Maria Allegra - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Maria Allegra

Agricultural Water Management, Mar 1, 2021

Abstract In this study, the adaptation characteristics of orange trees, related to the applicatio... more Abstract In this study, the adaptation characteristics of orange trees, related to the application over a decade of deficit irrigation (DI) strategies, have been explored. To this purpose, the analysis of a minimal dataset composed of physiological information (stem water potential - Ψstem and sap flow - SF measurements), yield (fruits number and weight) and qualitative parameters (titratable acidity, TA; and total soluble solids, TSS) was performed with reference to the last irrigation seasons (i.e. 2018–19). The applied irrigation treatments were the following: sustained deficit irrigation (SDI); regulated deficit irrigation (RDI); partial root-zone drying (PRD), each distributing a water deficit of about 19%, 29% and 52%, respectively, compared to the control treatment (FI) supplying the full irrigation level (100% ETc). In general, higher water use efficiencies (WUE) have been obtained in DI treatments, which guarantee greater water savings (up to 50%), without affecting yield and quality characteristics. In particular, the most stressed treatment (PRD), while reaching the lowest Ψstem values (− 1.8 to − 2.0 MPa), as also shown by SF versus Ψstem clusters, resulted in WUE values for yield (WUEY), TA (WUETA) and TSS (WUETSS) parameters of approximately 2.6, 2.9, and 3.1 times greater than FI, respectively. Overall, this study allowed identifying the cumulative adaptation characteristics of the orange trees under study to the application of long-term DI strategies and showing that trees were able to achieve yields and qualitative features similar to those obtained with FI, even after 10 years of application of deficient irrigation regimes.

Acta horticulturae, Sep 1, 2022

Acta Horticulturae, 2018

This study evaluates the potential of conifer-wood biochar as a growing media component for citru... more This study evaluates the potential of conifer-wood biochar as a growing media component for citrus seedling production. The aim was to determine the biochar performance in a commercial citrus nursery and to study the expression of the genes involved in nitrogen transport. Seven growing media (gm I-VII) were prepared, each containing 50% sandy volcanic soil and the remaining part being: black peat 25% + perlite 25% (I); biochar 50% (II); black peat 12.5% + perlite 25% + biochar 12.5% (III); black peat 25% + biochar 25% (IV); black peat 12.5% + compost 12.5% + biochar 25% (V); black peat 12.5% + perlite 12.5% + compost 12.5% + biochar 12.5% (VI); black peat 25% + lapillus 25% (VII: control). Gm II with the highest concentration of biochar (50%) does not prove to be appropriate as a growing substrate, whereas gms with biochar concentrations of 12.5 and 25% show pH and electrical conductivity levels suitable for citrus growing. Gm IV showed allowed good overall agronomic performances for Carrizo citrange rootstock seedlings production during the nursery cycle. Moreover, preliminary molecular experiments performed on roots and leaves in gm II, IV and VII, both in winter and spring, showed an upregulation of the genes associated to the nitrogen transport in the gm IV. Conifer wood biochar can partially substitute black peat with associated cost savings and increased sustainability.

Acta horticulturae, Apr 1, 2023

Acta Horticulturae, 2016

Citron (Citrus medica L.) has economic value in a small area in Calabria (Southern Italy). The gr... more Citron (Citrus medica L.) has economic value in a small area in Calabria (Southern Italy). The grafting of citron on other citrus species as an alternative to C. aurantium (L.) in the Mediterranean area has not been deeply studied before. With the aim to evaluate the behavior of seven rootstocks on citron 'Diamante' performance under Mediterranean conditions, growth, yield and fruit quality were assessed during two consecutive growing seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013). The rootstocks studied were: i) Sour orange (C. aurantium L.), ii) 'Rubidoux' trifoliate orange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.], iii) 'Flying Dragon' trifoliate orange [P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.], iv) 'Swingle' citrumelo [C. paradisi (Macf). × P. trifoliata (L) Raf.], v) 'Volkamer' lemon (C. volkameriana Ten. & Pasq.), vi) 'Troyer' and vii) 'Carrizo' citranges [C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck × P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.]. Trees were planted in 2008 on a deep sandy soil located in Reggio Calabria. In both years 'Volkamer' lemon, sour orange and 'Carrizo' citrange showed significantly higher yields, particularly in comparison with 'Flying Dragon' and 'Rubidoux' trifoliate orange. As far as fruit weight is concerned 'Volkamer' lemon induced the highest values. Among the studied rootstocks no relevant graft-incompatibility was recorded. The research identified some rootstocks that could be successfully introduced in the given environmental conditions. 'Flying Dragon' and 'Rubidoux' trifoliate orange, that induced a reduced plant growth, should be suitable for high density plantations, by adopting appropriate techniques to promote acceptable fruit production.

Plants

In recent years, the growth of tetraploid Sicilian wheat landraces has been arousing increasing i... more In recent years, the growth of tetraploid Sicilian wheat landraces has been arousing increasing interest. In this study, eighteen local genotypes of Triticum turgidum subsp. turgidum, belonging to the groups ‘Bufala’, ‘Ciciredda’, ‘Bivona’ and ‘Paola’, and two cultivars of Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (the old variety ‘Bidì’, and a more recent variety ‘Simeto’) were assessed for the characteristics of the grain and bread-making performance of their flours and doughs, as well as the quality of the loaves. The grain of the twenty genotypes came from a field trial conducted during 2018–2019 in south-eastern Sicily. The main commercial features of the grain (thousand kernel weight and hectolitre weight), including the defects (starchy, black pointed and shrunken kernels), were determined. The wholemeal flours and doughs obtained from the grain of each genotype were evaluated for the main technological quality (physico-chemical and rheological characteristics), and processed into loave...

Plants

A relevant amount of waste is produced in the canning industry of globe artichoke. This study pro... more A relevant amount of waste is produced in the canning industry of globe artichoke. This study proposes to use flours of artichoke waste (stems and bracts) in durum wheat bread-making, replacing the re-milled durum wheat semolina at increasing levels (5, 7.5 and 10 g/100 g). No study had evaluated this type of enrichment in durum wheat bread, widespread in the same area where artichoke waste is mostly produced. The replacement had a visible effect on the flour color, increasing a* and reducing b* and L*, and this was reflected in the color of bread crumb. The water absorption determined by farinography, dough development time and dough stability increased as the level of replacement increased (up to 71.2 g/100 g, 7.3 min and 18.4 min, respectively). The mixograph peak height and mixing time increased compared to control. The alveograph W decreased, while the P/L ratio increased. The artichoke waste-enriched breads had a lower volume (as low as 1.37 cm3/g) and were harder than control...

Plants

The enrichment of semolina bread with prebiotic ingredients such as β-glucans may exert health-pr... more The enrichment of semolina bread with prebiotic ingredients such as β-glucans may exert health-promoting effects. This work presents the results of a general recipe development aimed at improving the nutritional value of bakery products. In this study, increasing amounts (0%, 2%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) of thin bran or barley flour were added into re-milled durum wheat semolina to prepare breads. The technological quality of doughs and breads was investigated. In general, the Farinograph water absorption of flour and dough stability increased with increasing inclusion levels of barley flour or thin bran (up to 73.23% and 18.75 min, respectively), contrarily to the increase of dough development time only in barley inclusion (4.55 min). At the same time, the softening index decreased for almost all of these, except for 2% of thin bran or barley flour inclusion. At Mixograph, mixing time increased (up to 5.13 min) whilst the peak height decreased. The specific volume and hardness of loaf diff...

Advances in Horticultural Science

In the hilly area of Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Southern Italy), lemon orchards are grown in consocia... more In the hilly area of Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Southern Italy), lemon orchards are grown in consociation with centuries-old olive trees. Lemons are partially shaded by olive canopies and the microclimate at the level of their canopies is suitable for plants growth and quality productions. Under these conditions, lemon trees are grown even without irrigation, providing, despite this limitation, a quality product. This study aimed to i) investigate the qualitative characterisation of two clonal selections of the lemon cultivar Femminello, F. Siracusano (S) and F. Zagara bianca (ZB), from the described intercropping, on irrigated (I) and non-irrigated (NI) crops; ii) assess the quality preservation during cold storage, in order to evaluate the availability of lemons for marketing in a period of shortage such as the summer season. Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity, and cold stored at 10±1°C and RH 85-90%, for 60 days. Decay incidence, physiological disorders, weight loss, and th...

New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 2021

Girdling is an ancient agronomic technique that causes a change in the distribution of photosynth... more Girdling is an ancient agronomic technique that causes a change in the distribution of photosynthates, mineral nutrients and plant hormones. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of girdling technique on 'Italia' and 'Victoria' table grape cultivars. In this study, the carpological, physico-chemical and sensory data were evaluated. In order to assess the effect of girdling on grape volatile compounds, a headspace solid-phase microextraction was also performed. Results showed the effects of girdling on morphological, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of table grapes with a different change of berry size and colour depending on the cultivar. The girdling treatment produced a significant decrease of sugar content and total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio only for 'Italia' cultivar. The analysis of volatile compounds revealed that 'Italia' cultivar had three more compounds than 'Victoria' and that the samples taken from the girdled grapevines had fewer compounds than their ungirdled ones. The results exhibited that the girdling treatment was more effective on the 'Italia' cultivar. This study showed that girdling efficacy strongly depends on the cultivar. The samples from the girdled grapevines had fewer volatile compounds than the ungirdled ones. The Principal Component Analysis totally differentiated both cultivar and treatment without overlap.

Horticulturae

Citrus spp. are spread mainly in the Mediterranean basin and represent the largest fruit source f... more Citrus spp. are spread mainly in the Mediterranean basin and represent the largest fruit source for human consumption. Postharvest losses, mainly due to diseases and metabolic disorders of fruits, can cause severe wastage, reaching 30 to 50% of the total production. Preserving quality and extending shelf life are essential objectives for postharvest technological innovation, determined by the proper handling, treatment, storage and transport of harvested produce. Moreover, the application of novel sustainable strategies is critical for the reduction of synthetic fungicide residues on fruit surfaces and the impact on the environment caused by waste disposal of fungicides. In this article, the current knowledge about the safest and more sustainable strategies, as well as advanced postharvest handling and storage technologies, will be critically reviewed.

Horticulturae, 2021

In temperate climates, bud break and shoot and flower emission of deciduous fruit tree species ar... more In temperate climates, bud break and shoot and flower emission of deciduous fruit tree species are regulated by precise chilling and heating requirements. To investigate this aspect, sixty-one accessions of European pear (Pyrus communis L.) collected in Sicily were phenotyped for three consecutive years for harvest date, bud sprouting and blooming to determine both the chilling requirements and the threshold temperature using the Chill Days model. The whole germplasm collection was grown in two different experimental fields located at 10 and 850 m above sea level representing two Mediterranean-type climates in which pear is commonly cultivated. Results revealed a mean threshold temperature of 6.70 and 8.10 °C for the two experimental fields, respectively, with a mean chilling requirement ranging from −103 and −120 days. Through this approach, novel insights were gained on the differences in chilling requirement for early flowering cultivars to overcome dormancy. Furthermore, to bett...

Crop Protection, 2021

Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel pectin-based edible coating (PBEC), al... more Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel pectin-based edible coating (PBEC), alone or added with the antagonistic yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus BS91 (PBECY), in reducing postharvest rots of Tarocco orange fruit. Their antifungal efficacy was assessed in vitro and in vivo, as well as their ability to preserve fruit quality under refrigerated conditions on three different cultivars, comparing a commercial wax amended with a fungicide. For all the treatments, the decay incidence, physiological disorders, weight loss and physical-chemical parameters were evaluated. The in vivo test results indicated that PBECY enhanced the antifungal effect compared to PBEC, given the significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01) of Penicillium digitatum (PD) decay incidence (up to 90%). After 30 d of cold storage, both PBEC and PBECY reduced fruit decay (p ≤ 0.05) in all cultivars, with values between 0 and 1.2%, relatively to the untreated control (up to 10%). Pectin-coated fruit showed a cultivar-dependent weight loss, with values comparable or higher to the other treatments, respectively for T. Lempso and T. Messina, whereas weight loss in T. Sciara was higher only when coated with PBEC. Fruit physical and chemical parameters were preserved until 30 d of storage, thus demonstrating the potential of this edible coating for future industrial application.

Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 2019

Background and Aims: Generally, grapevine roots have been less studied than the above-ground part... more Background and Aims: Generally, grapevine roots have been less studied than the above-ground parts of the plant. Here we analyse scion-rootstock interactions in mature vines growing in a heavy clay soil in a climate characterised by severe summer drought to investigate the effect of the scion-rootstock interaction in a suboptimal soil. Methods and Results: The rootstocks, 34 Ecole de Montpellier, 140 Ruggeri and 1103 Paulsen, were grafted onto Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola scions and assessed along with self-rooted vines. Root distribution and root architecture were analysed using the profile wall method at 0, 60 and 120 cm from the row midline. Root density was greatest at a depth between 21 and 60 cm. The cumulative root fraction for root density registered a β value, a numerical quantity that summarises depth distribution, ranging between 0.932 and 0.962. Root number and density were significantly lower for the selfrooted vines compared to that of the grafted vines. Conclusions: The scion genotypes affected most developmental parameters, including the diameter of the root system, the root density at 21-80 cm depth and the ratio of fine roots to coarse roots. Significance of the Study: The scion plays an important role in grapevine root growth, development and distribution in a heavy clay soil, although the mechanism remains unclear.

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 2013

Iron chlorosis is one of the most serious abiotic stresses affecting citrus (Citrus sp.) culture ... more Iron chlorosis is one of the most serious abiotic stresses affecting citrus (Citrus sp.) culture in the Mediterranean Basin. A trial was performed with potted tolerant and sensitive rootstocks that were grown in volcanic and calcareous soils. Microarray analysis allowed for the identification of differentially expressed genes putatively involved in iron (Fe) deficiency. Most of the differentially expressed genes isolated from the root tips were of unknown function; the remaining genes were related to the oxidative stress response (e.g., glutathione peroxidase), hormone metabolism and signaling (e.g., small auxin up RNA family protein genes), biological regulation, protein turnover, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (e.g., aconitase). Additionally, the majority of the Fe stress-related genes expressed in the sensitive Swingle citrumelo (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata) and tolerant Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis × P. trifoliata) rootstocks identified using real-time reverse t...

Agricultural Water Management, Mar 1, 2021

Abstract In this study, the adaptation characteristics of orange trees, related to the applicatio... more Abstract In this study, the adaptation characteristics of orange trees, related to the application over a decade of deficit irrigation (DI) strategies, have been explored. To this purpose, the analysis of a minimal dataset composed of physiological information (stem water potential - Ψstem and sap flow - SF measurements), yield (fruits number and weight) and qualitative parameters (titratable acidity, TA; and total soluble solids, TSS) was performed with reference to the last irrigation seasons (i.e. 2018–19). The applied irrigation treatments were the following: sustained deficit irrigation (SDI); regulated deficit irrigation (RDI); partial root-zone drying (PRD), each distributing a water deficit of about 19%, 29% and 52%, respectively, compared to the control treatment (FI) supplying the full irrigation level (100% ETc). In general, higher water use efficiencies (WUE) have been obtained in DI treatments, which guarantee greater water savings (up to 50%), without affecting yield and quality characteristics. In particular, the most stressed treatment (PRD), while reaching the lowest Ψstem values (− 1.8 to − 2.0 MPa), as also shown by SF versus Ψstem clusters, resulted in WUE values for yield (WUEY), TA (WUETA) and TSS (WUETSS) parameters of approximately 2.6, 2.9, and 3.1 times greater than FI, respectively. Overall, this study allowed identifying the cumulative adaptation characteristics of the orange trees under study to the application of long-term DI strategies and showing that trees were able to achieve yields and qualitative features similar to those obtained with FI, even after 10 years of application of deficient irrigation regimes.

Acta horticulturae, Sep 1, 2022

Acta Horticulturae, 2018

This study evaluates the potential of conifer-wood biochar as a growing media component for citru... more This study evaluates the potential of conifer-wood biochar as a growing media component for citrus seedling production. The aim was to determine the biochar performance in a commercial citrus nursery and to study the expression of the genes involved in nitrogen transport. Seven growing media (gm I-VII) were prepared, each containing 50% sandy volcanic soil and the remaining part being: black peat 25% + perlite 25% (I); biochar 50% (II); black peat 12.5% + perlite 25% + biochar 12.5% (III); black peat 25% + biochar 25% (IV); black peat 12.5% + compost 12.5% + biochar 25% (V); black peat 12.5% + perlite 12.5% + compost 12.5% + biochar 12.5% (VI); black peat 25% + lapillus 25% (VII: control). Gm II with the highest concentration of biochar (50%) does not prove to be appropriate as a growing substrate, whereas gms with biochar concentrations of 12.5 and 25% show pH and electrical conductivity levels suitable for citrus growing. Gm IV showed allowed good overall agronomic performances for Carrizo citrange rootstock seedlings production during the nursery cycle. Moreover, preliminary molecular experiments performed on roots and leaves in gm II, IV and VII, both in winter and spring, showed an upregulation of the genes associated to the nitrogen transport in the gm IV. Conifer wood biochar can partially substitute black peat with associated cost savings and increased sustainability.

Acta horticulturae, Apr 1, 2023

Acta Horticulturae, 2016

Citron (Citrus medica L.) has economic value in a small area in Calabria (Southern Italy). The gr... more Citron (Citrus medica L.) has economic value in a small area in Calabria (Southern Italy). The grafting of citron on other citrus species as an alternative to C. aurantium (L.) in the Mediterranean area has not been deeply studied before. With the aim to evaluate the behavior of seven rootstocks on citron 'Diamante' performance under Mediterranean conditions, growth, yield and fruit quality were assessed during two consecutive growing seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013). The rootstocks studied were: i) Sour orange (C. aurantium L.), ii) 'Rubidoux' trifoliate orange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.], iii) 'Flying Dragon' trifoliate orange [P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.], iv) 'Swingle' citrumelo [C. paradisi (Macf). × P. trifoliata (L) Raf.], v) 'Volkamer' lemon (C. volkameriana Ten. & Pasq.), vi) 'Troyer' and vii) 'Carrizo' citranges [C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck × P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.]. Trees were planted in 2008 on a deep sandy soil located in Reggio Calabria. In both years 'Volkamer' lemon, sour orange and 'Carrizo' citrange showed significantly higher yields, particularly in comparison with 'Flying Dragon' and 'Rubidoux' trifoliate orange. As far as fruit weight is concerned 'Volkamer' lemon induced the highest values. Among the studied rootstocks no relevant graft-incompatibility was recorded. The research identified some rootstocks that could be successfully introduced in the given environmental conditions. 'Flying Dragon' and 'Rubidoux' trifoliate orange, that induced a reduced plant growth, should be suitable for high density plantations, by adopting appropriate techniques to promote acceptable fruit production.

Plants

In recent years, the growth of tetraploid Sicilian wheat landraces has been arousing increasing i... more In recent years, the growth of tetraploid Sicilian wheat landraces has been arousing increasing interest. In this study, eighteen local genotypes of Triticum turgidum subsp. turgidum, belonging to the groups ‘Bufala’, ‘Ciciredda’, ‘Bivona’ and ‘Paola’, and two cultivars of Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (the old variety ‘Bidì’, and a more recent variety ‘Simeto’) were assessed for the characteristics of the grain and bread-making performance of their flours and doughs, as well as the quality of the loaves. The grain of the twenty genotypes came from a field trial conducted during 2018–2019 in south-eastern Sicily. The main commercial features of the grain (thousand kernel weight and hectolitre weight), including the defects (starchy, black pointed and shrunken kernels), were determined. The wholemeal flours and doughs obtained from the grain of each genotype were evaluated for the main technological quality (physico-chemical and rheological characteristics), and processed into loave...

Plants

A relevant amount of waste is produced in the canning industry of globe artichoke. This study pro... more A relevant amount of waste is produced in the canning industry of globe artichoke. This study proposes to use flours of artichoke waste (stems and bracts) in durum wheat bread-making, replacing the re-milled durum wheat semolina at increasing levels (5, 7.5 and 10 g/100 g). No study had evaluated this type of enrichment in durum wheat bread, widespread in the same area where artichoke waste is mostly produced. The replacement had a visible effect on the flour color, increasing a* and reducing b* and L*, and this was reflected in the color of bread crumb. The water absorption determined by farinography, dough development time and dough stability increased as the level of replacement increased (up to 71.2 g/100 g, 7.3 min and 18.4 min, respectively). The mixograph peak height and mixing time increased compared to control. The alveograph W decreased, while the P/L ratio increased. The artichoke waste-enriched breads had a lower volume (as low as 1.37 cm3/g) and were harder than control...

Plants

The enrichment of semolina bread with prebiotic ingredients such as β-glucans may exert health-pr... more The enrichment of semolina bread with prebiotic ingredients such as β-glucans may exert health-promoting effects. This work presents the results of a general recipe development aimed at improving the nutritional value of bakery products. In this study, increasing amounts (0%, 2%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) of thin bran or barley flour were added into re-milled durum wheat semolina to prepare breads. The technological quality of doughs and breads was investigated. In general, the Farinograph water absorption of flour and dough stability increased with increasing inclusion levels of barley flour or thin bran (up to 73.23% and 18.75 min, respectively), contrarily to the increase of dough development time only in barley inclusion (4.55 min). At the same time, the softening index decreased for almost all of these, except for 2% of thin bran or barley flour inclusion. At Mixograph, mixing time increased (up to 5.13 min) whilst the peak height decreased. The specific volume and hardness of loaf diff...

Advances in Horticultural Science

In the hilly area of Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Southern Italy), lemon orchards are grown in consocia... more In the hilly area of Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Southern Italy), lemon orchards are grown in consociation with centuries-old olive trees. Lemons are partially shaded by olive canopies and the microclimate at the level of their canopies is suitable for plants growth and quality productions. Under these conditions, lemon trees are grown even without irrigation, providing, despite this limitation, a quality product. This study aimed to i) investigate the qualitative characterisation of two clonal selections of the lemon cultivar Femminello, F. Siracusano (S) and F. Zagara bianca (ZB), from the described intercropping, on irrigated (I) and non-irrigated (NI) crops; ii) assess the quality preservation during cold storage, in order to evaluate the availability of lemons for marketing in a period of shortage such as the summer season. Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity, and cold stored at 10±1°C and RH 85-90%, for 60 days. Decay incidence, physiological disorders, weight loss, and th...

New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 2021

Girdling is an ancient agronomic technique that causes a change in the distribution of photosynth... more Girdling is an ancient agronomic technique that causes a change in the distribution of photosynthates, mineral nutrients and plant hormones. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of girdling technique on 'Italia' and 'Victoria' table grape cultivars. In this study, the carpological, physico-chemical and sensory data were evaluated. In order to assess the effect of girdling on grape volatile compounds, a headspace solid-phase microextraction was also performed. Results showed the effects of girdling on morphological, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of table grapes with a different change of berry size and colour depending on the cultivar. The girdling treatment produced a significant decrease of sugar content and total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio only for 'Italia' cultivar. The analysis of volatile compounds revealed that 'Italia' cultivar had three more compounds than 'Victoria' and that the samples taken from the girdled grapevines had fewer compounds than their ungirdled ones. The results exhibited that the girdling treatment was more effective on the 'Italia' cultivar. This study showed that girdling efficacy strongly depends on the cultivar. The samples from the girdled grapevines had fewer volatile compounds than the ungirdled ones. The Principal Component Analysis totally differentiated both cultivar and treatment without overlap.

Horticulturae

Citrus spp. are spread mainly in the Mediterranean basin and represent the largest fruit source f... more Citrus spp. are spread mainly in the Mediterranean basin and represent the largest fruit source for human consumption. Postharvest losses, mainly due to diseases and metabolic disorders of fruits, can cause severe wastage, reaching 30 to 50% of the total production. Preserving quality and extending shelf life are essential objectives for postharvest technological innovation, determined by the proper handling, treatment, storage and transport of harvested produce. Moreover, the application of novel sustainable strategies is critical for the reduction of synthetic fungicide residues on fruit surfaces and the impact on the environment caused by waste disposal of fungicides. In this article, the current knowledge about the safest and more sustainable strategies, as well as advanced postharvest handling and storage technologies, will be critically reviewed.

Horticulturae, 2021

In temperate climates, bud break and shoot and flower emission of deciduous fruit tree species ar... more In temperate climates, bud break and shoot and flower emission of deciduous fruit tree species are regulated by precise chilling and heating requirements. To investigate this aspect, sixty-one accessions of European pear (Pyrus communis L.) collected in Sicily were phenotyped for three consecutive years for harvest date, bud sprouting and blooming to determine both the chilling requirements and the threshold temperature using the Chill Days model. The whole germplasm collection was grown in two different experimental fields located at 10 and 850 m above sea level representing two Mediterranean-type climates in which pear is commonly cultivated. Results revealed a mean threshold temperature of 6.70 and 8.10 °C for the two experimental fields, respectively, with a mean chilling requirement ranging from −103 and −120 days. Through this approach, novel insights were gained on the differences in chilling requirement for early flowering cultivars to overcome dormancy. Furthermore, to bett...

Crop Protection, 2021

Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel pectin-based edible coating (PBEC), al... more Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel pectin-based edible coating (PBEC), alone or added with the antagonistic yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus BS91 (PBECY), in reducing postharvest rots of Tarocco orange fruit. Their antifungal efficacy was assessed in vitro and in vivo, as well as their ability to preserve fruit quality under refrigerated conditions on three different cultivars, comparing a commercial wax amended with a fungicide. For all the treatments, the decay incidence, physiological disorders, weight loss and physical-chemical parameters were evaluated. The in vivo test results indicated that PBECY enhanced the antifungal effect compared to PBEC, given the significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01) of Penicillium digitatum (PD) decay incidence (up to 90%). After 30 d of cold storage, both PBEC and PBECY reduced fruit decay (p ≤ 0.05) in all cultivars, with values between 0 and 1.2%, relatively to the untreated control (up to 10%). Pectin-coated fruit showed a cultivar-dependent weight loss, with values comparable or higher to the other treatments, respectively for T. Lempso and T. Messina, whereas weight loss in T. Sciara was higher only when coated with PBEC. Fruit physical and chemical parameters were preserved until 30 d of storage, thus demonstrating the potential of this edible coating for future industrial application.

Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 2019

Background and Aims: Generally, grapevine roots have been less studied than the above-ground part... more Background and Aims: Generally, grapevine roots have been less studied than the above-ground parts of the plant. Here we analyse scion-rootstock interactions in mature vines growing in a heavy clay soil in a climate characterised by severe summer drought to investigate the effect of the scion-rootstock interaction in a suboptimal soil. Methods and Results: The rootstocks, 34 Ecole de Montpellier, 140 Ruggeri and 1103 Paulsen, were grafted onto Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola scions and assessed along with self-rooted vines. Root distribution and root architecture were analysed using the profile wall method at 0, 60 and 120 cm from the row midline. Root density was greatest at a depth between 21 and 60 cm. The cumulative root fraction for root density registered a β value, a numerical quantity that summarises depth distribution, ranging between 0.932 and 0.962. Root number and density were significantly lower for the selfrooted vines compared to that of the grafted vines. Conclusions: The scion genotypes affected most developmental parameters, including the diameter of the root system, the root density at 21-80 cm depth and the ratio of fine roots to coarse roots. Significance of the Study: The scion plays an important role in grapevine root growth, development and distribution in a heavy clay soil, although the mechanism remains unclear.

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 2013

Iron chlorosis is one of the most serious abiotic stresses affecting citrus (Citrus sp.) culture ... more Iron chlorosis is one of the most serious abiotic stresses affecting citrus (Citrus sp.) culture in the Mediterranean Basin. A trial was performed with potted tolerant and sensitive rootstocks that were grown in volcanic and calcareous soils. Microarray analysis allowed for the identification of differentially expressed genes putatively involved in iron (Fe) deficiency. Most of the differentially expressed genes isolated from the root tips were of unknown function; the remaining genes were related to the oxidative stress response (e.g., glutathione peroxidase), hormone metabolism and signaling (e.g., small auxin up RNA family protein genes), biological regulation, protein turnover, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (e.g., aconitase). Additionally, the majority of the Fe stress-related genes expressed in the sensitive Swingle citrumelo (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata) and tolerant Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis × P. trifoliata) rootstocks identified using real-time reverse t...