Up-to-date report on the distribution ofHelianthemum lippii(Cistaceae) in Italy

An up-to-date report on the distribution of Helianthemum lippii in Italy is provided also on the basis of the findings by Lojacono-Pojero in 1889 who reported the existence of a relic population in Sicily (southern Italy), which is now thought to be extinct because of human disturbance. Field excursions permitted to confirm the locus classicus reported by Lojacono-Pojero as the other Sicilian localities that have been reported more recently. Based on a careful analysis of the literature the presence of H. lippii is currently excluded in Calabria and Apulia. The main causes that threaten the habitat of H. lippii in Sicily are pointed out according to IUCN Threats Classification Scheme.

Compost di qualità per la coltivazione del peperoncino ornamentale in vaso

In two years (2008 and 2009), the research centre Co.Ri.SSIA evalueted the suitability of compost obtained from organic municipal waste used a growth substrate for three varieties of ornamental chili pepper (Capsicum annuum). Research was carried out at the Orleans Experimental Farm at the University of Palermo. In addition to the control standard substrate (a 70:30 mix by volume of peat and perlite), three substrates were tested, formed by varying percentage mixes of compost, peat and perlite. During the initial cultivation stage, chemical and physical analyses were carried out on the different substrates. Subsequently, morphometric data were collected in order to evaluate the plant orname…

Risposta ornamentale di biotipi di Rosmarinus officinalis presenti nel germoplasma siciliano

Nel biennio 2005-2006, il Consorzio di Ricerca Co.Ri.S.S.I.A., nell’ambito del progetto PRO.FLOR.MER., ha avviato una ricerca finalizzata alla individuazione e caratterizzazione di germoplasma siciliano di rosmarino (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), nonché alla definizione di itinerari tecnici per la sua coltivazione in vaso. Lo studio ha riguardato n. 6 biotipi di rosmarino provenienti da diverse località della Sicilia e caratterizzati da promettenti caratteristiche ornamentali. I rilievi effettuati hanno riguardato: portamento, altezza, diametro, ramificazioni secondarie, numero di foglie cm ramo-1 e aspetto estetico della pianta. Dai primi risultati è stato possibile evidenziare un diverso co…

Valutazione tecnico-agronomica di due diverse tipologie di impianto di origano in funzione della raccolta meccanica

Harvest is one of the most important agronomical techniques of oregano cultivation. Traditionally, oregano is manually harvested but the times of this operation are very long. On the contrary, the mechanical harvest could decrease the harvest times and, therefore, the production costs. Tests of mechanical harvest were carried out between 2003 and 2004 in an experimental field of Dipartimento di Agronomia Ambientale e Territoriale of Palermo University, using a reaper-binder made by BCS for cereal and forage crops but specifically modified for harvesting oregano. The working capacity, productivity and efficiency of this machine were evaluated according to the variation of minimum forward spe…

A study of thyme germplasm in Sicily

hyme is characteristic of the Mediterranean and is of interest for its multifunctional nature. It is widely used in seasoning and flavouring, in herbal products and cosmetics. The versatility of this species means it is also useful in the protection of areas prone to erosion or an ornamental plant when designing low-maintenance gardens. Thyme germplasm constitutes a large part of the wild flora in Sicily and is a potentially useful source of genetic variability. On the basis of this, in the two-year period from 2004-2005, research was carried out on wild thyme accessions. These were used to evaluate both its productivity and individual biotypes with the functional characteristics most sough…

Effetti della densità d'impianto sul contenuto di oli essenziali in origano

Valutazione di varietà da seme di Cynodon dactylon L. (Pers.) in ambiente mediterraneo

Nel biennio 2000-2001 è stata condotta una prova di valutazione agronomica di 8 varietà da seme di Cynodon dactylon presso il Podere didattico sperimentale “Orleans” dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo (31 m s.l.m., 38°06’26,2’’N, 13°20’56,0’’E – Sistema di riferimento WGS 84). Lo scopo della ricerca è stato quello di individuare le varietà che meglio si adattano all’ambiente pedo-climatico siciliano. I rilievi effettuati hanno riguardato: la tessitura fogliare, la densità dei culmi, l’aspetto estetico globale, il colore, la ripresa vegetativa primaverile e la ritenzione del colore in autunno. Per i caratteri esaminati sono state riscontrate differenze tra le accessioni in prova; la vari…

Ethnobotanical investigation on wild medicinal plants in the Monti Sicani Regional Park (Sicily, Italy)

Ethnopharmacological relevance The area of the "Monte Sicani Regional Park" (Central Western Sicily, southern Italy) has been quantitatively and extensively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 108 wild species are used for medicinal purposes, while, according to our study, the uses of 9 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy (e.g.; the use of Kickxia elatine (L.) Dumort. for the treatment of hyperhydrosis of the feet, the use of Lavatera agrigentina Tineo for cough and bronchitis). Aim of the study: The aim of this paper is to analyze, through quantitative indicators, the extent of the current knowledge on medicinal us…

Valutazione bio-morfologica e produttiva di ecotipi siciliani di origano

Agricultural feedstocks of two Brassica oilseed crops and energy cogeneration with pure vegetable oil for a sustainable short agro-energy chain in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract Potential energy feedstocks from conventional agriculture usually include pure vegetable oil (PVO) and agricultural/forest residues. Their uses can represent a starting point for the development of short agro-energy chains in the south areas of the Mediterranean region. This paper focused on testing and awareness raising of biofuel production for the cogeneration of electricity and heat from PVO of two Brassica oilseed crops in Sicily (Italy). The main aims of this study were: i) to evaluate the agronomic performance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C.) and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) in semi-arid climate condition; ii) to analyze the quality of PVO…

Medicinal and aromatic plants in agricultural research, when considering criteria of multifunctionality and sustainability

Over the last twenty years, agriculture has witnessed significant changes in terms of energy requirements, advanced technologies and practices. This is in response to the impacts of crop production on the climate and environment and increasing awareness of the importance of agricultural sustainability through organic farming. Agriculture encompasses complex production systems and certain aspects of multifunctionality and sustainability have become fundamental for these systems. Agricultural activity can provide various functions in agro-ecosystems, such as producing food, managing natural resources, and conserving landscape and plant biodiversity; contributing to the cultural, historical an…

Study of quantitative and qualitative variations in essential oils of Sicilian Rosmarinus officinalis L.

In this study the chemical characterisation of 10 Sicilian Rosmarinus officinalis L. biotypes essential oils is reported. The main goal of this work was to analyse the relationship between the essential oils yield and the geographical distribution of the species plants. The essential oils were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis statistical methods were used to cluster biotypes according to the essential oils chemical composition. The essential oil yield ranged from 0.8 to 2.3 (v/w). In total 82 compounds have been identified, these represent 96.7–99.9% of the essential oil. The most represented compounds in the essential oils were 1.…

Characterization and conservation of Clinopodium raimondoi Spadaro, A.S. Faqi & Mazzola germplasm in the Parco della Favorita of Palermo city (Sicily, Italy)

In urban areas, the parks represent an important source of plant biodiversity. The Parco della Favorita is the largest green area in Palermo city (Sicily, Italy). Clinopodium raimondoi Spadaro, A.S. Faqi & Mazzola is an aromatic plant species which has a range of uses in Sicilian traditional culture. The essential oil of this species is rich in terpene components and its aroma is similar to that of mint. The aim of this study was to enhance the germplasm of C. raimondoi in the Parco della Favorita. A collection-field was set up within the park. The main biometric and productive parameters of the species were determined and gas chromatographic analyses were carried out to determine the quali…

Osservazioni preliminari sul germoplasma spontaneo di mirto (Myrtus communis L.) siciliano

Tra le specie presenti allo stato spontaneo della flora mediterranea, il mirto occupa una posizione di rilievo per le sue molteplici applicazioni nei settori alimentare, farmaceutico, cosmetico e vivaistico. Il Dipartimento A.A.T. dell'Università degli Studi di Palermo, in collaborazione con il Consorzio Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. di Palermo, ha avviato un programma di raccolta e valutazione di germoplasma spontaneo di mirto. Nel 2006, sono state effettuate osservazioni preliminari su n. 9 biotipi di mirto collezionari in campo catalogo. Nel presente lavoro si riportano i primi risultati sulle caratteristiche feno-morfologiche e biometriche dei biotipi esaminati.

Response of Origanum vulgare L. to different plant densities and first results of mechanical harvest

Tests for evaluating the agronomical response of Origanum to four plant densities were carried out from 1998 to 2001, on a local biotype of Origanum collected at Monreale (Palermo), in an area having the typical soil and climatic conditions of the Sicilian environment. Data about plant biometric characteristics (height at different growth phases, number of branches per plant, fresh weight yield) and the proportions among inflorescences, leaves and stems were monitored. Moreover, essential oil analyses were carried out for each plant density. The results showed that the plant density influenced the yield but not the plant height. The best results were obtained in the second year, when the hi…

Assessment of production and qualitative characteristics of different populations of Salvia sclarea L. found in Sicily (Italy)

Salvia sclarea L. is an important industrial crop, valued for its herbal-aromatic properties and high quality essential oils, that is used in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. In this study, carried out from 2009 to 2010, the morphological and production characteristics and essential oil content and composition of three Sicilian populations were studied. In particular, the composition of essential oils extracted from primary and secondary inflorescences using steam distillation was assessed. Morphological, production and qualitative data from the three populations were subjected to analysis of variance and cluster analysis. Regarding the quality of the oils, only the most prevalent compo…

Valorizzazione ed utilizzazione delle risorse genetiche siciliane

Coltivazione in vaso di biotipi siciliani di Rosmarinus officinalis L. ad uso ornamentale

Il rosmarino, specie aromatica tradizionalmente utilizzata nella cucina mediterranea, trova impiego anche nella farmacopea, nella cosmesi, nel settore dei biocidi ecc.. Per le sue caratteristiche morfologiche e fenologiche, può essere inoltre utilizzato come pianta ornamentale e per interventi di restauro ambientale. Nel 2005, il Consorzio di Ricerca Co.Ri.S.S.I.A., nell’ambito del progetto dal titolo “Valorizzazione delle produzioni florovivaistiche del meridione” (PRO.FLO.MER), ha intrapreso uno studio volto all’individuazione, caratterizzazione e valorizzazione di genotipi di Rosmarinus officinalis L. interessanti dal punto di vista ornamentale per la coltivazione in vaso. All’interno di…

Prove di propagazione su Capparis spinosa subsp. ruprestis (Sm.) Nyman e C. spinosa subsp. rupestris var. canescens Cosson

Risposta ornamentale di accessioni di peperoncino coltivati in vaso

Gran parte delle varietà di peperoncino, coltivate a scopo alimentare, è considerata interessante anche ai fini ornamentali. Ciò è attribuibile principalmente al frutto che rende questa pianta idonea alla coltivazione in vaso e per la realizzazione di aiuole e bordure. Il Consorzio di ricerca Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. di Palermo ha avviato una ricerca allo scopo di valorizzare il peperoncino come specie ornamentale da vaso. Sono state confrontate 34 varietà di peperoncino coltivate in quattro differenti tipologie di vaso, rilevando i principali parametri morfologici e estetici. La specie ha manifestato una buona adattabilità alla coltivazione in vaso, avvalorando, nel contempo, il suo impiego anche pe…

Effects of Genotype and Climate on Productive Performance of High Oleic Carthamus tinctorius L. under Rainfed Conditions in a Semi-Arid Environment of Sicily (Italy)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a promising oilseed crop for cultivation in central Southern Italy due to its high tolerance to drought and salinity stress and appreciable seed and oil yields. The genetic diversity of cultivars and climate factors can affect fatty acid composition and yield traits. This study aimed to assess the effects of genotype and climate conditions on the productive performance of eight high oleic safflower genotypes under rainfed conditions in Sicily (Italy). These genotypes were compared to the Montola 2000 cultivar, which was used as a reference. Tests were carried out during the growing seasons of 2014–2015 and 2015–2016. The experimental design…

Caratterizzazione e valorizzazione bio-agronomica di diverse accessioni di aglio in ambiente collinare siciliano

L'aglio coltura "antica" e tipica di molte aree della Sicilia, ha svolto e continua a svolgere un ruolo fondamentale nella storia della tradizione culinaria. La specie viene, inoltre, utilizzata per usi terapeutici e presenta pregevoli caratteristiche nutrizionali. L'ampia disponibilità di popolazioni locali di aglio ha indotto, il Consorzio di ricerca Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. di Palermo ad avviare una ricerca finalizzata alla caratterizzazione e valorizzazione di accessioni di aglio di diversa provenienza. Dall'esperienza condotta è emerso che la specie ha presentato, in generale, una buona adattabilità all'ambiente di prova, riuscendo a fornire produzioni quanti-qualitative soddisfacenti.

Effect of irrigation with treated wastewater on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) production and soil characteristics and estimation of plant nutritional input

In recent years, climate change has greatly affected rainfall and air temperature levels leading to a reduction in water resources in Southern Europe. This fact has emphasized the need to focus on the use of non-conventional water resources for agricultural irrigation. The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) can represent a sustainable solution, reducing the consumption of freshwater (FW) and the need for mineral fertilisers. The main aim of this study was to assess, in a three-year period, the effects of TWW irrigation compared to FW on the biomass production of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] plants and soil characteristics and to estimate the nutritional input provided by TWW ir…

Flavouring Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Essential Oils Stabilizes Oleic Acid Composition during Photo-Oxidative Stress

Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are well-known as natural antioxidants. Their addition to extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) can contribute to reducing fat oxidation. The main aim of this study was to improve both food shelf-life and aromatic flavour of EVOO, adding different EOs of Sicilian accessions of common sage, oregano, rosemary and thyme. The morphological and production characteristics of 40 accessions of MAPs were preliminarily assessed. EOs from the most promising accessions of MAPs were analysed by gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry. Photo-oxidative studies of the EOs were carried out and the determination of the EVOO fatty acids obtained from 4 I…

Quantità e composizione degli oli essenziali in alcuni biotipi di rosmarino di origine siciliana

TWO YEARS OF STUDIES INTO NATIVE BERMUDAGRASS (CYNODON SPP.) GERMPLASM FROM SICILY (ITALY) FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF TURF CULTIVARS

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is the most widely used warm season turf species in the world for sport, lawn and utility turfs. The species is widespread in Sicily (Italy) where it exhibits a large range of diverse morphological characteristics due to a long process of adaptation to varying climatic and soil conditions of the island. In order to exploit the bermudagrass genetic resources and establish a germplasm bank for use in various plant breeding programmes, bio-agronomic evaluation tests were carried out on the 40 Sicilian biotypes of Cynodon spp. from 2002 to 2004 at the experimental farm “Orleans”, University of Palermo. The accessions were compared to the standard cultivar ‘Savannah’,…

A survey of wild plant species for food use in Sicily (Italy) - results of a 3-year study in four Regional Parks

Abstract Background This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in four Regional Parks of Sicily (Italy), concerning traditional knowledge on food use of wild plant species. The main aims of the paper were: (i) to verify which wild plant species are used for food purpose in the local culture based on information provided by elderly inhabitants (ii) to verify the presence of wild plant species which have not been cited for food use in previous studies in the Mediterranean area (iii) to determine how many of the most frequently cited wild plant species are cultivated by the local population in the four Sicilian Parks. Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the lo…

Ethnobotanical study in the Madonie Regional Park (Central Sicily, Italy)—Medicinal use of wild shrub and herbaceous plant species

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance This paper illustrates the results of an ethnobotanical study carried out in the Madonie Regional Park (Central Sicily, Italy). It specifies the medicinal uses of plants in the study area and contains the results of a quantitative analysis carried out for the first time in an area noted for its high degree of biodiversity. It also introduces 28 species not previously accounted for in the area of study for their medicinal uses, highlighting Silene flos-cuculi L. Greuter & Burdet, little known as medicinal in the Mediterranean area. Aim of the study To understand to what extent current knowledge on medicinal-use plants is still an element of the culture…

Research focusing on plant performance in constructed wetlands and agronomic application of treated wastewater – A set of experimental studies in Sicily (Italy)

Constructed wetlands are sustainable technologies for the treatment of wastewater. These biological systems have been widely studied throughout the world for more than 30 years; however, most studies have focused on the effects of design and engineering on pollutant removal from wastewater. Undoubtedly, agro-technical aspects have been given too little consideration by research. This paper reports the main results of a set of experiments carried out on two pilot horizontal subsurface flow systems in Sicily (Italy). Festuca, Lolium and Pennisetum spp. in combination and three emergent macrophytes-Arundo donax L., Cyperus alternifolius L. and Typha latifolia L.-alone, were assessed. The aim o…

The use of constructed wetlands for the treatment and reuse of urban wastewater for the irrigation of two warm-season turfgrass species under Mediterranean climatic conditions

Constructed wetlands (CWs) represent low-cost technology for the treatment and reuse of wastewater in urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the pollutant removal efficiency of a CW system and to assess the effects of irrigation using treated urban wastewater on soil and on two warm-season turf species. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) on a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system which was fed with treated urban wastewater following secondary treatment from an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant. The pilot system was located in an open urban park and comprised two separate parallel planted units. Experimental fields of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. and Paspalum …

Effect of plant species on water balance in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland planted with Arundo donax L. and Cyperus alternifolius L. – Two-year tests in a Mediterranean environment in the West of Sicily (Italy)

Abstract In constructed wetland systems (CWs) for wastewater treatment, evapotranspiration (ET) is the most important water balance component in arid and semi-arid regions, where high performance levels are needed when treating contaminants and where it is also vital to preserve as much water as possible for reuse in irrigation. This study shows the results of a series of water balance measurements obtained between 2012 and 2013 from a pilot HSSF system in the West of Sicily (Italy). The system was made by two separate vegetated units: one with Arundo donax L. (giant reed) and the other with Cyperus alternifolius L. (umbrella sedge), and fed with urban wastewater following secondary treatme…

Indagine preliminare su entità floristiche ad uso officinale nel territorio dei Monti Sicani (AG-PA)

Popular uses of wild plant species for medicinal purposes in the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The area of the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy) has Q3 been quantitatively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 90 wild species are used for medicinal purposes and the uses of 5 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy (e.g., the use of Arisarum vulgare O. Targ. Tozz. for the treatment of rheumatic pains, the use of Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke for the treatment of liver diseases). Aim of the study: The aim of this paper was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the rural populations of …

Litter contribution to soil organic carbon in the agriculture abandons processes

Abstract. Mechanisms of litter decomposition, translocation and stabilization into soil layers are fundamental processes in ecosystem functioning as it regulates the cycle of soil organic matter (SOM), CO2 emission into the atmosphere, carbon sequestration into the soil. In this study, it was investigated the contribution of litters of different stages of Mediterranean secondary succession on Carbon sequestration, analyzing the role of earthworms on translocation of SOM into soil profile. For this purpose δ13C difference between meadow C4-Csoil and C3-Clitter were used in a field experiment. Four undisturbed litters of different stages of succession were collected (45, 70, 100 and 120 since…

Effects of Irrigation with Different Sources of Water on Growth, Yield and Essential Oil Compounds in Oregano

Aromatic plants can benefit from the use of treated wastewater to satisfy their water requirements, but the effects on the essential oil yield and quality need an assessment. The aims of this study were to assess the effects of freshwater and treated wastewater obtained from a Sicilian (Italy) pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland system on plant growth and yield, essential oil yield and composition of oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart) and soil characteristics. The system had a total surface area of 100 m2 and was planted with giant reed and umbrella sedge. An experimental open field of oregano was set up close to the system. Two years and two diff…

Study of quantitative and qualitative variations in essential oils of Sicilian Rosmarinus officials L.

In this study the chemical characterizations of 10 sicilian biotypes of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils are reported. The main goal was to analyze the relationship between the essential oils yield and the geographical distribution of the species plants. The essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The statistical methods Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis were used to cluster biotypes according to the chemical composition of the essential oils. The essential oil yield ranged from 0.8 - 2.3 (v/w). 82 compounds have been identified, these represent 96.7-99.9% of the essential oil. The compounds mostly represented in the essential oils were: 1.8- C…

Il cappero: analisi desk sui flussi di commercializzazione in Italia e nei principali Paesi competitors

In questi ultimi anni, il commercio di cappero, a livello internazionale, ha fatto registrare un trend positivo rappresentato da uno scambio di prodotto pari, secondo dati forniti dal COMTRADE, a circa 3 mila tonnellate. A fronte di tali incrementi, in Italia, la superficie investita a cappero è scesa drasticamente, passando da circa 1000 ha nel ’83 a circa 170 ha nel 2006. Ciò, presumibilmente, è dovuto alla carente attuazione di sapienti strategie di marketing sul prodotto cappero da parte degli imprenditori agricoli. In quest’ottica, nell’ambito del progetto “IL CAPPERO DELLE ISOLE MINORI”, è stata avviata una ricerca con lo scopo di elaborare un piano strategico di rilancio del comparto…

Wastewater management using a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system in Western Sicily (Italy) for irrigation of Paspalum vaginatum Sw. turf

The reuse of treated wastewater represents an attractive prospect for sustainable water management in urban areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reuse of treated wastewater from constructed wetland systems for the irrigation of Seashore paspalum turf (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) and assess the effects of treated wastewater on the soil and turfgrass. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSF). Seashore paspalum plots were irrigated with freshwater and treated wastewater. In treated wastewater-irrigated plots, we estimated the amounts of nitrogen and potassium, supplied by irrigating with treated wastewater. The productive …

Studio preliminare della vegetazione dell'area umida nella riserva di Torre Salsa (AG)

La riserva naturale orientata "Torre Salsa" istituita nel 2000 con Decreto della Regione siciliana del 23 giugno 2000 e gestita dal WWF Italia, è un’ area naturale protetta della Sicilia. La riserva, sita nel Comune di Siculiana (AG), si estende per oltre 750 ettari e presenta un litorale di circa 6 chilometri dove si alternano falesie, dune e spiagge. In tale area è localizzata un'ampia depressione naturale detta "Pantano", alimentata dal torrente Salso, le cui portate risultano fortemente condizionate dalle variazioni stagionali, responsabili in inverno di forti esondazioni naturali ed in estate di un prosciugamento più o meno esteso dell’area. Il torrente, ancor prima di immettersi in ta…

L'eleoselino nella tradizione popolare siciliana

Elaeoselinum asclepium (L.) Bertol. subspecie asclepium è una specie della flora mediterranea il cui uso tradizionale, in Sicilia, è noto già dal XIX secolo. Lo scopo del presente lavoro è stato quello di intraprendere un’indagine etno-antropologica finalizzata al recupero delle conoscenze sugli usi tradizionali della specie. Tale attività è stata condotta mediante ricerche bibliografiche e interviste a persone esperte di tradizioni rurali. La ricerca, inoltre, ha previsto una ricognizione nel territorio delle province di Agrigento, Palermo e Trapani al fine di individuare siti caratterizzati da popolamenti naturali di eleoselino. Su un consistente popolamento di eleoselino, individuato nel…

Effects of plant density on Rosmarinus officinalis L. and first tests of mechanical transplanting

Tests for evaluating the agronomical response of Rosmarinus to four plant densities were carried out from 1998 to 2001, on a local ecotype of Rosmarinus, in an area having the typical soil and climatic conditions of the Sicilian inland hilly environment. Data about biometric characteristics (plant height, number of stems per plant, fresh and dry yield), the ratio between leaf weight and dry weight and the ratio between stem weight and dry weight, both expressed as percent, were monitored. Moreover, essential oil analyses were carried out for each plant density. The results showed that the plant density positively influenced the fresh and dry yield, while it negatively affects the number of …

Effects of plant density and cutting-type on rooting and growth of an extensive green roof of Sedum sediforme (Jacq.) Pau in a Mediterranean environment

Abstract Species of the Sedum genus are a popular choice for green roofs as they thrive in shallow growth layers and are resilient to extreme environmental conditions; they are also easy to propagate from seed, plantlings or plant parts. The use of rooted cuttings is most widespread due to good rates of establishment. In the interest of cost reduction, the direct spreading of Sedum cuttings over the roof area, especially over large areas, has attracted attention in recent years. Considering the interest on the above method and the seeming lack of experimental data available, this study aims to further knowledge in this area. Experimental tests on direct spreading of unrooted cuttings of Sed…

Essential oil characteristics of wild Sicilian oregano populations in relation to environmental conditions

A study was carried out on the essential oil of Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart taken from thirteen wild populations found in different parts of Sicily, Italy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship that exists between essentials oil extracted from Sicilian wild populations of O. vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart and various weather/climate and topographic factors in order to provide more information on aspects that influence the production potential of this species. The essential oils from the samples were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by a combination of gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS); se…

The use of constructed wetlands for the treatment of agro-industrial wastewater – A case study in a dairy-cattle farm in Sicily (Italy)

Wastewaters generated by agro-industrial operations often represent an unsustainable cost for farms due to high wastewater-treatment management costs. The wastewater produced by dairies, wineries or oil mills may vary in quantity and in quality depending on the time of the year, making the use of a conventional treatment system less efficient and more costly. Constructed wetland systems (CWs) provide low-cost technology and an efficient solution in the treatment of a number of wastewaters from agriculture. They are simple to build, have low maintenance costs and are sustainable compared to conventional treatment methods. This paper shows a case study that was carried out on a dairy-cattle f…

Plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge on medicinal use of wild shrub and herbaceous plant species in the Etna Regional Park (Eastern Sicily, Italy).

Ethnopharmacological relevance: This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in the Etna Regional Park (Eastern Sicily, Italy) concerning the traditional knowledge on medicinal use of wild plant species. It specifies contains the results of a quantitative analysis carried out for the first time. A total of 71 wild species are used for medicinal purposes. Two species, Astracantha sicula (Biv.) Greuter and Trifolium phleoides Willd., are little known as medicinal in the Mediterranean area. Aim of the study: The main aim of the study was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the elderly population of…

Prove di propagazione agamica di alcune specie officinali: origano, rosmarino e timo

Morphological, chemical, and genetic diversity of wild myrtle(Myrtus communis L.) populations in Sicily

Myrtus communis L. İs a shrub widespread in the Mediterranean area. The interest in this species is growing, mainly due to its pharmacological and aromatic properties. The overexploitation of wild populations induced increasing degradation of plant cover with serious risk of loss of genetic diversity. This research explored the morphological, chemical, and genetic diversity of wild myrtle populations in Sicily, with the aim to provide a first characterization of a core collection of 36 accessions from 7 localities for future domestication programs. Amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting generated 152 polymorphic fragments. STRUCTURE analysis identified three genetic clusters …

Phenotypic traits and establishment speed of 44 turf bermudagrass accessions

Breeding of turf bermudagrass (Cynodon (L.) Rich.) has made available a broad range of turf varieties with unique morphological and growth traits. Rapid establishment is necessary in order to provide the performance of a mature turf cover in the shortest time possible. The aims of the research were: (1) to determine variation of growth, morphological and biomass traits in bermudagrass accessions belonging to different phenotypic groups during establishment and (2) to relate such variations to establishment speed in order to assess whether contrasting phenotypic traits could induce different establishment patterns in bermudagrass or if a general establishment predictor can be identified for …

St. Augustinegrass accessions planted in northern, central and southern Italy: Growth and morphological traits during establishment

The use of warm season turfgrasses is a consolidated trend in the climatic transition zone of Mediterranean countries, in particular St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze) begins to be widespread in warm coastal areas. However, little is known about the performance of the different cultivars of this species in southern Europe. In 2016-2017 a trial was carried out in three locations in Italy, Padova, Pisa, and Palermo, located in the north, center and south of the country respectively. Four cultivars (Floratine, Captiva, Sapphire, Palmetto) and five ecotypes (CeRTES 201, CeRTES 202, CeRTES 203, CeRTES 204, CeRTES 205) were compared in terms of their growth characteristic…

An Agronomic Evaluation of New Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Germplasm for Seed and Oil Yields under Mediterranean Climate Conditions

Interest in oilseed crops for agro-industrial research and development projects has increased in the Mediterranean area, in recent years. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is of potential interest for agriculture mainly due to fatty acid content variability in the seed oil. The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic performance of 16 new safflower accessions together with safflower variety Montola 2000, used as a reference, in a semi-arid environment. Research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) from 2013&ndash

Valutazione qualitativa dell’olio essenziale di diversi biotipi siciliani di origano

Effetti della densità di impianto sul contenuto di oli essenziali in origano

I tappeti erbosi in ambiente mediterraneo

Nei paesi sviluppati, la copertura di superfici per mezzo di tappeti erbosi ha assunto un’importanza sempre crescente. La richiesta di verde facilmente accessibile ed utilizzabile è divenuta, nel tempo, una costante dei bisogni e delle aspirazioni della società con il fine di elevare la qualità della vita, la vivibilità del territorio e la (bio) sicurezza ambientale. In passato, il tappeto erboso è stato spesso considerato uno fra i tanti possibili elementi “inerti” di arredo urbano, ma questa definizione è sembrata successivamente molto riduttiva in quanto esso rappresenta una comunità di piante erbacee che vivono su di un terreno che ospita animali, insetti, microrganismi. Il tappeto erbo…

Specie vegetali mediterranee impiegate nei sistemi di fitodepurazione

L’acqua è un bene essenziale che ha da sempre influenzato la localizzazione degli insediamenti antropici, permettendone lo sviluppo e garantendone sussistenza, igiene e forza motrice. L’utilizzo di questa risorsa, sempre più preziosa e vulnerabile, non sempre risponde a criteri di salvaguardia, conservazione e miglioramento della qualità e della quantità. I frequenti periodi di siccità e i processi di inquinamento hanno determinato nel tempo una progressiva riduzione delle risorse idriche disponibili nei diversi settori di impiego e motivato l’esigenza di trovare nuove soluzioni per una migliore gestione della “risorsa acqua”. Tra le tecnologie proponibili a basso impatto ambientale, soprat…

Biomolecular characterization of wild sicilian oregano: phytochemical screening of essential oils and extracts, and evaluation of their antioxidant activities.

An extensive survey of wild Sicilian oregano was made. A total of 57 samples were collected from various sites, followed by taxonomic characterization from an agronomic perspective. Based on morphological and production characteristics obtained from the 57 samples, cluster analysis was used to divide the samples into homogeneous groups, to identify the best biotypes. All samples were analyzed for their phytochemical content, applying a cascade-extraction protocol and hydrodistillation, to obtain the non volatile components and the essential oils, respectively. The extracts contained thirteen polyphenol derivatives, i.e., four flavanones, seven flavones, and two organic acids. Their qualitat…

Management of irrigation water and nutrient demands of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) using urban treated wastewater from a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system constructed wetland in Sicily (Italy)

The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) in crop irrigation is an advanced and rational approach to water resource management in agriculture. Results would seem to demonstrate that it could be an extremely important tool in the reduction of freshwater (FW) consumption in agriculture, at the same time helping to increase crop yields through the transfer of nutrients required for crop growth. In arid and semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean, constructed wetlands can play a key role in the treatment and reuse of wastewater due to their multifunctional nature. The aim of this study was to manage water and nutrient requirements of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) using TWW from a pilot-scale …

Agronomic performance and energetic potential of two Brassica oilseed species in Sicily, Italy

Industrial crops for energy purposes are object of increasing interest worldwide and play an important role as a source of renewable energy. The aims of this study were to evaluate: i) the agronomic performance of Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C. and Brassica carinata A. Braun in a semi-arid environment; ii) to evaluate the economic viability of a pilot combined heat and power (CHP) plant operating on pure vegetable oil (PVO). The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy). The main biometric and yield parameters of the two species were determined. Chemical-physical characterizations were carried out on PVO for each species using specific protocols. The cogeneration of renewable energy …

Growth and development of succulent mixtures for extensive green roofs in a Mediterranean climate.

Green roof systems, aimed at reducing anthropic impact on the environment, are considered environmental mitigation technologies and adopted by many countries across the world to strengthen urban ecosystem services. This study evaluates two mixtures of succulent: one of Crassulaceae and the other of Aizoaceae, used in the creation of a continuous and homogenous plant groundcover in Mediterranean environments. To assess the species mixtures, the parameters plant height, growth index, cover percentage and flowering were observed. Hydrological observations were also carried out to evaluate the rainfall retained by the test system in any given month. All data were subjected to analysis of varian…

Indagine preliminare sul germoplasma di Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris (Sm.) Nyman dell'isola di Linosa

Il cappero è un suffrutice presente nella flora spontanea del Mediterraneo. Nelle isole minori della Sicilia, in particolare a Pantelleria, Salina e di recente anche a Linosa, il cappero si è affermato in coltura specializzata, acquistando una certa importanza sia in termini economici, ma anche sociali ed ambientali. Questa produzione, infatti, molto apprezzata dai turisti, ha creato un certo volume di commercio locale, consentendo agli agricoltori di realizzare buoni utili. Le caratteristiche di rusticità, tipiche della specie, lo sviluppo e l’architettura dell’apparato radicale le conferiscono, inoltre, un ruolo rilevante nella prevenzione dei processi di erosione del suolo. L’attività in…

Identification of Energy Hubs for the Exploitation of Residual Biomass in an Area of Western Sicily

Recent years have witnessed a marked reduction in financial incentives for renewable energy production in Italy as a consequence of the fact that the nation has already reached its energy policy targets for 2020, However, incentives still persist in certain sectors, such as those of specialized crops for biomass and residual biomass. In order to increase use-efficiency of biomass resources, careful study is needed of their characteristics, and their distribution within an area and over time: biomass use is of interest when production is concentrated in a given area and sufficiently available throughout the year. In order to assess the competitiveness of the biomass energy sector, the logist…

Valutazione di indicatori fenologici per la previsione dell'emergenza di specie infestanti graminacee dei tappeti erbosi in ambiente mediterraneo

Tappeti erbosi in ambiente mediterraneo

Composition and variability of the essential oil of the flowers of Lavandula stoechas from various geographical sources

Samples of flowers of wild Lavandula stoechas L. spp. stoechas populations were collected in three areas of Sicily (Italy) and were characterized in agronomic and chemical terms. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. GC-FID and GC-MS analyses permitted identification of 89 compounds from the EO. The samples were separated into 3 groups using PCA (Principal Component Analysis) statistical method, with reference to the chemical composition of the EO. All three Sicilian populations of lavender were identified as the fenchone chemotype with percentage content ranged between 52.8–71.1%. The population of Partinico showed the highest dry weight o…

Timo

Il cappero di Linosa: aspetti colturali e individuazione di biotipi spontanei per utilizzazioni produttive

Linosa, isola dell'arcipelago delle Pelagie, vanta un'antica tradizione agricola basata su sistemi colturali tradizionali legati a poche colture agrarie (ortive, vite, cappero, ecc.). Per salvaguardare e valorizzare tali produzioni, il Consorzio Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. di Palermo ha intrapreso uno studio sul cappero linosano (Capparis spinosa L. subsp. rupestris). La prova è stata condotta somministrando schede-questionario ad un campione rappresentativo di produttori di cappero locali unitamente ad indagini esporative sul territorio. Sono state individuate 7 accessioni di cappero su cui sono stati condotti rilievi morfo-biometrici e produttivi. In questo lavoro si riportano i risultati delle schede…

Wild Sicilian Rosemary: Phytochemical and Morphological Screening and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Extracts and Essential Oils

To identify the best biotypes, an extensive survey of Sicilian wild rosemary was carried out by collecting 57 samples from various sites, followed by taxonomic characterization from an agronomic perspective. All the biotypes collected were classified as Rosmarinus officinalis L. A cluster analysis based on the morphological characteristics of the plants allowed the division of the biotypes into seven main groups, although the characteristics examined were found to be highly similar and not area-dependent. Moreover, all samples were analyzed for their phytochemical content, applying an extraction protocol to obtain the nonvolatile components and hydrodistillation to collect the essential oil…

La biodiversità dell'origano per lo sviluppo di colture specializzate

Study of quantitative and qualitative variations in essential oils of Sicilian oregano biotypes

Essential oil (EO) was extracted using hydrodistillation from samples of Origanum vulgare subspecies hirtum (Link) Ietswaart, gathered from the wild in various parts of Sicily, Italy; GC-FID and GC-MS analyses were subsequently performed. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between essential oil yields and the geographical distribution of oregano wild populations based on variations in environmental factors as collection sites. Moreover, the purpose was to group Origanum vulgare subspecies hirtum biotypes according to the chemical composition of the EO. The seven principal components in the EO was thymol (24.0–54.4%), γ-terpinene (9.8–30.5%), ρ-cymene (5.2–18.7%), α-terpine…

Litter contribution to soil organic carbon in the processes of agriculture abandon

The mechanisms of litter decomposition, translocation and stabilization into soil layers are fundamental processes in the functioning of the ecosystem, as they regulate the cycle of soil organic matter (SOM) and CO2 emission into the atmosphere. In this study the contribution of litters of different stages of Mediterranean secondary succession on carbon sequestration was investigated, analyzing the role of earthworms in the translocation of SOM into the soil profile. For this purpose the δ13C difference between meadow C4-C soil and C3-C litter was used in a field experiment. Four undisturbed litters of different stages of succession (45, 70, 100 and 120 since agriculture abandon) were colle…

An evaluation of the productive potential of various Sicilian oregano biotypes for culinary uses

In Mediterranean cooking, oregano is an aromatic herb which is mostly known for its pleasant, characteristic aroma. Although it grows wild throughout the Island of Sicily, it is cultivated in order to satisfy the growing demand for this herb for seasoning. In order to ensure success, specially selected plant material (superior qualities and good productive performance) is necessary for specialised cultivation. This paper contains the productive results (2000-2005) of several oregano accessions, previously characterized in terms of morphology and quality in a field collection catalogue. The productive response was found to vary for the different biotypes under examination. Several of these r…

Ipotesi progettuale di un giardino botanico nell’area del Villaggio della Gioventù di Raffadali (AG)

Sicilian Myrtle Diversity: Evaluation of Leaf Total Phenols Content and Antioxidant Properties

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is an aromatic plant spontaneously growing and increasingly cultivated in Mediterranean area. Recently, interest on myrtle plant is growing due to the pharmacological and antioxidant properties since myrtle leaves are important sources of phenolic and antioxidant compounds with health-promoting effects. Plant genotype is the primary factor affecting antioxidant activity and phenol content. For this reason, a core collection of local selected myrtle accessions from Sicily was evaluated with the aim to identify genotypes with high antioxidant value. Thirty-six myrtle individuals belonging to seven populations were studied for leaf total phenols, tannins and antioxi…

Reuse of urban-treated wastewater from a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system in Sicily (Italy) for irrigation of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) turf under Mediterranean climatic conditions

Constructed wetlands (CW) are one of the most important biological technology for the treatment and reuse of wastewaters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) from CW for irrigation of Bermudagrass turf (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) and assess the effects of TWW on the biometric and qualitative parameters of the turfgrass and on chemical–physical soil properties. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system which was fed with urban TWW following secondary treatment from an activate sludge wastewater treatment plant. The pilot-system included three separate parallel units. The outflow TWW flowed downh…

Agronomic, metabolomic and lipidomic characterization of Sicilian Origanum vulgare (L.) ecotypes

Although Origanum vulgare (L.) has been deeply analysed at phytochemical level, poor knowledge is available regarding non-volatile compounds such as lipids. The aim of this work was to characterise five wild Sicilian Origanum ecotypes from an agronomic, metabolomic and lipidomic perspective. Serradifalco presented higher dry weight and inflorescences/plant than the others while Favara had a significantly higher number of branches per plant and more extensive flowered stratum. Metabolomic analysis, performed with LC-MS-TOF, allowed a preliminary characterisation of the non-volatile metabolome of the five oregano ecotypes Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum. Twenty-five metabolites were identified b…

Comparative chemical composition and bioactivity of leaves essential oils from nine Sicilian accessions of Myrtus communis L.

In this study, the essential oils obtained from the leaves of Myrtus communis L. stored in a collection orchard located at the experimental station ‘Orleans’ of the Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences of the University of Palermo (Italy) were investigated. The essential oils, analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene and myrtenyl acetate as dominant constituents. The neuroprotective effects of M. communis essential oils were investigated by analysing the antioxidant properties and cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase, AChE, and butyrylcholinesterase, BChE) inhibitory activity. Essential oils from Scopello…

Coltivazione in vaso di varietà di Capsicum annuum L. ad uso ornamentale

Il peperoncino, originario di ambienti equatoriali e tropicali, ha trovato il suo habitat ottimale di crescita anche nelle zone più calde di diversi Paesi del bacino del mediterraneo. La specie è nota, oltre che per le innumerevoli proprietà curative e medicinali, anche come una delle spezie più apprezzate nella cucina mediterranea. L’elevato valore estetico di alcune varietà, determinato dalla presenza, numerosa e prolungata, e dalla bellezza, nella forma e nel colore, dei frutti, consente la loro utilizzazione anche per fini ornamentali. In tale settore, numerose sono le destinazioni d’uso delle piante di peperoncino, che vanno dal vaso fiorito, per abbellire terrazzi e balconi, alla real…

Growth of Arundo donax L. and Cyperus alternifolius L. in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland using pre-treated urban wastewater - a case study in Sicily (Italy)

Constructed wetland systems for wastewater treatment represent an excellent opportunity for the recovery of water resources in those areas subject to prolonged periods of water shortage. This paper presents a study of the efficiency of a pilot horizontal subsurface flow system using pre-treated urban wastewater from a small town in the West of Sicily. The pilot system had a total surface area of 100 m2 with two units. Unit A was planted with Arundo donax L. and unit B with Cyperus alternifolius L. The HLR was 10 cm d-1. The main objectives of research were to evaluate the growth and biomass yield of two macrophytes and determine the removal efficiency of physical-chemical and microbiologica…

Agro-Morphological Characterization of Sicilian Chili Pepper Accessions for Ornamental Purposes

The species belonging to the genus Capsicum have been widely used as decorative vegetables, however only a few genotypes are available for this purpose. The goal of the present work was the agro-morphological characterization of several chili pepper accessions cultivated into different pot sizes (10, 14, 18 or 20 cm diameters). The agro-morphological characterization of 19 accessions was performed following IPGR (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) descriptors: plant height (PH), plant canopy width (PCW), PH/PCW ratio, plant growth habit, plant visual quality, first flower emission, fruiting start, end of harvest, fruit number, fruit length, fruit width, fruit color at mature s…

Constructed Wetlands as Sustainable Technology for the Treatment and Reuse of the First-Flush Stormwater in Agriculture—A Case Study in Sicily (Italy)

This paper describes a case study that was carried out on a Sicilian company (Italy) dealing with separate waste collection and recycling of glass. The aims of this study were to evaluate the overall efficiency of a vertical subsurface flow system (VSSFs) constructed wetland (CW) operating for the treatment of first-flush stormwater and the effects of treated wastewater on the morphological and aesthetic characteristics of ornamental pepper and rosemary plants. The system had a total surface area of 46.80 m2 and was planted with common reed and giant reed. Wastewater samples were taken from October 2018 to July 2019 at the CW inlet and outlet for chemical-physical and microbiological charac…

Comportamento bio-agronomico e produttivo di alcuni biotipi di rosmarino di origine siciliana

Cappero

Il cappero appartiene alla famiglia delle Capparidaceae, sottofamiglia Ajugodeae Briq., trib. Rosmarinae Briq., genere Capparis Sp.:23 (1753). Il genere Capparis comprende circa 250 specie distribuite nella fascia tropicale e subtropicale del Vecchio e del Nuovo mondo. Nell’area del bacino del Mediterraneo la più diffusa risulta Capparis spinosa. In Italia è distribuita in maniera sporadica nelle zone costiere in prossimità di affioramenti rocciosi, scogliere, pendici e muri. Secondo gli autori Higton & Akeroyd (1993), le popolazioni siciliane vanno attribuite sia a Capparis spinosa subsp. spinosa var. canescens Cosson che a C. spinosa subsp. rupestris (Sm.) Nyman. La subsp. spinosa var. ca…

Impiego di compost nella coltivazione in vaso di Rosmarinus officinalis L. e Capsicum annuum L.

Nel 2008, il Consorzio di ricerca Co.Ri.S.S.I.A., nell’ambito del progetto PRO.FLOR.MER., ha avviato, una ricerca per valutare l’idoneità di substrati contenenti quantità crescenti di compost, miscelate alle tradizionali torbe, per la coltivazione in vaso di una varietà di Capsicum annuum (var. Pisellino) e di un biotipo siciliano di Rosmarinus officinalis (S.Vito TP). La prova è stata condotta nel 2008, presso il Podere didattico-sperimentale “Orleans” dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo. Oltre a un substrato standard, costituito, in peso, per il 70% da torba e per il 30% da perlite, sono stati posti a confronto tre substrati contenenti in diverse percentuali compost (20, 30 e 50%), tor…

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…

Seasonal response of vegetation on pollutants removal in constructed wetland system treating dairy wastewater

Constructed wetland systems provide the ideal solution for small and medium dairy farms as they can be built close to the farm and are easy to manage and use. However, their perfomance is significantly affected by vegetation activity during the year. The aims of the present study were to assess the treatment of dairy wastewater (DWW) by a horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSFs) and the effect of plants in the removal efficiency (RE) of BOD5, COD, total N (TN) and total P (TP), in Sicily (Italy). The HSSFs treated 6/7 m3 per day of wastewater produced by a small dairy farm subsequent to biological treatment. The system included two units which were separately planted with Arundo donax L. a…

Agronomical and postharvest evaluation of the essential oils of Sicilian rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) biotypes

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is an aromatic shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean area. It is used in cooking both to add aroma and as a preservative in processed foods. Essential oils of rosemary are used in medicine and in the cosmetics industry due to their considerable biological properties. The yield and quality of rosemary essential oils mainly depend upon the chemo type, environmental conditions and cultivation techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of essential oils of wild R. officinalis biotypes found in Sicily using different drying methods. Five types of drying methods were used for the tests: a) shade drying under a r…

An evaluation of cool season turfgrassess in order to identify the species and varieties most suitable for the Mediterranean environment

The cultivars of cool season Graminae species diffusely used to establish turfgrasses, are grown in northern areas of Europe. The aim of the research described in this paper was to identify the turfgrass species and cultivars most suitable for the Mediterranean environment. The trial was carried out in 1999 and 2000 at the experimental farm “Parco d’Orleans” belonging to the Department A.C.E.P. of University of Palermo. During the trial sixty different cultivars of cool season turf species were compared – 20 cultivars of Festuca arundinacea Schreb., 20 cultivars of Poa pratensis L., and 20 cultivars of Lulium perenne L. The main biometric and qualitative parameters examined were ground cove…

Indagine naturalistica di Pizzo della Rondine - R.N.O. M.te Cammarata (AG)

Bio-agronomic behaviour and an initial study of the energy properties of Carthamus tinctorius L. and Brassica carinata A. Braun crop residues

In recent years, the agro-energy sector has become of considerable importance, both as a vehicle towards realising the objectives established by the Kyoto protocol and as a means of meeting the ever increasing demand for energy. Biofuels represent one of the most promising forms of renewable energy due to their wide range of applications, although limited by the fact that they do not compete on a cost level with fossil fuels. This study takes a look at the bio-agronomic response and the physical and energetic properties of crop residues of a selection of Carthamus tinctorius L. and Brassica carinata A. Braun accessions in order to evaluate integrating oilseed production with lignocellulosic…

Caratterizzazione e valutazione bio-agronomica di accessioni di timo siciliani

Il ruolo delle piante aromatiche nel contesto agricolo siciliano

Biotechnical characteristics of root systems in erect and prostrate habit rosmarinus officinalis L. accessions grown in a mediterranean climate

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a shrub species typically found in the Mediterranean Basin area. Studies carried out in Sicily on the biodiversity of the genus Rosmarinus found only one species (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) with varying morphology (erect habit and prostrate habit). The species does not require high input, managing to thrive even in marginal areas, and is a medicinal and aromatic species of great agronomic and economic interest, being one of the top 20 species most-used in Italy and with highest wholesale revenues. Studies carried out on the species in Italy are recent, as is the whole medicinal and aromatic plants sector, and have mostly regarded agrotechniques. This study shows…

Effects of Plant Density on the Number of Glandular Trichomes and on Yield and Quality of Essential Oils from Oregano.

Plants yields are influenced by agronomic techniques. Plant density is a complex issue and extremely important when maximizing both crop quality, and biomass and essential oil yields. Plants belonging to the Origanum vulgare subspecies hirtum (Link) Ietswaart were grown adopting four types of plant density and were characterized in biometric and chemical terms. The samples were analyzed using the ANOVA (Principal Component Analysis) statistical method regarding biometric aspects, EO yield and peltate hair density. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 45 compounds from the EO. Plant …

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION, CROP COEFFICIENTS AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF CYPERUS ALTERNIFOLIUS L. AND TYPHA LATIFOLIA L. IN A PILOT-SCALE HORIZONTAL SUBSURFACE FLOW CONSTRUCTED WETLAND IN THE WEST OF SICILY (ITALY) UNDER MEDITERRANEAN CONDITIONS

In constructed wetland systems (CWs) for wastewater treatment, the efficiency of the system is highly affected by the system’s water balance. This study shows the results of a series of water balance measurements obtained in 2013 from a pilot horizontal-subsurface flow (HSSF) system in the West of Sicily (Italy). The system included three separate units, one planted with Cyperus alternifolius L., one planted with Typha latifolia L. and an unplanted unit. The system was fed with urban wastewater from an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant. The aim of the study was to compare evapotranspiration rates (ET), crop coefficients (Kc) and water use efficiency (WUE) of two root emergent macr…

Phenology study of Myrtus communis accessions selected from wild populations of Sicily: preliminary results

Myrtus communis is a Mediterranean shrub widely diffused in Sicily. To promote the cultivation of myrtle, seven wild populations were collected from different areas of Sicily, with the aim to select new candidate cultivars in the frame of a selection program. Considering the berries value in the food industry, many efforts need to be done to cultivate myrtle as alternative to harvest from wild plants. To promote cultivation few important phenologic traits have been recorded in candidate cultivar selections from wild populations in Sicily. This study was performed in a repository field under homogeneous environmental conditions. The vegetation activity of the selected accessions begins in Ja…

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…

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT POPULATIONS OF OREGANO (ORIGANUM VULGARE SSP. HIRTUM) FOUND IN SICILY

Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) is one of the most popular aromatic species used in Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to its use for culinary and ornamental purposes, it is also known as a medicinal plant for its antispasmodic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and expectorant properties. A number of wild oregano populations were found in various areas of Sicily. Representative samples of the different populations at flowering stage were collected at varying altitudes between 60 and 1000 m a.s.l. in 2004 an 2005. The samples were processed to evaluate the quantity and quality of the production, as well as the essential oil composition. Significant differences were found between…

Water balance and pollutant removal efficiency when considering evapotranspiration in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland in Western Sicily (Italy)

Abstract In constructed wetland systems (CWs) for wastewater treatment, the performance of the system is affected by evapotranspiration (ET). This study shows the results of a series of water balance and pollutant removal efficiency analyses taken from a pilot horizontal-subsurface flow system (HSSFs) in the West of Sicily (Italy). The system comprised three separate units, one planted with Cyperus alternifolius L., one planted with Typha latifolia L. and an unplanted unit. The system was fed with urban wastewater from an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant. The aims of the study were to determine water balance and pollutant removal rates when considering evapotranspiration in two r…

Caratterizzazione, propagazione e tecniche colturali di alcune specie officinali presenti in Sicilia

Simulation of the effects of climate change on barley yields in rural Italy

The Greenhouse effect is considered to be one of the most influential factors on climate change today, especially where temperature and rainfall levels/distribution are concerned, making it of considerable importance in the field of Agronomy. Crop growth and development simulation models are a valuable cognitive tool in understanding water and nutrient dynamics in soil/plant systems. This paper looks at the direct and indirect effects of climatic changes on average barley yields. The complex nature of the study rendered the use of mathematical simulation models essential, both for predicting future climate conditions and for the simulation of crop growth and development. Of the different si…

Effects of environment and sowing time on growth and yield of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars in Sicily (Italy)

Cotton is one of the most important industrial crops in the world. Though widely cultivated in Sicily (Italy) in the past, cotton growth on the island has disappeared today due to a complex variety of agronomic, economic and socio-political reasons. In recent years, increased interest in natural fibers worldwide has led to a revival in cotton plants in the Mediterranean area. The aim of this paper was to assess the response of Gossypium hirsutum L. cultivars to different environments and sowing times. Elsa and Juncal were selected from the most promising cotton cultivars regarding earliness and productivity. Plants were tested with three sowing times and in two Sicilian environments. Cotton…

La biodiversità dell'origano come opportunità di sviluppo

Un triennio di valutazione bio-agronomica e produttiva di alcune accessioni di origano in ambiente mediterraneo

Prove di propagazione su Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris (Sm.) Nyman

Il cappero (Capparis spinosa L. subsp. rupestris (Sm.) Nyman) appartiene alla famiglia delle Capparaceae. È una specie diffusa allo stato spontaneo in tutta la regione mediterranea. Della pianta vengono utilizzati i bottoni fiorali, detti comunemente capperi, per aromatizzare diverse pietanze. La specie, oltre ad essere impiegata in gastronomia, trova interesse per impieghi medicinali ed ornamentali. Le isole minori della Sicilia (Pantelleria e Salina) vantano una lunga tradizione nell’uso e nella coltivazione di questa pianta. Tuttavia, un punto debole del settore è rappresentato dall’alto grado di empirismo che contraddistingue, soprattutto, la fase vivaistica. L’ottimizzazione della tecn…

Comportamento vegeto-produttivo di nove biotipi di mirto (Myrtus communis L.) siciliani

Nel triennio 2006-2008, presso il Dipartimento di Agronomia Ambientale e Territoriale dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo, è stato svolto un programma di raccolta e valutazione di germoplasma spontaneo di mirto siciliano (Mirtus communis L) allo scopo di ampliare le conoscenze sul comportamento vegeto-produttivo della specie. Le osservazioni sono state effettuate all’interno di un campo collezione su n. 9 biotipi di mirto a frutto nero e bianco. L’indagine ha riguardato il rilevamento delle fasi dell’attività vegetativa e riproduttiva della specie, la forma e il portamento della pianta, la forma e il colore delle foglie, le caratteristiche morfologiche e produttive del frutto. I risultat…

Mirto

Il genere Myrtus appartiene alla famiglia delle Mirtaceae e comprende numerose specie ornamentali sempreverdi e profumate, prevalentemente di origine tropicale, poco resistenti alle basse temperature. L’unica specie tipica dell’area mediterranea è Myrtus communis L., di cui si conoscono diverse sottospecie botaniche: leucocarpa (bacche bianche), tarentina (foglia piccola), microphylla (nana), ecc. La specie si estende in tutte le regioni calde dell’ Asia occidentale, dell’Africa settentrionale e dell’Europa meridionale. In Italia è presente allo stato spontaneo nel centro-sud, in particolar modo in Sardegna, vegeta preferibilmente nei suoli a reazione acida o neutra, in particolare quelli a…

Specie mediterranee di interesse etnobotanico in Sicilia

Per la notevole biodiversità del patrimonio vegetale e per le numerose Civiltà susseguitesi nel corso della storia, la Sicilia è un’area di particolare interesse per gli aspetti etnobotanici. L’indagine, condotta nel biennio 2007/2008, ha riguardato le specie vegetali, prevalentemente erbacee e arbustive, riconosciute dalla tradizione popolare e impiegate per diversi usi: alimentare, cosmetico, medicinale, veterinario, artigianale, ornamentale. Le aree geografiche interessate dall’indagine sono state quelle montane interne del territorio siciliano, in particolare, il Parco dei Nebrodi, il Parco delle Madonie e il Comprensorio dei Monti Sicani, per complessivi 70 comuni. Tramite interviste a…

Four-Year Study on the Bio-Agronomic Response of Biotypes of Capparis spinosa L. on the Island of Linosa (Italy)

The caper plant is widespread in Sicily (Italy) both wild in natural habitats and as specialized crops, showing considerable morphological variation. However, although contributing to a thriving market, innovation in caper cropping is low. The aim of the study was to evaluate agronomic and production behavior of some biotypes of Capparis spinosa L. subsp. rupestris, identified on the Island of Linosa (Italy) for growing purposes. Two years and seven biotypes of the species were tested in a randomized complete block design. The main morphological and production parameters were determined. Phenological stages were also observed. Analysis of variance showed high variability between the biotype…

Risposta alla coltivazione in vaso di peperoncini ornamentali

AN INITIAL STUDY INTO THE ENERGETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SEVERAL VEGETATIVE SPECIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN MAQUIS

Recent years have seen an ever increasing interest in renewable energy resources. The use of these renewable resources plays a key role in the reduction of greenhouse gases and in guaranteeing a supply of energy for the future. A promising alternative to fossil fuels are lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks; a widely available, versatile source of energy able to substitute fossil fuels in many ways. The continuing growth of the Biomass sector is leading to a flurry of research into new plant species with good calorific properties and combustion persistence. It would seem that a large number of native Mediterranean maquis shrubs, once used by the local populations for heating and cooking, (car…

An initial study into the suitability of Sicilian ecotypes of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. for turfgrass use

The aim of the study is to evaluate the biodiversity of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. in Sicily (Italy), observing several ecotypes collected in specific areas of the island. The ultimate goal was to identify ecotypes that have the qualitative standards required to establish turfgrasses and/or for specific plant breeding programmes. For each of the 22 bermudagrass ecotypes that were collected from Sicily, leaf texture, stolon internodes length, stolon diameter, turf colour, uniformity and quality rating were the main biometric and qualitative parameters monitored. The speed of recovery was also determined for each ecotype. Interesting variability was recorded in the collected vegetative mater…

Treatment of Combined Dairy and Domestic Wastewater with Constructed Wetland System in Sicily (Italy). Pollutant Removal Efficiency and Effect of Vegetation

Dairy wastewater (DWW) contains large amounts of mineral and organic compounds, which can accumulate in soil and water causing serious environmental pollution. A constructed wetland (CW) is a sustainable technology for the treatment of DWW in small-medium sized farms. This paper reports a two-year study on the performance of a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system for DWW treatment in Sicily (Italy). The CW system covered a total surface area of 100 m2 and treated approximately 6 m3 per day of wastewater produced by a small dairy farm, subsequent to biological treatment. Removal efficiency (RE) of the system was calculated. The biomass production of two emergent macrophytes was dete…

Effect of Foliar Treatments with Calcium and Nitrogen on Oregano Yield

Oregano, Origanum vulgare L., is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Oregano shows variations in biomass yield and essential oil (EO) content due to the influence of abiotic and biotic factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different foliar applications based on calcium (Ca) and nitrogen (N) on morphological and productive parameters in oregano. Tests were carried out in Sicily (Italy) in 2020–2021. In each year, eight foliar applications were applied. Only flowers and leaves were used for the extraction of the EO. For all parameters in the study, except for plant height and inflorescence length, the highest values were found in treated …

Seashore paspalum in the Mediterranean transition zone: phenotypic traits of twelve accessions during and after establishment

The use of warm-season turfgrasses is consolidated in the transitional areas of Mediterranean countries and some field trials have provided information on the adaptability of seashore paspalum to Mediterranean environment. Nonetheless, little is known on the performance of the different commercial cultivars of <em>Paspalum vaginatum</em> in this climatic zone. Furthermore, considering the high degree of variability of this species, ecotypes have the potential to supply new plant material with desired turf characteristics. The research aimed at comparing growth characteristics and morphological traits of eight commercial cultivars of seashore paspalum (Platinum, Salam, SeaDwarf, …

Germplasm of medicinal and aromatic plant species in the Parco della Favorita in Palermo city (Sicily, Italy)

Despite high urbanization, the city of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) has a good level of plant biodiversity. The Parco della Favorita is the largest green space in the city. It covers an area of 400 ha and is the green lung of the city. The Parco della Favorita is home to many wild species of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). This study aims to promote the Favorita Park as an urban green area to be used for educational purposes to raise awareness for the medicinal and food uses of MAPs. Nineteen plant species belonging to fifteen botanical families were identified. The most representative plant species were Foeniculum vulgare, Laurus nobilis, Capparis spinosa and Malva sylvetsris. Some of the…

Agronomic Evaluation and Chemical Characterization of Sicilian Salvia sclarea L. Accessions

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.), known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Although the species grows wild throughout Sicily, knowledge of its production and qualitative properties is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic behavior of the species over two years of testing and to characterize the chemical properties of its wild counterparts in order to identify the most promising accessions for cropping or for use in breeding programs. Tests were carried out during 2008, 2009, and 2010. During the first year, the plot was established. Subsequently, the main parameters for bio-agronomic evaluation were taken in 2009 and 2010. Regard…

Agricoltura e ambiente: le piante erbacee nell’Ecosistema urbano

Il presente lavoro illustra l’attuale contesto in cui agricoltura e ambiente interagiscono tra loro, con riferimento sia alle problematiche del mondo agricolosia alle potenzialità che lo stesso comparto può esercitare positivamente nei riguardi della sostenibilità dello sviluppo e della corretta fruizione dell’ambiente. Si analizza quindi l’ambiente urbano con una chiave di lettura ecologica. È così possibile esaminare le diverse componenti biotiche e abiotiche,nonché le loro reciproche interazioni, che costituiscono l’ecosistema urbano. In tale contesto, si evidenzia poi il ruolo fondamentale della componente vegetale, capace di svolgere diverse funzioni con ricadute positive in diversi se…

Aspetti colturali e valorizzazione di officinali per impieghi agro-industiali

L’uso delle piante officinali in Sicilia è stato rilevante sin da epoche remote. Ciò, oltre ad essere documentato dalla molteplicità di conoscenze tramandate dalla tradizione popolare, è desumibile dall’importanza che in passato hanno assunto alcune colture come frassino da manna, sommacco, mirto, ecc. Tale interesse è ampiamente giustificato dalla cospicua presenza di specie officinali, ricche di principi attivi, nella flora nativa locale. La Sicilia, quindi, possiede un potenziale serbatoio finora utilizzato in modo parziale, imperfetto ed empirico. Dalla coltivazione dei biotipi locali è possibile ottenere un prodotto di alta qualità e omogeneità. Per le coltivazioni specializzate si pon…

Agronomical evaluation of Sicilian biotypes of Lavandula stoechas L. spp. stoechas and analysis of the essential oils

The aim of this study was to characterize wild lavender, which was collected in three different areas of Sicily (Italy),according to agronomic and chemical evaluation. The collection sites were located in Pantelleria island, Partinico (a warm sub-area of Lauretum) and Castelbuono (a middle sub-area of Lauretum). All the populations were identified as Lavandula stoechas L. ssp. stoechas. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography– flame ionization detector (GC–FID) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). GC–FID and GC–MS analyses permitted the identification of 101 components from the essential oils. We analyzed only the flowers and leaves of L. stoechas …

Risposta di peperoncini ornamentali alla coltivazione in vaso

Suolo e alimentazione: dalla rivoluzione verde all’agricoltura blu

Questo articolo nasce come sintesi di un lavoro didattico realizzato nell’anno accademico 2011/2012, dal titolo “Nutrirsi di Scienza” svoltosi all’interno della VI edizione della SPAIS “Scuola Permanente per l’Aggiornamento degli Insegnanti di Scienze Sperimentali”. Esso ha l’obiettivo di approfondire le conoscenze sul sistema suolo-produzioni agricole, attraverso l’esame delle singole componenti e dell’interazione delle diverse componenti del sistema considerato. In particolare, si è focalizzata l’attenzione sia sul suolo, analizzandone i processi di formazione, di degradazione e dell’uso in riferimento alle produzioni agricole, sia sui sistemi colturali, estensivi e intensivi, evidenziand…

Osservazioni preliminari su biotipi spontanei di Salvia sclarea L. reperiti in Sicilia

Salvia sclarea L., originaria del bacino del Mediterraneo, è una pianta erbacea appartenente alla famiglia delle Labiatae. Conosciuta fin dall’antichità come pianta medicinale, veniva utilizzata nella preparazione di decotti per la cura di infiammazioni cutanee e per disinfettare piaghe e ferite. In Sicilia, la specie, nota come muscatiddaru, si trova “su monti e colli” come riferito da Lo Jacono- Pojero, (1888). Nella tradizione dell’Isola, raccolta allo stato spontaneo, trovava applicazioni in medicina popolare e in pratiche rurali come l’aromatizzazione delle botti prima di accogliere il vino. La sua coltivazione su larga scala risale alla metà del XX secolo, sia in Europa, soprattutto i…

Rosmarinus officinalis L.: studi preliminari delle caratteristiche bio-agronomiche di ecotipi siciliani

Caratterizzazione bio-agronomica ed energetica di alcune specie presenti nella flora spontanea siciliana

La biomassa ligno-cellulosica, proveniente da numerosi arbusti della macchia mediterranea, grazie alla loro diffusa disponibilità sul territorio, rappresenta sicuramente una fonte rinnovabile di energia facilmente reperibile. Il crescente interesse verso tali fonti ha sollecitato la ricerca ad approfondire le conoscenze su quelle specie che, da un lato possano fornire una notevole quantità di biomassa, dotata di un elevato rendimento energetico, e che, dall’altro, richiedono bassi input energetici (concimazioni, lavorazioni, apporti irrigui, ecc.) per la loro coltivazione. In quest’ottica, è stato svolto uno studio per individuare specie arbustive della macchia mediterranea, contribuendo co…

Sviluppo sostenibile del Parco della Valle dei Templi di Agrigento: linee guida per la creazione di un laboratorio ambientale-polifunzionale nell’area di “Poggio Meta”

Conservation and utilization of officinal species germplasm in Sicily (Italy)

Effects of plant species in a horizontal subsurface flow constructedwetland – phytoremediation of treated urban wastewater withCyperus alternifolius L. and Typha latifolia L. in the West of Sicily (Italy)

Abstract Plant species carry out a series of important biological, chemical and physical processes within a constructed wetland wastewater treatment system and make a significant contribution to wastewater purification. This paper compares two emergent macrophytes – Cyperus alternifolius L. and Typha latifolia L. – planted separately in a pilot horizontal subsurface flow system for the phytoremediation of treated urban wastewater in the West of Sicily (Italy). The total surface area of the three units within the pilot system was 99 m 2 . Six subunits were planted with two species and three subunits were left unplanted as the control. The main aim of the study was to demonstrate that, under …

Valutazione bio-agronomica di biotipi siciliani di gramigna [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] per la realizzazione di tappeti erbosi in ambiente mediterraneo

Il lavoro ha riguardato la valutazione della variabilità esistente all’interno di una collezione di gramigna siciliana (Cynodon dactylon L.) con lo scopo di identificare quelle accessioni con caratteristiche di pregio per la realizzazione di tappeti erbosi. Sono stati esaminati 40 biotipi, provenienti da aree della Sicilia con differenti caratteristiche pedoclimatiche e vegetazionali. I rilievi effettuati hanno riguardato i principali caratteri biometrici e qualitativi del tappeto erboso di gramigna. Al fine di raggruppare i biotipi con caratteristiche simili, sulla base dei parametri allo studio, è stata effettuata la Hierarchical cluster analysis, mediante la distanza euclidea quadratica,…

Agronomical and chemical characterisation of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. biotypes from Sicily, Italy

In this study the agromomical and chemical characterization of 13 sicilian biotypes of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. (or Thymus capitatus Hoff. et Link.) collected from different areas of Sicily (Italy) and grown under the same agricultural and environmental condition are reported. The main morpho-productive parameters and quali-quantitative profile of essential oils were determined . Essential oils were extracts from the aerial parts of the plants by hydrodistillation. The essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis statistical methods were used to group biotypes according to the essential oils chemical composition. The esse…

Phytochemical, ecological and antioxidant evaluation of wild Sicilian thyme: Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav.

In a broad survey conducted throughout the Sicily region, 45 different sites were identified where thyme grows wild. All the biotypes collected were classified as Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. (syn. Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link). Cluster analysis based on the main morphological characteristics of the plant led to the division of the biotypes into 3 major groups. All samples were analyzed for their secondary phytochemical metabolites identified in the extracts and the essential oils. LC-UV-DAD/ESI-MS and GC-FID/GC-MS have been applied to characterize the extracts and the essential oils, respectively. In the extracts, 15 flavonoid derivatives with taxifolin-di-O-glucoside and thymusin…

Pollutant removal efficiency of a pilot-scale Horizontal Subsurface Flow in Sicily (Italy) planted with Cyperus alternifolius L. and Typha latifolia L. and reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation of Arundo donax L. for pellet productionResults of two-year tests under Mediterranean climatic conditions

Constructed wetland systems (CWs) are developed biological technologies for the treatment and reuse of wastewater. The aims of this study were to evaluate the treatment performance of a pilot Horizontal Subsurface Flow system (HSSFs), to evaluate the reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) from CWs for the irrigation of giant reed (Arundo donax (L.)) and to assess the effects of TWW on the biomass yield of giant reed grown for pellet production. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) in a pilot-scale HSSFs which was fed with urban-treated urban wastewater following secondary treatment from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. Giant reed plots were irrigated with TWW from plante…

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

Un contributo dell'agricoltura all'ambiente: le agroenergie

La crisi energetica che si sta registrando negli ultimi anni a livello mondiale, determinata da un progressivo esaurimento delle scorte di petrolio e da una crescente richiesta di energia da parte dei Paesi e-mergenti (Cina ed India, in particolare), ha riproposto l’esigenza di ri-correre a fonti alternative. Recenti studi, condotti dalla comunità scientifica, hanno dimostrato che, nel medio-lungo periodo, l’impiego di fonti rinnovabili può af-fiancare l’uso di combustibili fossili o, addirittura, diventarne un’alternativa. Tra queste, particolare importanza per il settore energetico siciliano assumono le cosiddette “agroenergie”, espressione di un’agricoltura multifunzionale legata non sol…

A Two-Year Bio-Agronomic and Chemotaxonomic Evaluation of Wild Sicilian Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Berries and Leaves.

A collection of nine Myrtus communis samples from different localities of Sicily was evaluated. Morphological traits and production characteristics have been chosen as parameters to arrange the samples into homogeneous groups and to identify the best biotypes for possible future agro-industrial exploitation. The plant material has been subjected to taxonomic characterization from biometric and phytochemical perspectives. Myrtle berries and leaves have been analyzed for their content in metabolites, applying a cascade extraction protocol for M. communis leaves and a single hydroalcoholic extraction for berries, whereas hydrodistillation procedures have been applied to obtain the essential oi…

Impiego di compost nella coltivazione in vaso di Rosmarinus officinalis L. e Capsicum annum L.

Il substrato di coltivazione è un elemento di fondamentale importanza per le colture in contenitore. La torba, per le sue caratteristiche chimico-fisiche, è attualmente il substrato più utilizzato per la produzione di piante in vaso. Trattandosi, però, di un materiale organico proveniente da fonti non rinnovabili in tempi brevi, e in seguito alle politiche di protezione ambientale adottate dai principali paesi produttori del Nord Europa, la disponibilità di torba di qualità tende a diminuire, mentre il suo prezzo è in progressivo aumento. Si pone, pertanto, la necessità di individuare nuovi substrati di possibile utilizzo per la coltivazione di piante in vaso, in sostituzione della torba. L…

Effects of irrigation, peat-alternative substrate and plant Habitus on the morphological and production characteristics of Sicilian rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) biotypes grown in pot

Irrigation and growing substrate are considered as essential cultivation practices in order to obtain good productive and qualitative performance of potted rosemary plants. In pot growing, the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the substrate must be stable over time in order to allow regular plant growth. However, the effects of cultivation techniques on the characteristics of potted rosemary are little known. Peat is traditionally used as the organic growing medium

Indagine preliminare su materiali inerti ai fini della costruzione di substrati artificiali per tappeti erbosi

Agronomic Evaluation of Ethiopian Mustard (brassica Carinata A. Braun) Germplasm and Physical-energy Characterization of Crop Residues in a Semi-arid Area of Sicily (italy)

Brassica carinata A. Braun is one of the most interesting oilseed crops suited to arid and semi-arid areas for energy purposes. Several studies have highlighted the possibility of introducing this species into cropping systems, typical of Mediterranean region. The aims of this study were to evaluate the agronomic performance of Brassica carinata germplasm under Mediterranean climatic conditions and to assess the physical and energy characteristics of crop residues and pellets made from the residues. A total of 20 different accessions of Brassica carinata were compared in a semi-arid area of Sicily (Italy). In the two-year test period, the main morphological and yield parameters of the acces…

A quantitative analysis of wild herbaceous plant species for medicinal uses in four Regional Parks in Sicily (Italy)

This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in 4 regional Parks in Sicily (Italy) from 2009 to 2010. The study area covers a surface of 2076 km2, the 8% of the territory of Sicily, includes 90 towns and it is characterized by a high degree of plant biodiversity. The main aim of the study was to analyse the extent of the current knowledge on medicinal uses of wild shrub and herbaceous plants in the area, using quantitative indices. The information was obtained using semi-structured interview format performed on a sample of 802 people over the age of 60 who were considered experts in rural traditions. The results highlight that most of the species are used against general health…

Caratterizzazione bio-morfologica e produttiva di ecotipi siciliani di Origanum vulgare L

Origano

Production and energetic performance of Carthamus tinctorius L. in the Mediterranean environment

One of the most important aspects when managing an agro-energy crop is the energy gain factor, that is, the surplus in energy which remains following an appraisal of the relevant inputs and outputs. This aspect is of fundamental importance when choosing a species in a particular growth environment as it gives crucial information on the economic and energetic feasibility of a species and allows us to evaluate potential costs in order to obtain a given production and energy performance. In the agro-energy sector, this indicator is not always included in the evaluation process, making the agronomic and energy results obtained often incomplete. In the Mediterranean area, one potential crop for …

The role of biomass in the production of electricity in agriculture. Current state and development opportunities

The farming sector is currently affected by a continuous fall in the number of people employed in the sector and underemployment in farming families. This is largely due to the world economic crisis and the constant increase in the cost of primary goods coupled with a fall in value of agricultural products. This has caused, in various weak areas of many regions in Italy, a tendency towards rural depopulation with evident signs of land abandonment, leaving the area vulnerable to the risk of hydrogeological instability. It is therefore of the utmost importance to promote activities aimed at diversifying the rural economy by offering incentives to create/increase non-farming activities. Amongs…

Valutazione dell'attitudine alla moltiplicazione agamica di tre specie officinali: Origano, Rosmarino e Timo