Effects of transplant temporary flotation exposure and different planting dates on strawberry fruit production

Effetto dell’innesto e della micorrizazione sulle caratteristiche produttive e qualitative di mini anguria.

Numerose ricerche hanno dimostrato gli effetti positivi della simbiosi micorrizica tra le specie ortive ed i funghi arbuscolari sui parametri vegeto-produttivi e sulle caratteristiche qualitative del prodotto, come conseguenza soprattutto di una maggiore capacità di assorbimento dei nutrienti da parte delle piante micorrizate. Tra le ortive che si avvantaggiano dell’innesto ci sono alcune solanacee e cucurbitacee e tra queste ultime particolare successo ha avuto l’impiego dell’innesto nell’anguria. Lo scopo della ricerca è stato quello di valutare l’effetto della combinazione tra innesto e micorrizazione sull’accrescimento delle piante, la produzione e la qualità dei frutti di mini anguria.…

Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage Edible Coating in Combination with Ascorbic Acid, on Strawberry Fruit Quality during Cold Storage

Strawberry fruit is a nonclimacteric fruit and is one of the most consumed berries in the world. It is characterized by high levels of vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, β-carotene, and phenolic constituents as well asanthocyanins that are strictly related to health benefits. Strawberries are highly perishable fruit with a very short postharvest life due to their susceptibility to mechanical injury, rapid texture softening, physiological disorders, and infection caused by several pathogens (yeast and mold) that can rapidly reduce fruit quality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the application of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage in combination with ascorbic acid, as edible …

RESEARCH ON STRAWBERRY PLUG PLANTS IN SOILLESS COLTIVATION

n recent years, the main advances in strawberry cultivation in Italy have regarded cultivation techniques, the use of alternatives to methyl bromide and the type of propagation material used. Fresh plants have taken over from cold-stored plants in 60% of cases. This prompted the need for new studies on the cultivation of fresh strawberry plants carried out in Sicilian nurseries. This report illustrates the results of a trial carried out in Sicily to find the best plug plants grown by four nurseries located at different altitudes (Madonie mountains, Sicani mountains, Nebrodi mountans) and on the plain (Marsala) and with an open cycle soilless system. The trial was carried out at our experime…

Finocchio in Sicilia

Soil Solarization and Calcium Cyanamide Affect Plant Vigor, Yield, Nutritional Traits, and Nutraceutical Compounds of Strawberry Grown in a Protected Cultivation System

Soil solarization is a hydrothermal procedure of disinfesting soil of soilborne diseases and pests. Solarization can be combined with many other chemical or non-chemical alternatives to afford integrated pest and diseases management or improve plant yield. Calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) is a fertilizer used in agriculture sector and is also effective in suppressing soilborne pathogens. The present study assessed the influences of different pre-plant CaCN2 dosages on strawberry grown on solarized or non-solarized soil. Soil solarization and 500 kg ha&minus

Alternatives to Methyl Bromide in strawberry cultivations

La precocità della fragola inizia dalle piantine da vivaio

EFFECT OF CULTIVAR AND CROWN SIZE ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY FRESH BARE ROOT PLANTS IN SICILY

In the southern regions of Mediterranean areas the plantations with fresh plants (winter planting system) have almost completely replaced those with cold stored plants (summer planting system). Particularly, fresh bare root plants produced in high elevation nurseries located in Spain and Poland and, in experimental phase, in the southern of Italy (in the mountains of Sicily, Calabria, Basilicata) are the most used. Such type of plant usually has a crown diameter from 6 to 14 mm, but the smallest plants should be (<8 mm) discarded in phase of selection and packing. Objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the different crown diameter on the earliness, productivity and qual…

ALTERNATIVES TO METHYL BROMIDE IN STRAWBERRY CULTIVATION

Cutting Type and IBA Treatment Duration Affect &lt;i&gt;Teucrium fruticans&lt;/i&gt; Adventitious Root Quality

Root development of stem cuttings of Silver Germander (Teucrium fruticans) was investigated in relation to cutting type and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment. Terminal cuttings of a clone grown in Sicily were trimmed to three types: terminal cuttings with apex (TWA), terminal cuttings without apex (TWOA) or sub-terminal cuttings (ST). To verify the cutting response to exogenous auxin, cuttings were dipped to a 2.0 cm depth in a 0.5% indole-3-butyric acid solution for 0, 5 or 7 minutes. Overall percent survival was 97 to 98%. Rooting percent, root number and root length were affected by cutting type and indole-3-butyric acid treatment. In general, TWA cuttings demonstrated a higher capac…

Effects of plant type on two strawberry cultivars in Sicily

In Sicily fresh plants have for years been replacing the once popular cold-stored ones. Good early cropping is the aim of all strawberry growers in the island’s Marsala district. The present trial tested the response of the new strawberry cultivars ‘Sabrosa’ and ‘Florida Fortuna’ using fresh plug and bare-root plants. ‘Florida Fortuna’ plug-plants turned out to be the most promising type as a cash crop in delivering extra early ripening.

Nursery and field evaluation of eggplant grafted onto unrooted cuttings of Solanum torvum Sw.

Abstract Solanum torvum is the eggplant ( Solanum melongena ) relative most commonly used for grafting even if the nursery production of eggplants grafted onto this rootstock has some issues related to its long, irregular and erratic germination and slow growth and development of seedlings. Unrooted cuttings harvested from stock plants could be an alternative propagation material to obtain S. torvum rootstocks and might allow to overcome nursery production issues for eggplant. The aim of this work was to evaluate eggplant suitability to be propagated by unrooted grafted cuttings using S. torvum as rootstock and the influence of this propagation technique on plant yield and fruit quality. A …

Effetti della fumigazione e della solarizzazione del suolo sulla fragola in sicilia

Genetic variation and evolutionary analysis ofPepino mosaic virusin Sicily: insights into the dispersion and epidemiology

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is a highly infectious potexvirus that causes a severe disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crops worldwide. In Sicily, the first outbreak was detected in a single greenhouse in 2005 and it was promptly eradicated. However, in 2008, a large number of greenhouses were simultaneously affected, and it was impossible to eradicate or control the virus. This study addressed the dispersion and the genetic diversity of PepMV isolates obtained from the outbreak in Sicily, in comparison with worldwide PepMV isolates, to gain insight into the factors determining the evolution and epidemiology of the virus. A total of 1800 samples from plants with and without symptoms we…

Un-rooted grafted cuttings for eggplant plug-transplant production and shipping: simulated transportation and healing requirements

Vegetable grafting is one of the most effective eco-friendly techniques to overcome pests and soilborne diseases in modern cropping systems of fruiting vegetables. Due to the increased farmers’ preference for grafted seedlings of high quality and better performance, the use of vegetable grafted plants is rapidly spreading and expanding over the world and intensive researches on new commercial production systems are under way. However, in many areas of the world, due to the high cost of skilled manpower, the use of grafted plug plants is still limited causing a relatively slow development of the grafting nursery industry. The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible use of un-rooted graft…

Selenium biofortification and grafting modulate plant performance and functional features of cherry tomato grown in a soilless system

Abstract Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans due to its importance in a number of enzymes. Vegetable grafting is a valuable tool to overcome biotic and/or abiotic issues and to increase vigour, yield traits and fruit quality. The present work aimed at testing both different Se concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 μmol Se L−1) supplied via fertigation and grafting on cherry tomato in soilless culture. Se at 2.0 μmol L−1 improved total fruit yield by 60.0 % and 31.4 % in ungrafted and grafted plants, respectively as compared to the control. Marketable yield was positively affected by Se-biofortification and grafting. Se at 2.0 μmol L−1 improved N use efficiency by 60.3 % a…

Primi risultati della coltivazione di prezzemolo su pannelli galleggianti

Solanum aethiopicum gr. gilo and Its Interspecific Hybrid with S. melongena as Alternative Rootstocks for Eggplant: Effects on Vigor, Yield, and Fruit Physicochemical Properties of Cultivar 'Scarlatti'

Grafting is generally considered effective in ameliorating vegetable crop tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The use of interspecific hybrid as rootstock for eggplant may represent a valid alternative approach to enhance eggplant performance. However, studies on the effects of different rootstocks on eggplant plant vigor, yield, and fruit quality traits often show conflicting results. Thus, an experiment was performed in two spring&ndash

Valutazione di cultivar di fragola in ambiente protetto in Sicilia

INFLUENZA DELL'AMBIENTE DI COLTIVAZIONE SULLA CAPACITA' ANTIOSSIDANTE E CONTENUTO IN POLIFENOLI IN FRAGOLA

THREE NEW ITALIAN STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS FOR SOUTHERN AREAS

Italy's public-sector strawberry breeding program for the southern regions started 20 years ago and, since 1993, has been part of the National "Frutticoltura Project" financed largely by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MiPAAF), along with funding support from the Basilicata regional authority and the Palermo and Basilicata universities. Three new short-day (SD) cultivars suited to southern areas and winter planting systems will be released on the occasion of this Strawberry Symposium: 'PALATINA', the 1997 Metaponto selection 'MT 95.159.2' bred from a cross of 'Tudla ® Milsei' and 'Camarosa', 'NORA', the 2001 Metaponto selection 'MT 99.20.01' bred from a cross of 'Chandler' and Ita…

Effect of Cutting Size and Basal Heat on Rooting of Micromeria fruticulosa Stem Cuttings

Micromeria fruticulosa (Bertol.) Grande is a small pulviniform shrub, belonging to the Labiates, and characterized by twisted stems and pink-purple flowers. Endemic to Campania and Sicily (Italy), M. fruticulosa grows from sea level to 600 m altitude. This specie might be considered an excellent native plant for landscape purposes in Mediterranean areas because of its long flowering period, extending from November to June, and its tolerance to heat and drought. The exploitation of wild plants for ornamental purposes implies knowledge on the factors influencing the propagation methods. Root development of stem cuttings of M. fruticulosa was investigated in relation to basal heat and cutting …

Cultivar e selezioni di fragola per le aree meridionali

PALATINA

Novità varietali per la fragolicoltura meridionale

Effetto del molibdeno su Lattuga, Invida liscia e Invidia riccia in floating system

La presente ricerca ha utilizzato dosi crescenti di molibdeno con lo scopo di valutarne gli effetti su alcuni prodotti di IV gamma. Premesso che l’accumulo del molibdeno e di nitrati nelle foglie è stato per tutte le tesi in prova sempre ben al di sotto di limiti ritenuti dannosi per la salute umana, i risultati non sempre sono stati quelli attesi e le tre specie in esame si sono distinte per un diverso comportamento in termini di accumulo di Mo, di produzione e di qualità del prodotto ottenuto. In particolare, per la lattuga la dose ottimale che consente buoni esiti produttivi e qualitativi (in termini di parametri colorimetrici e modesto contenuto in nitrato) sembra essere quella tradizio…

QUALITà ORGANOLETTICA E NUTRACEUTICA DI FRAGOLE PRODOTTE IN SICILIA

ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL INOCULATION AND SHADING ENHANCE CROP PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY OF GREENHOUSE Begonia semperflorens

Mycorrhizal fungi are gaining interest in the floriculture sector due to the beneficial effects on a crop performance and ornamental quality. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Rhizophagus irregularis on ornamental quality of Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum grown in two different protected cultivation systems: a shadehouse or glasshouse. The inoculated plants incurred a significant increase of plant height by 34.6%, lateral shoot length by 27.9%, number of lateral shoots by 41.2%, number of flowers per plant by 102.9%, flower diameter by 27.5%, and stems dry weight by 263.6%. High temperatures in the glasshouse ne…

Improved Propagation and Growing Techniques for Oleander Nursery Production

In the first trial, we examined rooting of stem cuttings in relation to number of nodes and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment in several Nerium oleander clones grown in Sicily. In a second trial, we tested the effect of different forcing dates and shading on oleander plants for gardens and natural landscapes. Three- and four-node cuttings, ranging in length from 10 to 14 cm, were significantly superior to two-node cuttings (8&ndash

Influence of greenhouse volume ratio on soil solarization efficiency

Effect of Hot Air Treatment on Quality and Shelf Life of Minimally Processed Cauliflower.

Cauliflower, as other cabbages, has a high nutritional value due to its content of vitamins, antioxidants and anti-carcinogenic compounds. Cauliflower inflorescences are harvested when they are still totally immature. The request of minimally processed vegetable is continuously increasing, and there is a growing interest for new fresh cut products. Cauliflower is suitable to be used as a minimally processed vegetable, but harvesting and the following processing can cause a severe stress determining the appearance of accelerated senescence symptoms. The effect of hot air treatment on minimally processed cauliflower was investigated. Florets were put in PE sealed bags before treating at 48°C …

Effect of Crown Size and Cultivar on Strawberries Fresh Bare Root Plants Yield and Quality in Sicily

Ricerche su dosi di trattamento con raggi gamma per la mutagenesi dell'aglio

Effetti della concimazione azotata sulla produzione e sulla qualità del finocchio

Influence of cultivation techniques and use of fertilizers on the production and quality of cucumbers

Idoneità Varietale alla coltivazione su terreno nudo e pacciamato di indivia e scarola in Sicilia

Effect of grafting on yield and quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplants have fruits with different sizes, shapes and colours, according to the cultivar. Skin colour is due to anthocyanins, pigments located in the cell vacuole of fruit skin that belong to phenolic flavonoids, a powerful antioxidants group. Environmental conditions and growing techniques may influence fruits characteristics and their content of phenolic compounds. Grafting is a non chemical alternative for overcoming the effects of intensive and continuous cropping. The rootstocks preferred for eggplant are hybrids of tomato or tomato KVFN. Also species taxonomically close, as Solanum torvum, have been used and showed good vigour, compatibility and resistance to wilt disease. Informatio…

Yield and Quality of Mini-Watermelon as Affected by Grafting and Mycorrhizal Inoculum

Grafting and mycorrhizal fungi have gained interest for the positive effects they can have on vegetable crops. The aim of this work was to study the combined effect of grafting with Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on fruit yield and quality of mini-watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (thumb.) Matsum and Nakai]. Ungrafted plants or grafted onto rootstock RS 841 F1 (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) were transplanted to the field. During cultivation half of the plants were inoculated with a suspension of AMF. Plant growth, fruit yield and quality were evaluated. The inoculation of AMF determined a significant increase of root colonisation both for grafted and ungrafted plants…

Research on the Origin of Strawberry Plug Plants in Soilless Cultivation

In recent years, the main advances in strawberry cultivation in Italy have regarded cultivation techniques, the use of alternatives to methyl bromide and the type of propagation material used. Fresh plants have taken over from cold-stored plants in 60% of cases. This prompted the need for new studies on the cultivation of fresh strawberry plants carried out in Sicilian nurseries. This report illustrates the results of a trial carried out in Sicily to find the best plug plants grown by four nurseries located at different altitudes (Madonie mountains, Sicani mountains, Nebrodi mountans) and on the plain (Marsala) and with an open cycle soilless system. The trial was carried out at our experim…

FRAGOLA IN SICILIA

Effects of planting dates on strawberry plug plant performances in Sicily

Sicilian strawberry production plays an important role in European strawberry industry, due to early production (February to April) and high market value. In Sicily planting takes place from August to October, depending on cultivation method and cultivar. Plug plants (tip plants) and fresh-dug plants from high elevation nurseries are the preferred plant materials due to early fruiting potential. However, optimal planting dates must be determined for the various commercial strawberry varieties in order to maximize fruit production. We planted four cultivars, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Candonga’, ‘Tudla’, ‘Naiad’, and a selection, MT 99.163.22- Kilo’ (MT 91.143.5 x Chandler) on September 25th and October 1…

Strawberry fields forever: That is, how many grams of plastics are used to grow a strawberry?

Abstract In important areas of the agricultural sector, plastic is one of the most important tools for improving the managerial and economic performance of companies. Horticultural production under protected cultivation, in particular, makes abundant use of plastic polymers—polymers that mostly turn into waste. This study aims to identify similar organisational models among farmers operating in the strawberry production sector in relation to their intention to recycle plastic material and which factors characterize these models (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and socio-demographic characteristics) and to quantify the plastic used in relation to the different typ…

LA PRODUZIONE SICILIANA ALLA RICERCA DI INNOVAZIONI VARIETALI

Interactive Effects of Genotype and Molybdenum Supply on Yield and Overall Fruit Quality of Tomato

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element for plant growth, development, and production. However, there is little known about the function and effects of molybdenum in tomato plants. The present study assessed the influences of different Mo concentrations on four tomato F1 hybrids (“Bybal” F1, “Tyty” F1, “Paride” F1, and “Ornela” F1) grown using a soilless system with different Mo levels [0.0, 0.5 (standard NS), 2.0, and 4.0 μmol L−1, respectively]. The crop yield, plant vigor, fruit skin color, TA, fruit water content as well as the accumulation of SSC, and some antioxidant compounds such as lycopene, polyphenols and ascorbic acid were evaluated. The minerals concentration, including n…

Effects of Soil Solarization With Different Plastic Films and Fumigation With Combination of 1,3-Dichloropropene and Chloropicrin on Strawberry Protected Plantations in Sicily

Influenza della solarizzazione del substrato sul pomodoro allevato in fuori suolo

Volatile Profile of two Strawberry variety, " S candonga and F. fortuna" by SPME-GC/MS

Background: The cultivated strawberry brings the the botanical name Fragaria X ananassa and is derived from the crossing of different species of Fragaria, brought to Europe from America in the sixteenth century. Strawberries are widely appreciated and consumed as a pleasant-tasting fruit either in fresh form or as processed product. Of the many factors than can affect the quality of fruit (sensorial and nutritional), the variety is especially important, but it is also affected by crop conditions. The main characteristics related to the fruit quality and nutritional attributes were assessed in several varieties of strawberry. Objective: The aim of this work was to study the aromatic componen…

Innovazione della fragolicoltura in Sicilia

Nuove varietà di fragola per la Sicilia

Agronomic performance and fruit quality in greenhouse grown eggplant are interactively modulated by iodine dosage and grafting

Iodine (I) is considered an indispensable trace element for humans due to its capacity to promise a normal functions of thyroid hormones, preventing cretinism, goiter, reproductive failure, and diverse types of brain injury. Vegetable grafting is a technique for securing yield constancy and/or improving fruit quality. The study evaluated the combined effect of I-dosages and grafting onto Solanum torvum rootstock on 'Birgah' eggplant. Iodine at 100 or 300 mg L-1 enhanced marketable yield by 28.8% and 8.5%, respectively, compared with the control. Plants grafted onto S. torvum and self-grafted plants increased marketable yield by 53.0% and 45.8%, respectively compared with the ungrafted plant…

L'ATTIVITA' DI BREEDING PUBBLICO ITALIANO SU FRAGOLA

Influence of different pollinators on Winter melon grown under polyethyle tunnels

MIGLIORAMENTO DELLA PRODUZIONE E DELLA QUALITA':STUDI VARIETALI E DI PROPAGAZIONE IN SICILIA

Effects on the quality and nutritional traits of wood strawberry fruits in Sicily.

In Sicily, the common woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is spontaneous in the Madonie Mountains (554 m a.s.l.), Nebrodi Mountains (850 m) and Mount Etna (900 m). In this region, the main clone cultivated is ‘Fragolina di Sciacca e Ribera’, named after the towns where the crop originally developed. It is a Junebearing genotype and it is characterized by very small fruits, globose-conical shape, deep red colour, very soft flesh, strong aroma and flavor. Also ever-bearing clones are cultivated in Sicily where they are cropped for many months. Solid soluble content, total titratable acidity, total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols and anthocyanins content were quantified in berry sampl…

Soil Solarization as an Alternative to Methyl Bromide Fumigation for Annual Strawberry Production in a Mediterranean Area

This study compares the effects of soil solarization and methyl bromide fumigation on the growth and yield of strawberry plants (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) cultivated under plastic tunnel conditions. The study was conducted in a Mediterranean coastal area, in four consecutive annual production cycles in a field with no history of methyl bromide fumigation and 2-year history of strawberry production. In all 4 years, solarization was conducted for 7- to 9-week intervals from late June to early September. Cultivar Tudla frigo-plants were planted through mulch in the first week of September of each year. Average daily soil temperatures in solarized plots measured at 15 cm depth were 6.0, 8.1, 7.…

Effects of different training system on yield and fruit quality of six cherry tomato cultivars

Tomatoes are intensively grown under protected cultivatrion in the Mediterranean island of sicily. Approximately 3000 hectares of cherry tomatoes are concentred in the provinces of Ragusa, Siracusa, and Trapani. Soilless culture is an innovative method of cultivation which reduces de use of energy, water, labor and pesticides. The incoming phase out of methyl bromide in 2005 and the progressive soil and water salinisation has increaswed the interest of the sicilian growers in this type of cultivation. The aim of this research was top study the effects of different training systems on cherry tomatoes cultivars grown in soilless culture.

Innovazione varietale della fragola in Sicilia

Polyethylene and Biodegradable Starch-Based Mulching Films Affect Winter Melon Production in a Mediterranean Area

Effetti dell'epoca di trapianto di piante fresche a radice nuda di fragola prodotte in Sicilia

Hybrids and allied species as potential rootstocks for eggplant: Effect of grafting on vigour, yield and overall fruit quality traits

Abstract Grafting of fruiting vegetables is an effective technique to overcome pests and diseases in modern cropping systems and it is often used to improve yield and fruit quality. Eggplant is an important vegetable crop that benefits significantly from grafting. In this regards, the exploitation, valorization and breeding of new rootstock genotypes as possible substitute to those commonly used (Solanum torvum and tomato hybrids) would permit an intensive eggplant crop system in those situations where a rootstock rotation is required. In the present article, we study the effects of several potential rootstocks including both wild/allied species of eggplant [S. torvum (STO), S. macrocarpon …

Ulteriori studi sul comportamento agronomico di piante di fragola prodotte in Sicilia

Nowadays, Sicilian growers moved fron traditional summer planting with cold-stored strawberry plants to winter planting using fresh plants. Fresh plants let di anticipate and expand the harvesting period from December to May and produce strawberries with better qualitative parameters. Fresh bare root plants are produced mainly in Spain and Poland but in the last years mountain's nurseries near yhe cultivation fields were set up in Sicily. This work consisted of comparing fresh bare root plants of three cultivars (Camarosa, Candonga, Tudla) coming from three Sicilian and one Poland nurseries. the Sicilian plants were the earliest and gave a yield higher than that of the plants imported from …

Evoluzione e prospettive della fragolicoltura siciliana

Protein hydrolysates and mo-biofortification interactively modulate plant performance and quality of ‘canasta’ lettuce grown in a protected environment

Since the use of protein hydrolysates (PHs) enhances overall plant performance and quality of vegetables, they might be considered as a toll to face a number of concerns essentially associated to the growing request of premium quality foodstuff realized in agreement with eco-friendly agriculture practices. Molybdenum (Mo) is considered a fundamental trace element for human body. Thus, its shortage determines several disorders mainly related to neurological lesion and esophageal cancer. Biofortification of fruiting and leafy vegetables is a promising tool to prevent Mo deficiency in the human diet. The current study was carried out to assess the interactive effect of plant-derived PHs and Mo…

Effects of different levels of nitrogen on production and quality of strawberries from fresh "plug plants"

Nitrogen is an essential element, not only for its influence on the vegetativeproductive activity of the plants but also on fruit quality (color, shelf life, etc.). To achieve high production and quality standards, reducing environment impact, the S.Ag.A Department of Palermo carried out some researches to identify the most suitable fertilization to maximize the productive potential of fresh plug plants of two cultivars of strawberry widespread in the Sicilian area, 'Sabrosa®Candonga' and 'Nora', reducing Nitrogen inputs. The experimental design adopted was a splitplot, in which the main plot was the different doses of nitrogen, 120, 170, 220, 270, 320 kg/ha and the secondary one the cultiv…

Rootstock and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Combinatorial Effects on Eggplant Crop Performance and Fruit Quality under Greenhouse Conditions

The herbaceous grafting of fruiting vegetables is considered a toolbox for safeguarding yield stability under various distresses and for improving fruit quality. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi seems also to be an efficient tool for increasing the assimilation, uptake and translocation of macroelements and microelements, for modulating plant secondary metabolism and for overcoming several forms of plant distress. The present work evaluated the combined effect of grafting the &ldquo

Effect of substrate solarization on tomato soilless cultivation

KILO CULTIVAR DI FRAGOLA

Influence of cultivation techniques and use of two nutritive solution with different electrical conductivity on the production and quality of cucumbers

The most suitable techniques and use of F1 hybrids enable greenhouse production to achieve high yields, with crops all year round. In Sicily, greenhouse production of cucumber is for fresh use (slicers), producing large fruit. The cultivation technique most suited to greenhouses is the vertical single stem. However, an innovative technique being proposed is of cultivation on a trellis, eliminating lower branches, and training the remaining branches upwards (vertical shoot positioning, VSP). Cucumbers in the south of Italy are grown as the main crop or as a catch crop between 2 main crops. The crop should be rotated on the same soil only after 3-4 years with another crop, unless the land is …

Effects of plant type on two strawberry cultivars in Siciliy

In Sicily fresh plants have for years been replacing the once popular cold-stored ones. Good early cropping is the aim of all strawberry growers in the island s Marsala district. The present trial tested the response of the new strawberry cultivars Sabrosa and Florida Fortuna using fresh plug and bare-root plants. Florida Fortuna plug-plants turned out to be the most promising type as a cash crop in delivering extra early ripening.

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) performances as subjected to different sources of protein hydrolysates

The vegetable production sector is currently fronting several issues mainly connected to the increasing demand of high quality food produced in accordance with sustainable horticultural technologies. The application of biostimulants, particularly protein hydrolysates (PHs), might be favorable to optimize water and mineral uptake and plant utilization and to increase both production performance and quality feature of vegetable crops. The present study was carried out on celery plants grown in a tunnel to appraise the influence of two PHs, a plant-derived PH (P-PH), obtained from soy extract and an animal PH (A-PH), derived from hydrolyzed animal epithelium (waste from bovine tanneries) on yi…

Influence of Preharvest Gibberellic Acid Treatments on Postharvest Quality of Minimally Processed Leaf Lettuce and Rocket

Plant growth regulators are used in high-value vegetable crops during cultivation and after harvest to increase yield, enhance crop management, and improve or retain the produce quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality characteristics during cold storage of minimally processed leaf lettuce and rocket, obtained from plants grown in a hydroponic floating system with mineral nutrient solutions (MNS) containing different levels of gibberellic acid (GA3). Plants were grown in greenhouse conditions on nutrient solutions containing 0, 10&minus

Polyethylene and Biodegradable Starch-Based Mulching Films Positively Affect Winter Melon Production in Sicily

Plastic mulching is widely used in many regions of the world for growing melons. The winter melon is largely grown in the hilly countryside of the Mediterranean island of Sicily (Italy) where mulching plastic films enhance early and total yields. However, removing and disposal of polyethylene plastic mulches after use represent a major disadvantage and an environmental concern. The objective of this trial was to compare the effects of polyethylene (PE) (transparent and black) and biodegradable (black) mulching films on yield, fruit size and quality of melon grown in the open field. The trial was conducted in the north-western coast of Sicily in the province of Trapani, 250-m elevation. Melo…

Effetti delle epoche e modalità di concimazione su produzione e qualità del finocchio. Effects of time and method of fertilizer application on yield and quality of fennel.

Two field trials were carried out in Sicily during fall-winter and spring season to determine the influence of 9 fertilization treatments, obtained by changing the time (pre-plant and/or post-plant fertilization), and method (broadcast fertilization and/or fertigation) of fertilizer application and the type of fertilizer (mineral, organic, slow release fertilizers) on yield and quality of fennel. An unfertilized treatment (control) was also included. In all fertilized treatments, macronutrients were applied at the following total rates (kg ha-1): N (350), P2O5 (100), K2O (208). In both trials the highest yield and mean bulb weight was obtained by pre-planting application of all mineral fert…

Il miglioramento genetico della fragola in Sicilia

Evaluation of strawberry cultivars in soilless cultivation in Sicily

Effetto della forma azotata e della modalità di distribuzione sulla produzione e la qualità di lattuga

Innovazioni varietali per la produzione siciliana

Effect of a Brassica Juncea Cover Crop on a Mono-Succession of Melon

The ban of methyl bromide and the need for low environmental impact of agriculture has recently increased the interest in the biofumigant effects of Brassica species on soil-borne pathogens. Many researches have tested the toxic effects of Brassica green manures on several soil-borne pathogens in vitro, but field studies have not assessed definitely the efficiency of biofumigation at the field scale and the effect on crop development and production quality. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of a winter-spring cover crop of Brassica juncea compared to bare soil on a mono-succession of melon. The biomass of the B. juncea plants or of the weeds eventually developed in bare so…

Effect of Selenium Enrichment and Type of Application on Yield, Functional Quality and Mineral Composition of Curly Endive Grown in a Hydroponic System

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for humans&rsquo

PLANTING DENSITY AND PRUNING METHOD AFFECT EGGPLANT SOILLESS CULTURE

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of two planting densities (1.6 plants-m-2 or 2.5 plants-m-2) and two pruning methods (two or four stemmed plants) on eggplant cultivars Black Bell and Longo in soilless culture. The research was carried out in 2003-2004 in the Northern coast Sicily. Eggplant plug plants were transplanted in a heated glasshouse in polystyrene containers (80 cm in length, 25 cm in width, 20 cm in height) filled with coconut coir dust. The experimental design was a split-split plot. Fruit production from January to April increased significantly as planting density increased. Irrespectively of the cultivars, four stemmed plants gave higher yields than two ste…

Influenza della tipologia di pianta e della concimazione azotata sulla Cv. di fragola Candonga Sabrosa.

Study on New Strawberry Varieties Evaluated in Sicily

The variety evolution and growing techniques have modified the strawberry cultivation in the Italian Mediterranean areas. Different trials in Sicily showed that varietal choices are the base to reach high levels of quality and quantity production. In Sicily, 300 ha of strawberries are now cultivated and 'Tudla' is still the principal variety (60%), 'Camarosa' is the most cultivated variety in the other southern strawberry areas, but in Sicily this cultivar does not generate a great interest because of its lateness. New cultivars, such as 'Candonga', 'Ventana' and 'Naiad', have been trialled in the last years but further evaluations are necessary. The trial was carried out at the experimenta…

Effect of Molybdenum Rate on Yield and Quality of Lettuce, Escarole, and Curly Endive Grown in a Floating System

Molybdenum (Mo) is required in enzymes involved in a number of different metabolic processes, and is crucial for the survival of plants and animals. The influence of nutrient solutions containing four levels of molybdenum (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 &micro

Effetto della concimazione azotata sulla produzione e qualità del finocchio

La coltivazione della fragolina in fuori suolo

Effetti della tipologia di pianta sugli esiti produttivi e qualitativi della fragolicoltura siciliana

Effetto dell'ambiente di coltivazione sulla crescita della Chamaerops humilis in Sicilia

Environmental and genotype effects on the fruits quality and nutritional traits of wood strawberry in Sicily

In Sicily, the common woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is spontaneous in the Madonie Mountains (554 m a.s.l.), Nebrodi Mountains (850 m) and Mount Etna (900 m). In this region, the main clone cultivated is 'Fragolina di Sciacca e Ribera', named after the towns where the crop originally developed. It is a Junebearing genotype and it is characterized by very small fruits, globose-conical shape, deep red colour, very soft flesh, strong aroma and flavor. Also ever-bearing clones are cultivated in Sicily where they are cropped for many months. Solid soluble content, total titratable acidity, total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols and anthocyanins content were quantified in berry sampl…

Sicilia: meglio usare le piante fresche ma dipende dalla varietà impiegata

Properties of New Strawberry Lines Compared with Well-Known Cultivars in Winter Planting System Conditions

In Southern Italy and Sicily, strawberry cultivation is dominated by international cultivars such as ‘Candonga Sabrosa’, ‘Florida Fortuna’, ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Sant Andreas’. The primary objective of our study was to compare the field performance of two experimental lines and four established cultivars in a Sicilian representative strawberry production area. The second objective was to compare the fruits physic-chemical nutraceutical characteristics of these genotypes in response to different postharvest fruit storage temperatures. A supporting genetic analysis, via SSR markers, was also performed in order to establish genotype correlations. Our study confirmed the high result of ‘Florida Fortun…

Strawberry Variety Trial in Sicily.

The Sicilian strawberry area differs from other Italian strawberry areas for its high earliness with productions that start in November-December. The earliness due to the very low plant winter chilling requirement is a very important characteristic to define the variety adaptability to this environment. Through the "Liste varietali Fragola" project funded by MiPAAF, many new varieties and advanced selections are evaluated annually in Sicily. Here, at the moment, the main variety is Florida Fortuna, followed by Candonga ® Sabrosa and Naiad ® CIVL35. Florida Fortuna, released in Florida, showed to be very interesting especially for its outstanding earliness, a high yield and good fruit qualit…

NORA

Iodine Biofortification Counters Micronutrient Deficiency and Improve Functional Quality of Open Field Grown Curly Endive

Human iodine (I) shortage disorders are documented as an imperative world-wide health issue for a great number of people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends I consumption through ingestion of seafood and biofortified food such as vegetables. The current work was carried out to appraise the effects of different I concentrations (0, 50, 250, and 500 mg L−1), supplied via foliar spray on curly endive grown in the fall or spring–summer season. Head fresh weight, stem diameter, head height, and soluble solid content (SSC) were negatively correlated to I dosage. The highest head dry matter content was recorded in plants supplied with 250 mg I L−1, both in the fall and spring–summer se…

Suitability of Borago officinalis for Minimal Processing as Fresh-Cut Produce

Borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a wild vegetable appreciated as a folk medicine and for culinary preparations. The introduction of borage as a specialized cultivation would allow for the diversification of vegetable crops and would widen the offerings of raw and minimally processed leafy vegetables. Thus, the aim of the research was to evaluate the quality and shelf-life of fresh-cut borage stored at different temperatures. Borage plants were grown during the autumn&ndash

Alternative al bromuro di metile nella disinfestazione del terreno coltivato a fragola

Effetti della forma azotata e delle modalità di distribuzione sulla produzione e la qualità di lattuga

Lettuce has a primary importance among vegetable crops in Italy. Despite the limited duration of crop cycle, lettuce needs high doses of N due to limited growth and low roots N absorption efficiency. Doses and distribution tecniques of nitrogen may affect growth and nitrate accumulation in plant tissues. In order to evaluate the productive and qualitative response of lettuce to different forms of nitrogen and distribution tecniques, a field trial was carried out in Palermo (Sicily) from November 2007 to February 2008. Two forms of nitrogen (ammonium or nitrate) and two distribution tecniques (50% pre-planting+50% post-planting; 25% pre-planting+50% post-planting+25% post planting) were comp…

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Gazania rigens pot plant cultivation in a Mediterranean environment

Herbaceous plants used in island beds and borders need to be rapid growing, high performing and maintaining good visual quality during the growing season. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi application is acquiring interest for its beneficial effects on ornamental bedding plants. Gazania rigens is a herbaceous ornamental plant grown for its large daisy-like flowers. The species thrives in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean region, particularly in the mild climate of southern Italy and Sicily, where performs well in summer bedding schemes in sea side gardens even in dry and windy conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis on se…

COLLARD GREEN (BRASSICA OLERACEA VAR. ACEPHALA) CULTIVATION IN SICILY

Collard greens (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) are a group of plants cultivated for its thick, slightly bitter, edible leaves. As other Brassicaceae, have a good nutritional value as they are a good sources of vitamin C and soluble fiber, and contain various compounds with potent anticancer properties. In order to enhance collard cultivation in Sicily, different planting dates were tested. The research was carried out during 2009-2010 in the experimental field of SAgA Department – University of Palermo. Plants of a Sicilian local cultivar, with high vigor, good emission of side shoots, large and moderately curly leaves and long and strong petiole, were planted in three different periods: …

Tre nuove cultivar per gli ambienti meridionali

Influence of greenhouse volume/area ratio on soil solarization efficiency

Soil temperature under plastic cover is function of incoming radiation and thermal characteristics of the mulching material and the soil, but it could be also affected by greenhouse characteristics (structure, cover, Volume/Area ratio). The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of different greenhouse unitary volumes and different plastic mulching on soil temperature and soil solarization efficiency. The experiment was carried out in nonheated greenhouses covered with low density transparent polyethilene (PE), located at the experimental field of AAT Department of Palermo University, Italy (138° 7' N, 13° 22' E). Four Volume/Area (V/A) ratios were tested: 1.5 - 2.0 - 2.5 - 3.0. I…

Effect of grafting, cultivar and cold storage on eggplant fruits

Eggplant is a perishable fruit that, once harvested, can be stored at 10 °C for several days. If long stored, fruits reduce their texture, skin brightness and become rubbery. Recently, grafting onto Solanum torvum has become more and more used to give resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this work was to study the effect of grafting, cultivar and cold storage on post-harvest changes of eggplant fruits. Grafted or ungrafted plants of four cultivars were grown in an unheated greenhouse during autumn-spring period. Three cultivars had skin with very dark purple colour (Black Bell, Black Moon and Longo) and one had skin with unhomogeneous light purple colour (Birgah). After har…

PIANTE FRESCHE E NUOVE VARIETà RILANCIANO LA FRAGOLA AL SUD

Influenza Della Varietà Sulla Qualità Dei Frutti Di Fragola (Fragaria x ananassa).

Productive and qualitative behaviour of fresh plants produced in Sicilian nurseries

Sicilian strawberry cultivations are increasing their interest: Fresh plants, produced in high elevation nurseries located in Spain and Poland have replaced frigo-plants. Strawberry Fresh Plants propagated in the Sicilian nurseries have been compared to those came from nursery located in Poland and set in our experimental farm. The trial has been carried out in Marsala (Tp) in the western coast of Sicily under plastic multitunnels. Four cultivars (‘Camarosa’, ‘Candonga’, ‘Tudla’, ‘Naiad’) were studied. The harvest started in January and ended in May. The Sicilian plants were the earliest. Among the cultivars ‘Camarosa’ was the earliest and ‘Candonga’ the latest. The Sicilian plants have giv…

Effect of packaging on quality of minimally processed fennel

Fennel is not a widespread product among minimally processed vegetables, due to the fast deterioration mainly caused by browning of the cut surfaces, even during cold storage. In order to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut fennel, the influence of different packaging techniques was studied. Sliced fennel, dipped in citric acid solution (0.5 %), was placed in polystyrene trays, sealed with PE film or vacuum packaged in PE bags and stored up to 14 days at 4°C. During this period weight loss, soluble solid content, pH, colour and firmness were evaluated. Minimally processed fennel packed in sealed trays and cold-stored at 4°C, extended its shelf life to 14 days maintaining acceptable quality. …

Effect of Agronomic Practices on Yield and Quality of Borage at Harvest and During Storage as Minimally-Processed Produce

Borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a hairy pubescent herb known throughout the world for its folk medicinal uses, as well as for many culinary uses. There is still little information on the cultivation needs of this species, especially for its use as vegetable crop and as fresh-cut produce. Hence, the aim of the research was to study the effects of agronomic practices on yield and quality of borage and on the storability as minimally-processed product. Two experiments were carried out in two consecutive years in order to evaluate the effect of plant density and plastic mulching on yield and quality of two borage accessions at harvest and during storage as minimally-processed produce for 14 d…

In Sicilia cresce l'interesse per le piante fresche di fragola

An Appraisal of Calcium Cyanamide as Alternative N Source for Spring-Summer and Fall Season Curly Endive Crops: Effects on Crop Performance, NUE and Functional Quality Components

A two-year study was conducted in both spring-summer and fall seasons to evaluate calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) as an alternative nitrogen (N) source for curly endive (Cichorium endivia L. var. crispum) grown in a Mediterranean environment. Four types of N applications were administered: (i) pre-transplanting base application of 100 kg N ha&minus

EFFECTS OF SOIL SOLARIZATION WITH DIFFERENT PLASTIC FILMS ON YIELD PERFORMANCE OF STRAWBERRY PROTECTED PLANTATIONS IN SICILY

Idoneità varietale alla coltivazione su terreno pacciamato e non di Cichorium endivia L. in Sicilia .

Il vivaismo fragolicolo in Sicilia

Caratterizzazione di ecotipi siciliani di borragine.

La borragine (Borago officinalis L.) è una pianta erbacea annuale originaria di Europa, Nord Africa e Asia Minore. Viene coltivata in tutto il mondo ed è usata come pianta ornamentale da giardino, per scopi medicinali o come ortaggio per la preparazione di insalate e bevande. L'importanza come pianta medicinale è dovuta all'alto contenuto di acido gamma linolenico nell'olio estratto dai semi ed alle proprietà diuretiche, emollienti, espettoranti, ecc. delle foglie. I piccioli, le foglie e gli steli sono molto apprezzati, anche, come ortaggi sin da tempi remoti in molte delle zone di maggiore diffusione in natura, tanto che la borragine comincia ad essere coltivata a fini commerciali oltre c…

Effetto della fumigazione chimica e della solarizzazione sulla coltivazione della fragola

UPDATE ON THE SICILIAN STRAWBERRY BREEDING PROJECT

The strawberry industry in Sicily differs from that of Italy’s other southern regions since the particularly warm winter weather results in earlier fruit ripening. Cultivar choice is thus of key importance for the success of Sicily’s strawberry industry. The old cultivar Tudla®Milsei has recently been replaced by cultivars ‘Florida Fortuna’, ‘Florida Festival’, ‘Sabrosa®Candonga’, ‘Naiad®Civl35’ and ‘Nora’ developed by both public and private breeding programs in Florida, Spain and Italy. The strawberry breeding program in Sicily started about 20 years ago in an effort to develop new cultivars well adapted to an area of very low winter chilling, with requirements featuring superior performa…

VALUTAZIONE DI ECOTIPI DI CHAMAEROPS HUMILIS

Lattuga in Sicilia

Lattuga in Sicilia, diffusione e gestione della concimazione azotata.

EFFECTS OF PRE-PLANT SOIL TREATMENTS ON STRAWBERRY IN SICILY

The 2005 ban by Italy of methyl bromide (MB) has resulted in significant crop management difficulties in pre-plant soil dis-infestation. We report two pre-plant soil treatment techniques and their effects on the performance of new cultivars and selections tolerant to the main root pathogens. The plants grown in soil treated with chloropicrin + 1,3 dichloropropene were the most productive. While neither treatment affected average berry weight, soluble solids content or titratable acidity, the treatment × cultivar interaction was significant and fruits from plants grown in treated soil were firmer than control s. Selection PA 260 and cultivar Florida Fortuna were the earliest, three selection…