione estetica. A partire dal concetto di città in estensione, si è voluto elaborare un quadro interpretativo e progettuale nel territorio interno della Sicilia definito dalla strada che congiunge Palermo e Agrigento, il Tirreno e il Mare Africano, contrassegnato da numerose città-paese, dalla campagna agricola, dai luoghi ibridi della città diffusa. In questo paesaggio il progetto di architettura è stato assunto per determinare e proporre strategie e forme per lo sviluppo del territorio.

Esperienze finalizzate alla gestione conservativa dei boschi di faggio tramite conversione del ceduo semplice in fustaia disetanea: il caso Nebrodi (Sicilia)

PRIMI DATI SUL CENSIMENTO DEGLI ALBERI MONUMENTALI DEI MONTI SICANI

Mapping floristic diversity: a case study in Sicily

This paper presents an operational methodology to map and analyze the floristic richness of “target species” in Natura 2000 sites, making use of G.I.S. tools and procedures. A Floristic diversity map (scale 1:50,000), covering an area of 612 km2, was produced by a team of experts as part of the management plans of “Madonie Mountains” Sites of Community Importance (SCIs), located in Sicily (Italy). The primary grid map represents the richness of “target species”, which include species of Community interests, taxa on the National Red List, endemic and threatened, species protected under International Conventions, taxa of phytogeographic importance. Secondary data frames include a three-dimens…

Recupero, conservazione ed analisi della collezione di agrumi dell’Orto Botanico di Palermo

Censimento degli alberi monumentali in Italia

CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRADITIONAL USES OF NATIVE PLANTS IN SICILY

The Sicilian territory as a whole presents orographic, geopedological, hydrographic characters and climate conditions that determine a wide diversity of environments that host a rich vascular flora consisting of over 3250 specific and intraspecific taxa (subspecies, varieties and forms), belonging to 880 genera of 134 botanical families (1). Of the above mentioned flora, about 500 entities are endemic and in several cases their populations are constituted by a small number of individuals and / or distributed on limited areas. Within this great biodiversity, which places Sicily among the regions with greater floristic diversity of both Italy and the Mediterranean area, it is noteworthy that …

L’ATTIVITÀ DELL’ORTO BOTANICO DI PALERMO E DELLE STRUTTURE COLLEGATE PER LA CONSERVAZIONE DEGLI ANTICHI FRUTTIFERI DELLA SICILIA

B6 = L’ATTIVITÀ DELL’ORTO BOTANICO DI PALERMO E DELLE STRUTTURE COLLEGATE PER LA CONSERVAZIONE DEGLI ANTICHI FRUTTIFERI DELLA SICILIA P. MARINO1, M. GERACI2, D. CRISÀ2, F. M. RAIMONDO1, R. SCHICCHI1 1Dipartimento di Biologia ambientale e Biodiversità dell’Università, Via Archirafi, 38 - 90123 Palermo. pasquale.marino@unipa.it 2Ente Parco dei Nebrodi, Piazza Duomo – 98076 Sant’Agata di Militello, Messina L’attività di individuazione, valutazione e raccolta del germoplasma delle specie arboree da frutto di prevalente interesse negli agrosistemi tradizionali della Sicilia, iniziata nel 2005 (Schicchi et al., 2008a; Schicchi et al., 2008b) si protrae ancora oggi attraverso azioni volte alla con…

Emergenze floristico-vegetazionali della “Gola della Tardara” (Agrigento, Sicilia).

Elementi di Botanica forestale

DINAMICA DELLA RINNOVAZIONE DI ABIES NEBRODENSIS (LOJAC.) MATTEI NELL’AREA DI INDIGENATO (MADONIE)

Nuovi dati paeoambientali dalle zone umide delle Madonie (Sicilia)

Morphological observations on the reproductive structures of Ambrosina (Araceae), a Mediterranean endemic monotypic genus

This research was carried out to better define the pollen, fruit and seed morphology of Ambrosina bassii , the only species of this rare Mediterranean endemic genus. Pollen traits were already known, but here we investigated on their variability in distant populations and in different morphotypes (‘varieties’). Fruit and seed traits were almost unknown, also because of the rarity of fruit-set in this species. The surface features of pollen, fruit and seed, as well as length, width and length/width ratio, were analysed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparative observations were made also on Arisarum vulgare , since Arisarum is the closest genus. The principal component anal…

Due millenni di storia in 241 olivi monumentali

INDAGINE PRELIMINARE SULLA BIOLOGIA DEL POLLINE DI ABIES NEBRODENSIS (PINOPHYTA)

Applicazione di GRASS GIS alle dinamiche vegetazionali del complesso evaporitico di “Monte Conca” (Sicilia centrale).

Native taxa of Sicilian flora utilized as vegetables

Individuazione, valutazione, e raccolta del germoplasma delle specie arboree da frutto di prevalente interesse negli agrosistemi tradizionali della Sicilia

Il presente lavoro è il primo prodotto di una complessa attività di ricerca riguardante la biodiversità espressa dalle specie frutticole tradizionali nell’ambito degli agrosistemi della Sicilia. Si tratta di manifestazioni considerevoli, di veri e propri segni impressi dall’attività agricola sui territori rurali dell’Isola, frutto della secolare azione di selezione varietale operata pazientemente da numerose generazioni di agricoltori su ventisette specie coltivate. La salvaguardia delle antiche varietà di frutta si collega ad una molteplicità di aspetti, fra cui quelli scientifici, educativi, ecologici, storico-culturali, paesaggistici e produttivi. Con riferimento a questi ultimi, il patr…

Phytochemical investigation of the needles of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei

Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei (Pinaceae) is a species living in a very small population only in a confined area of Sicily. In this study, the dichloromethane extract of the leaves was analyzed. Apart from three already known metabolites namely dehydroabietic acid; maltol; and rheosmin, previously detected in other species of Abies, a lanostane derivative was isolated. Its chemical structure was elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic methods.

Sorbus madoniensis (Rosaceae), a new species from Sicily

Abstract Sorbus madoniensis, a new species of Sorbus sect. Aria, is described, so far known only from two neighbouring localities on Mt. Carbonara (Madonie mountains, Sicily). It is related to S. graeca, which also occurs in the Madonie, and indeed shares with S. madoniensis one of its localities.

I numeri dei patriarchi verdi

Aspetti vegetazionali, distributivi e produttivi dei sughereti siciliani

Archeobotanical study of traditional agroecosystems based on SEM-EDX analysis of buried phytoliths

The FP7 Project "MEditerranean MOntainous LAndscapes: an historical approach to cultural heritage based on traditional agrosystems (MEMOLA)" (http://www.memolaproject.eu/it) is studying past landscapes using ancient soil horizons as archaeological records. The project aims at evaluating the biodiversity of no longer existing environments, in order to reconstruct the past agroecosystems. One of the approach used in the study consisted in the selective sampling of buried paleo-soil horizons for the search of “testimonials” or useful pedo-archaeological "indicators" that can tell something about past environments and peculiar ecosystems no longer present. To this purpose it was decided to star…

Chemodiversity of the essential oil from leaves of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei

As activities of the project "Preservation of Abies nebrodensis and restore of Geraci Siculo peatlands", the chemical composition of essential oils, obtained from leaves of Madonie fir, was compared with the ones of essential oils derived from Eurasian species studied up to now

Analisi qualitativa dei costituenti cumarinici presenti in campioni di manna prodotti da esemplari di Fraxinus angustifolia (Oleaceae) delle Madonie

Contributo alla conoscenza della flora vascolare del SIC “Complesso Monti di Castellammare del Golfo” (Sicilia sud-occidentale)

Censimento e conservazione degli alberi monumentali in Sicilia

Le querce nell'iconografia della "Storia naturale delle Madonie" di Francesco Minà Palumbo

Studio fitosociologico dei querceti acidofili a roverella ed agrifoglio della Sicilia

Elimination of Citrus variegation virus (CVV) by seed cryotherapy

Citrus variegation ilarvirus (CVV) is one of the oldest viruses reported in Citrus, which produces crinkling, puckering and variegation of leaves in field trees and, occasionally, variegated and deformed fruits. This virus is primarily transmitted by grafting. However, no consistent data are available concerning CVV seed transmission, which is apparently low. The elimination of CVV in citrus genotypes is carried out by shoot-tip-grafting. In the case of seed sources, virus elimination directly in the seeds becomes essential. In cryotherapy, plant pathogens such as viruses, phytoplasmas and bacteria are eradicated by exposing explants to liquid nitrogen. It allows treatment of a high number …

Schede11-21.

Ethnobotany of dye plants in Southern Italy, Mediterranean Basin: floristic catalog and two centuries of analysis of traditional botanical knowledge heritage

Abstract Background Since ancient times, man has learned to use plants to obtain natural dyes, but this traditional botanical knowledge (TBK) is eroding. In the late, during, and the early 1800s, there was an increase in research related to dye species, and this allowed the development of industry and economy in rural contexts of Southern Italy. Today, dyes are mainly obtained from synthetic products, and this leads to risks for human health related to pollution. Methods Starting from the literature, three catalogs of the dyeing species (plants, algae, fungi, and lichens) used in the Mediterranean Basin and mainly in Southern Italy have been created. Percentages of parts used and colors ext…

Sicilian Populations of Capparis spinosa L. and Capparis orientalis Duhamel as Source of the Bioactive Flavonol Quercetin

The genus Capparis is a taxon of difficult delimitation that has several species and ecotypes due to its wide heterogeneity, its extreme phenotypic diversity, and the presence of intermediate forms linked to hybridization phenomena. The Sicilian territory hosts numerous wild and cultivated populations of two spp. Capparis spinosa L. and Capparis orientalis Duhamel, which are ecologically and morphologically distinct. The caper has considerable interest and economic value for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and cultivation characteristics. It is one of the foods with the highest quercetin content. Quercetin is a flavonol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant prope…

Taxa relitti della flora forestale siciliana e problemi di conservazione

Biogeographia vol. XXX — 2011 (Pubblicato il 23 dicembre 2011) La Biogeografia della Sicilia Taxa relitti della flora forestale siciliana e problemi di conservazione ROSARIO SCI-IICCHI, PASQUALE MARINO Dipartimmto a’z' Biologia Ambientale e Biocliversita, Universita degli Studi ali Palermo, via Arckirafi 38, 90123 Palermo (Italy); e—mail: r05arz'o.5c/Jz'ccbz'@unz'pa.it Key words: forest flora, relic taxa, Sicily. SUMMARY This contribution concerns some woody species representative of the forest landscape in Sicily, paying atten- tion both For their current relict status and their risk to become extinct. For each taxon threats, risk categories, as- sessed or assigned on the …

Schede 1-10. In: SCHICCHI R. & RAIMONDO F. M. Schede per il censimento degli alberi monumentali di Sicilia. 1-10.

Seed cryopreservation of Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl

Fraxinus angustifolia is used for afforestation and for production of both valuable timber and manna , a substance with pharmacological applications. The aim of this research was to establish the optimized condition for cryopreservation of F. angustifolia seeds, in order to protect the germplasm of this species. Germination percentage and mean time of germination of non-treated seeds (control) and liquid nitrogen-treated seeds were established in water or in 10 -6 M gibberellic acid (GA 3 ). The seeds could be cryopreserved with 3% of moisture content (MC) and germinated easily in water (70.0 ± 5.0%), while seeds cryopreserved with 6% MC showed a physiological dormancy. This state could be …

IL DINAMISMO DELLA VEGETAZIONE IN UNA MONTAGNA RAPPRESENTATIVA DELLA SICILIA: LE MADONIE

RÉSUMÉ On décrit les séries de végétation du massif des Madonie en Sicile. Ici sont développées trois séries dynamiques de végétation, à savoir: la série mesophyle basiphyle du hêtre (Fagus sylvatica) , la série océanique acidophyle méridionale du hêtre (Fagus sylvatica) et la série orophyle acidophyle du rouvre méridionale (Quercus petraea subsp. austrotyrrhenica).

Osservazioni sulla florula tracheofitica del Teatro greco-romano di Taormina (Sicilia nord-orientale).

Chemical composition and microencapsulation suitability of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruit extract

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.), a spice obtained by grinding whole sumac berries, is a complex natural product with a plethora of biological activities that can be favorably explored in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields. Sicilian sumac is herein chemically investigated by means of a combined NMR/HR MS-based profiling. A hydroalcoholic extract was prepared and its complexity unraveled following fractionation in an alcoholic and an aqueous fraction. The 1H-NMR spectrum of this latter fraction was dominated by the signals of gallic acid and its derivatives, whereas HR MS and HR MS/MS analyses highlighted the diversity in malic acid derivatives. Gallotannins and galloyl flavonol glycosides with…

Ricerche finalizzate al recupero e conservazione del germoplasma dei frassini da manna sulle Madonie (Sicilia settentrionale)

Gli alberi monumentali

The wild taxa utilized as vegetables in Sicily (Italy): a traditional component of the Mediterranean diet

Background: Wild vegetables in the Mediterranean Basin are still often consumed as a part of the diet and, in particular, there is a great tradition regarding their use in Sicily.In this study, an ethnobotanical field investigation was carried out to (a) identify the wild native taxa traditionally gathered and consumed as vegetables in Sicily, comparing the collected ethnobotanical data with those of other countries that have nominated the Mediterranean diet for inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and (b) highlight new culinary uses of these plants.Methods: Interviews were carried out in 187 towns and villages in Sicily between 2005 an…

Osservazioni fitosociologiche su aspetti di vegetazione con Ulmus glabra dei Monti Nebrodi (Sicilia)

Variazioni fenotipiche nelle popolazioni di Juglans regia L., (Jugladaceae) della Sicilia nord-orientale

Studies on sedum taxa found in Sicily (Italy) for mediterranean extensive green roofs

One type of green roof whose function is ecological and environmental rather than aesthetic is the extensive green roof. Many studies have shown that Sedum performs very well compared to other hardy species in substrates of less than 10 cm. It seems that Sedum species are able to survive in very thin substrates; they tolerate extreme temperatures and sudden variations in temperatures, high levels of solar radiation, strong winds, poor substrate fertility and extreme drought. In particular, this paper looks at the potential of a number of species from the Sicilian taxa of the genus Sedum (Crassulaceae), which are considered to be those xerophytes most suited for use in extensive green roof s…

Identification of New Antimicrobial Peptides from Mediterranean Medical Plant Charybdis pancration (Steinh.) Speta

The present work was designed to identify and characterize novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from Charybdis pancration (Steinh.) Speta, previously named Urginea maritima, is a Mediterranean plant, well-known for its biological properties in traditional medicine. Polypeptide-enriched extracts from different parts of the plant (roots, leaves and bulb), never studied before, were tested against two relevant pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With the aim of identifying novel natural AMPs, peptide fraction displaying antimicrobial activity (the bulb) that showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) equal to 30 &micro

Analisi isoenzimatiche

Germoplasma di cultivar siciliane di nocciolo conservato dall’Orto Botanico di Palermo

Contributo alla caratterizzazione morfologica del polline di cultivar del genere Prunus (Prunoideae, Rosaceae) in Sicilia

Carta del paesaggio e della biodiversità vegetale del Parco delle Madonie (Sicilia)

Potential impact of genetically modified Lepidoptera-resistant Brassica napus in biodiversity hotspots: Sicily as a theoretical model

The general increase of the cultivation and trade of Bt transgenic plants resistant to Lepidoptera pests raises concerns regarding the conservation of animal and plant biodiversity. Demand for biofuels has increased the cultivation and importation of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), including transgenic lines. In environmental risk assessments (ERAs) for its potential future cultivation as well as for food and feed uses, the impact on wild Brassicaeae relatives and on non-target Lepidoptera should be assessed. Here we consider the potential exposure of butterflies as results of possible cultivation or naturalization of spilled seed in Sicily (Italy). Diurnal Lepidoptera, which are pollinat…

Innovative In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation Strategies of the Madonie Fir Abies nebrodensis

Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei is an endemic species of the north-west of Sicily located in an 84 ha area in the Madonie Regional park. The current population is limited to 30 relic adult trees and a fluctuating number of juveniles of natural regeneration. The species is defined as “Critically Endangered” in the Italian list of threatened plants and is classified as CR-D in the 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This article reports the key action undertaken by the LIFE4FIR project aimed at preserving A. nebrodensis, and the results obtained so far in three years of activity. OpenArrays SNPs genotyping revealed a high rate of inbreeding in the natural population and that the adult…

ANALISI DIACRONICA DEI FAGGETI DEL PARCO DEI NEBRODI IN SICILIA

Resoconto del progetto: individuazione, valutazione e raccolta del germoplasma di specie arboree da frutto di prevalente interesse negli agroecosistemi tradizionali della Sicilia

Unmanned aerial vehicle application for mapping individual plants: the case of the Nebrodi beech forest

The UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are small unmanned aircraft remote controlled electronically, commonly called "drones", which can serve as a vector to carry one or more sensors for georeferenced digital image capture. The development of these platforms is begun in the 50s for military purposes and is today successfully applied in the civil sphere with levels of technology and higher performance. It is a remote sensing technique to the scale of detail that allows for monitoring, measuring and mapping of several environmental data in a short time. The use of NDIR sensors (Non Dispersive Infrared sensor) for the detection of plant cover, allows discriminating plant species, mapping individ…

Nuove tipologie di monumenti arborei in Sicilia

Con riferimento ai monumenti arborei, gli autori propongono nuove tipologie che, oltre alla singola pianta, identificano gruppi, popolamenti e formazioni. Vengono riportati alcuni esempi di espressioni forestali monumentali, riconducibili alle sopraindicate tipologie riscontrate in Sicilia.

The Monumental Olive Trees as Biocultural Heritage of Mediterranean Landscapes: The Case Study of Sicily

Monumental olive trees, with their longevity and their remarkable size, represent an important information source for the comprehension of the territory where they grow and the human societies that have kept them through time. Across the centuries, olive trees are the only cultivated plants that tell the story of Mediterranean landscapes. The same as stone monuments, these green monuments represent a real Mediterranean natural and cultural heritage. The aim of this paper is to discuss the value of monumental trees as “biocultural heritage” elements and the role they play in the interpretation of the historical stratification of the landscape. We present the results of a survey of the most s…

Hydrophytic vegetation aspects in the Nebrodi mountains (Sicily)

The vegetation of damp areas in the Nebrodi Natural Park was already surveyed in some studies (Brullo et al. 1994). In particular, the various hygro and hydrophytic aspects were referred to associations belonging to the Phragmitetea and the Potamogetonetea classes respectively. Small lacustrine habitats in Sicily have disappeared almost everywhere and are conserved still today only in the Nebrodi Mountains. They host widely distributed hydrophytes. Some of these plants are rather localized in Sicily, e.g. Potamogeton polygonifolius Pourr. and Utricularia australis R. Br. The latter occurs also in the Madonie Mountains. Recent analyses revealed some hollows characterized by an accentuated re…

CATALOGO DEGLI ALBERI MONUMENTALI DEL PARCO DEI MONTI SICANI

Il progetto di censimento degli alberi monumentali dei Sicani, avviato circa 15 anni fa, ha consentito ad oggi di acquisire dati su 72 alberi che, sulla base dell’art.7 della legge n.10 /2013 e del DECRETO 23 ottobre 2014 del Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali, possono essere considerati monumentali. Alcuni di essi figurano già in pubblicazioni scientifiche e divulgative (Schicchi 2005, Schicchi e Raimondo 2006, 2007, 2010; Amato et al., 2012). Di esse, 56 sono localizzate in provincia di Palermo e 16 in quella di Agrigento. Complessivamente le piante individuate afferiscono ai seguenti taxa: Arbutus unedo L., Celtis australis L., Ceratonia siliqua L., Fraxinus angust…

Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils, and Their Combinations, Obtained from Flavedo By-Product of Seven Cultivars of Sicilian Citrus aurantium L.

In this work, seven Citrus aurantium essential oils (EOs) derived from flavedo of cultivars ‘Canaliculata’, ‘Consolei’, ‘Crispifolia’, ‘Fasciata’, ‘Foetifera’, ‘Listata’, and ‘Bizzaria’ were investigated. EOs were also combined in 1:1 (v/v) ratio to identify possible synergism or antagonism of actions. GC-MS analysis was done to investigate Eos’ phytochemical profiles. The antioxidant activity was studied by using a multi-target approach based on FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and β-carotene bleaching tests. A great difference was observed in EOs’ phytochemical profiles. d-limonene (33.35–89.17%) w…

Sulle tracce della frassinicoltura in Italia

Geostatistical analisys on the relationship between vegetation pattern and human impact

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the vegetation pattern of a mediterranean landscape, analyzed through the shape of the patches that constitute it, and its relationship with alterations introduced by land use and human impact. As a case of study the territory of the Monti Madonie Regional Park has been chosen, since it is a very heterogeneous area from the ecological point of view and a biodiversity hotspot. Shape Index has been used to evaluate pattern geometry and has been calculated for every single polygon. Resulting data has been grouped by vegetation type. Value is 1 when the patch is maximally compact and increases as patch shape becomes more irregular. Geostatistical analysis…

Monitoraggio e analisi del polline

Il censimento degli alberi monumentali

New data on diversity of Pyrus (Rosaceae) in Sicily

Carta del paesaggio vegetale del SIC La Montagnola e Acqua Fitusa (Sicilia centro-occidentale).

SICILY AS THEORETICAL MODEL TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS IN A HOTSPOTS OF BIODIVERSITY

In Europe, especially in Italy, different considerations are necessary when potential GMPs are to be grown. In particular high biodiversity areas such as Sicily should have a more detail plans of potential benefits and risks assuring the conservation of biodiversity and endemic species. Sicily is one of the most relevant biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean area, with a vascular flora of 3252 species and 321 endemic taxa. Considering the latest IUCN categories and criteria, 401 taxa (12.4% of Sicilian flora) are under threat (categories “CR”, “EN”, “VU”), and 220 more taxa (6.8%) are “Near Threatened”. Sicily is also known to have a rich butterfly and coleopteran fauna including endem…

IDPlanT: the Italian database of plant translocation

IDPlanT is the Italian Database of Plant Translocation, an initiative of the Nature Conservation Working Group of the Italian Botanical Society. IDPlanT currently includes 185 plant translocations. The establishment of a national database on plant translocation is a key step forward in data sharing and techniques improvement in this field of plant conservation. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2021.1985004.

Recupero, conservazione ed analisi genetica della collezione di agrumi dell’Orto Botanico di Palermo

La dimensione vegetazionale

Effectiveness of "DNA BARCODING" approach for the molecular identification of the endangered Sicilian flora

Contributo alla conoscenza delle vecchie cultivar di pero (Pyrus communis L.) delle Madonie (Sicilia).

Le serie di vegetazione della Regione Sicilia

Vengono illustrate le serie di vegetazione della Sicilia, descritte sulla base delle conoscenze fitosociologiche e di un’interessante integrazione di dati climatici e litomorfologici. Il contributo, inserito nel volume “La Vegetazione d’Italia”, è corredato anche dalla Carta delle Serie di Vegetazione in scala 1:500.000. Si tratta del documento cartografico attualmente più aggiornato che meglio evidenzia, a piccola scala, la complessa eterogeneità ambientale del nostro Paese. Questo documento illustra su base fitosociologica le ragioni dell’eccezionale biodiversità floristica e vegetazionale d’Italia.

Aspetti di vegetazione a leccio e carpino nero nei Monti Sicani (Sicilia centro-occidentale)

Viene studiata con metodo fitosociologico una formazione forestale a leccio e caratterizzata dalla presenza di Ostrya carpinifolia. La fitocenosi studiata, presente in alcune forre umide e ombreggiate dei Monti Sicani occidentali, viene provvisoriamente riferita all’Ostryo carpinifoliae-Quercetum ilicis Lapraz 1975. Rispetto al tipo dell’associazione, la formazione forestale in esame si differenzia per l’elevato grado di copertura di O. carpinifolia e per la costante presenza di K. silaifolia e P. mascula subsp. russoi.

Traditional agrosystems trajectories analysis using a vegetation science approach: the MEMOLA EU FP7 Project as a case study

The UE FP7 research project MEMOLA (Mediterranean Mountainous Landscapes: an historical approach to cultural heritage based on traditional agrosystems) aims at investigating cultural landscapes through a diachronic study of the relationship between human populations and natural resources. The project analyses from an interdisciplinary perspective the drivers and dynamics that have generated historical landscapes in four areas of Mediterranean Region (Sierra Nevada, in Spain; Colli Euganei, in Northern Italy; Monti di Trapani, in Sicily; Vjosa Valley in Albania), with a research group of ten partners. The syndynamic study of vegetation (series and geoseries) can be used as a marker to better…

Analisi della correlazione tra indici di diversità a scala di paesaggio e diversità floristica

The impact of alien vascular plants in the aquatic habitats of a mediterranean island: preliminary data and observations in Sicily

As is well known, invasive alien species pose a major global threat to the conservation of biodiversity, causing the extinction of native species and modifying ecosystem functions: this is true also for aquatic habitats, particularly susceptible to invasion due to usually high disturbance regimes and easy dispersal of propagules. The island of Sicily is one of the main hotspots of plant biodiversity, in the center of the Mediterranean basin; it hosts different types of freshwater habitats, both lentic (coastal wetlands, saltworks, temporary ponds, lakes, reservoirs) and lotic (springs, streams, permanent and seasonal rivers). As a first step of our analysis of the effects of the alien vascu…

Genetic diversity on Pyrus L. (Rosaceae) in Sicily

The genetic diversity on six Pyrus species (P. amygdaliformis, P. pyraster, P. communis, P. vallis- demonis, P. sicanorum, P. castribonensis) from Sicily was investigated using isozymes. Atotal of 26 alleles was found in 8 loci of 5 enzyme systems (IDH,MDH, 6-PGD, PGI and SKD). The allelic frequencies and the genetic variability values for each population were calculated. The greatest rate of polymorphism was found in P. sicanorum, P. castribonensis and P. amygdaliformis from Sicani Mts. The relationships among the populations were computed by Nei’s genetic identity/distance and the obtained dendrogram shows a remarkable genetic distance of P. vallis-demonis from of all other investigated t…

Pyrus castribonensis (Rosaceae) nuova specie della Sicilia

Potenziale germinativo dei semi di Abies nebrodensis (Pinaceae).

Indagini preliminari di crioconservazione in embrioni isolati di Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei

Conservazione in situ di Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei: primi dati sulle impollinazioni controllate eseguite nell’area di indigenato (Madonie, Sicilia)

Notes on the karyology, genetics and ecology of Genista sect. Voglera in Sicily

To investigate the biosystematic and genetic relationships among Sicilian species of Genista sect. Voglera, four populations of three species, Genista aristata C. Presl, Genista cupanii Guss., and Genista madoniensis Raimondo, have been studied. Genista madoniensis is tetraploid, with a chromosome number of 2n = 48, as are the other two species. An isozyme study showed that G. madoniensis is taxonomically closer to G. aristata than to G. cupanii, the latter possessing four unique alleles. The results are discussed in the context of the ecological characteristics of each species.

Alberi monumentali delle Madonie

Osservazioni fenologiche e pomologiche su popolazioni di Juglans regia in Sicilia

Analisi Genetiche

Schede per il censimento degli alberi monumentali di Sicilia. 1-10

Proposta metodologica per la valutazione degli impatti cumulativi in aree protette della “Rete Natura 2000” della Sicilia

Bioclimatology and Vegetation Series in Sicily: A Geostatistical Approach

Tackling the Sicilian woody vegetation as a case-study, this work aims to verify the correspondence between Rivas-Martínez's bioclimatic units and the main vegetation series in the Mediterranean region. Following this approach, one macrobioclimate and 25 bioclimatic type belts can be recognized in Sicily. By means of a geostatistical analysis based on WorldClim data sets, cartographic models of the distribution range of each single bioclimatic unit were obtained and combined with vegetation data, in order to develop a new regional spatial framework, integrating climatic and vegetation data. Fidelity of each vegetation unit to a given climatic range was then evaluated as percent distribution…

Conservazione di Abies nebrodensis (Pinaceae) e ripristino delle piccole torbiere di Geraci Siculo (Madonie, Sicilia)

Studies on the Quercus hybrids in Sicily: leaf micromorphology and xylem structure in Quercus × fontanesii Guss.

In order to find new suitable characters in the taxonomic delimitation of the genus Quercus, whose hardness is well known, Quercus x fontanesii, endemic to Sicily, has been studied in comparison with its parents, i.e. Q. gussonei, wich is close to Q. cerris, and Q. suber. These taxa are here delimited as far as taxonomy, ecology, and Sicilian distribution are concerned. Furthermore, the results of SEM microstructure analysis of leaves and xylem anatomy are illustrated and commented. The analysis of the leaf microstructures shows that there is a remarkable similarity between the stomata and stellata trichomes of Q. x fontanesii and both the parental species, as the trichome rays are numerica…

Essential oil components of orange peels and antimicrobial activity

In this study, the orange peel of 12 cultivars of Citrus sinensis from central-eastern Sicily was employed to obtain essential oils and extracts. The ones were extracted through steam distillation, the others through extraction in hexane. Chemical constituents were evaluated in terms of qualitative and quantitative analyses by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Fifty-four components were identified in the steam essential oils and 44 in the extracts. In all the cultivars, the main component is d-limonene (73.9–97%); discrete percentages of linalool, geraniol and nerol were also found. Cluster analysis based on essential oils composition showed a certain degree of affinity between cultivar…

Human footprint into the woodland of Bosco della Foresta (Trapani Mountains, N-W Sicily)

The Bosco della Foresta, currently also called Bosco di Angimbè or Bosco di Calatafimi, covers 210,90 hectares and is located on a complex of hills, referred to Cozzo Terravecchia formation (Miocene), north-east of the village of Calatafimi. The first documentary mention of this woodland dates back to AD 1393 in the municipal Diploma of Graces and Privileges (Diploma di Grazie e Privilegi) granted by the Counts of Peralta to the community of Calatafimi. The Diploma enshrines the civic right to cut trees to make plows and other farming uses, and the license to the poor to fetch twigs, without touching trees if not some dry branches, during Christmas, Carnival and Easter time. Since the eight…

Le Ombrellifere nella tradizione alimentare siciliana.

Premessa alle tavole micologiche, floristiche e faunistiche

PAESAGGIO VEGETALE, NATURALITÀ E RETE ECOLOGICA DEL COMPRENSORIO DEL PARCO DEI MONTI SICANI (SICILIA)

I Monti Sicani costituiscono un comprensorio montuoso-collinare, a prevalente ossatura carbonatica di era mesozoica, localizzato tra le province di Palermo e Agrigento (Sicilia centro-occidentale). Esteso circa 2.800 km2 si spinge a settentrione fino a Rocca Busambra mentre a meridione fino al complesso di Rocca Ficuzza-Monte Telegrafo; ad occidente i confini sono segnati dalle colline trapanesi di Salaparuta mentre ad oriente dall’Alta Valle del Platani. In tale contesto s’inserisce il Parco dei Monti Sicani istituito con L.R. n. 6 del 14 maggio 2009 e che, in base alle determinazioni dell’ARTA, interesserebbe il territorio di 12 Comuni (Bivona, Burgio, Cammarata, Castronovo di Sicilia, Ch…

Monitoraggio e analisi del polline di Abies.

Osservazioni post-incendio nelle formazioni arbustive a Celtis tournefortii subsp. asperrima della Sicilia.

Analisi del DNA genomico della collezione di agrumi dell'Orto botanico di Palermo

Biotecnica delle specie vegetali.

Mediterranean temporary pools and the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea communities in Sicily.

Rinnovazione di Abies nebrodensis nell’area d’indigenato

Ethnobotanical uses of wild taxa as galactagogues in Sicily (Italy)

<p>Breastfeeding furnishes optimal nutrition, immune support, and a multitude of health benefits to mothers and newborns. Since ancient times plants have been employed as galactagogues in the folk medicine of many human cultures. In Sicily, a region with great floristic diversity in the Mediterranean area, where a conspicuous pool of species is traditionally used for food and aromatic, cosmetic, handicraft, agricultural, forestry, and medicinal purposes, some people recognize the galactagogue properties of some spontaneous plants.</p><p>The goal of this study was to identify wild plants with galactagogue properties and vegetable-food remedies traditionally used by women du…

Una carta del paesaggio e dalla biodiversità vegetale della Sicilia basata sulla rappresentazione e gestione dei dati in ambiente GIS

Genetic diversity on Pyrus L. (Rosaceae) in Sicily using isozymes

Le serie di vegetazione di Monte Cammarata (Sicilia)

Caratterizzazione chimica della manna estratta nelle Madonie (Sicilia) da cultivar di Fraxinus angustifolia e di Fraxinus ornus (Oleaceae)

Reports (1640-1644)IN: Kamari G., Blanché' C., Garbari F.(EDS) Mediterranean Chromosome Number Reports-17

Osservazioni micromorfologiche ed architetturali su specie del genere Pyrus (Maloideae, Rosaceae) in Sicilia

Contributo alla conoscenza dei biodeteriogeni tracheofitici rilevati nel complesso monumentale dell’Eremo di Santa Rosalia alla Quisquina (Sicilia centro-occidentale).

Piante indigene e loro impiego nel recupero della biodiversità dei sistemi forestali siciliani

Sulla base dei dati di letteratura e di osservazioni in campo, gli autori analizzano la componente legnosa indigena della flora siciliana (fanerofite e nano-fanerofite) utile per interventi di recupero e restauro ambientale. Si tratta di 173 taxa, specifici e infraspecifici, afferenti a 72 generi di 34 famiglie, tra le quali sono particolarmente rappresentate Rosaceae (47), Fagaceae (18), Fabaceae (15) e Salicaceae(12). Per ogni taxon vengono evidenziati dati concernenti la natura del substrato e la fascia vegetazionale di pertinenza. Viene fornita, inoltre, una valutazione complessiva sulla potenzialità d’impiego in funzione della rispettiva plasticità ecologica.

Diversità genetica e assetto cromosomico di popolazioni siciliane del genere Prospero Salisb. (Hyacinthaceae)

Osservazioni fitosociologiche su aspetti di vegetazione a Prunus mahaleb subsp. cupaniana (Rosaceae) dei Monti Madonie (Sicilia)

Impollinazioni controllate tra gli individui di Abies nebrodensis della popolazione naturale

Caratterizzazione morfologica di cultivar del genere Prunus (Rosaceae, Prunoideae) in Sicilia.

Analisi Geostatistica Integrata come Metodo per la Conoscenza del Bioclima della Sicilia

Population trend in Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei

3.1 = POPULATION TREND IN ABIES NEBRODENSIS (LOJAC.) MATTEI ROSARIO SCHICCHI*,FILIPPO AMATO, GAETANO LA PLACA, PEPPUCCIO BONOMO Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Via Archirafi, 38 - 90123 Palermo, Italy. *e-mail: rosario.schicchi@unipa.it Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei is an endemic species of Sicily seriously threatened with extinction. Its natural population consists of individuals, occurring in a narrow area within the territory of the Madonie Regional Park. A. nebrodensis has been subject to specific conservation measures implemented by the University of Palermo, the Park Authority and the Regional Department of Forests of the Sicilian Region and other local partners for o…

Piante e loro anomalie vegetative: schede documentarie. 27-39

The section dedicated to plant vegetative anomalies affecting vas- cular plants has started in the last issue of this journal, (Raimondo & Schicchi, 2010). In that first contribution 26 reports, by Spadaro & al. (2010) and by Cristaudo & al.(2010) respectively, were presented. The first 11 of them concern Anthemis secundiramea, Araucaria heterophylla, Cakile maritima, Conyza bonariensis, Euphorbia linifolia, Laurus nobilis, Ocimum basilicum, Orobanche lavandulacea, Osyris alba, Scrophularia canina subsp. Bicolour, and Ulmus sp.; The other15 reports concern Carlina gummifera, Echium plantagineum, Euphorbia dendroides, E. linifolia, E. myrsinites, Jasminum sambac, Pararchidendron pruinosum, P…

Pyrus vallis-demonis (Rosaceae), a new species from the Nebrodi Mountains (NE-Sicily).

The genus Pyrus in Sicily is represented by P. amygdaliformis Vill., P. communis L., P. pyraster Burgsd. and, in addition, by several other taxa such as P. pyrainus Raf., P. cuneifolia Guss., P. parviflora Desf., P. sicula Tin., P. tinei Tod. ex Decne, etc.. These taxa, presently considered at lower rank or quite insignificant from the taxonomical point of view, show on the whole a remarkable morphological diversity. Therefore, new field surveys and collections in the whole Sicilian area as well as the revision of the herbarium material were started up some years ago. As a first result of these surveys, a new species occurring in the Nebrodi Regional Park (NE Sicily) has been found and is h…

La conservazione del germoplasma delle specie arboree da frutto negli agroecosistemi tradizionali della Sicilia, p. 181

Schede N°11-21 in: SCHICCHI R., RAIMONDO F. M., (ed.) 2006 – Schede per il censimento degli alberi monumentali di Sicilia, 11-26.

Microscopic findings and soil genetic “indicators” in support of pedoarchaeological studies

Archaeologists use historical artefacts and archaeological records to reconstruct the communities that produced them and the environment in which they lived. Soil protects our buried or damaged heritage of archaeological and historic remains from depletion, damage, and any disturbance. Here are presented some preliminary results obtained in the framework of the FP7 Project "MEditerranean MOntainous LAndscapes: an historical approach to cultural Heritage based on traditional agrosystems (MEMOLA)" where ancient soils horizons are themselves archaeological records. In order to implement the MEMOLA archaeological study and to identify soil genetic "indicators", two integrated approaches were us…

Studio fitosociologico dei cerreti con agrifoglio dei Monti Nebrodi

Chemodiversity of the Essential Oil from Leaves of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei

Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei (Pinaceae) is a species occurring in a very small population only in a restricted area of Sicily. Its taxonomic classification as different species has been object of discussion. In this work the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves is presented for the first time and compared to the essential oils from other euroasiatic species reported in literature. Peculiar characteristics of the essential oil of A. nebrodensis are highlighted.

Studio fitosociologico dei cerreti con agrifoglio della Sicilia

Phytosociology of Quercus cerris and Ilex aquifolium woodlands in Sicily. – A vegetation survey on Quercus cerris and Ilex aquifolium woods occurring on northern side of Nebrodi Mountains, in Sicily, is presented. On phytosociolgical analyses, these fitocoenoses have been attributed to the new association Ilici aquifolii-Quercetum cerridis, within the order Doronico orientalis-Fagion sylvaticae, vicarious of Ilici-Quercetum austrothyrrenicae described from the Madonie Mountains.

Contributo alla conoscenza dei lecceti mesofili e basifili della Sicilia.

Studi dendrocronologici su taxa della flora forestale siciliana

Seed mass variation and in vitro embryos culture of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei

IDPlanT: the Italian database of plant translocation

IDPlanT is the Italian Database of Plant Translocation, an initiative of the Nature Conservation Working Group of the Italian Botanical Society. IDPlanT currently includes 185 plant translocations. The establishment of a national database on plant translocation is a key step forward in data sharing and techniques improvement in this field of plant conservation. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2021.1985004 .

Carta delle Serie di Vegetazione

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Aspetti floristici e vegetazionali del Parco delle Madonie

Abies nebrodensis, from the website, Threatened Conifers of The World

A narrow endemic native to the Madonie Mountains of Sicily where the entire population consists of only 30 individuals.

SOCIETA' E SALUTE IN UNA COMUNITA' SICILIANA DEL XIX SECOLO: LE PIANTE MEDICINALI.

Nel 1869, si pubblicò a Palermo il primo volume della “Gazzetta Medica Siciliana” come organo della Reggia Accademica di Scienze della Sicilia. Il volume di cui apparve alla stampa solo la prima annata, conteneva un lavoro del naturalista Francesco Minà Palombo, classificato dai suoi biografi come articolo di carattere medico. In effetti l’articolo è di notevole interesse sociale perché fotografa le condizioni della popolazione castelbuonese in quell’anno (1869). Descrive dopo una dettagliata introduzione sull’ambiente le condizioni degli abitanti iniziando dalle condizioni economiche e dalle principali attività attinenti all’agricoltura e pastorizia nonché all’artigianato. Quindi, passa al…