Vitale Nuzzo | Università della Basilicata (original) (raw)

Papers by Vitale Nuzzo

BioFactors, 2010

Stilbenic compounds recently have become the focus of a number of studies in medicine and plant p... more Stilbenic compounds recently have become the focus of a number of studies in medicine and plant physiology as well as have emerged as promising molecules that potentially affect human health. Stilbenes are relatively simple compounds synthesized by plants and deriving from the phenyalanine/polymalonate route, the last and key enzyme of this pathway being stilbene synthase. Here, we review the biological significance of stilbenes in plants together with their biosynthesis pathway and their metabolism both by fungi and in planta. Special attention will be paid to the role of stilbenic molecules as phytoalexins.

Lo studio dell'architettura dell'apparato radicale delle piante coltivate ha negli ulti... more Lo studio dell'architettura dell'apparato radicale delle piante coltivate ha negli ultimi anni destato un crescente interesse poiché l'acquisizione di nuove conoscenze in questo settore aiuta a comprendere i meccanismi di colonizzazione del terreno e di adattamento delle piante all'ambiente. La disponibilità di acqua e nutrienti in molti ecosistemi agrari rappresenta, da un lato, il principale limite al raggiungimento di elevate rese di prodotto anche se, dall'altro, un'eccessiva applicazione di input, che caratterizza i Paesi più ...

XXV Convegno Peschicolo-Nuova Peschicoltura Sostenibile: Innovazione, Tecniche di Filiera, Nuove Varietà, Qualità e Mercato, Sep 1, 2004

Riassunto La concentrazione della CO2 atmosferica è aumentata durante il secolo appena trascorso ... more Riassunto La concentrazione della CO2 atmosferica è aumentata durante il secolo appena trascorso ed è stato stimato un raddoppio della concentrazione attuale di CO2 entro la fine di questo secolo. Tra le diverse azioni di contrasto, le tecniche di coltivazione possono svolgere un ruolo chiave nella regolazione delle quantità di CO2 emesse o fissate in un determinato sistema agricolo. Il presente lavoro espone i flussi del carbonio stimati nei primi cinque anni dall'impianto in due pescheti, di cui uno con piante allevate ad Y trasversale e ...

Construction of homes within the watershed of a fen-wetland complex has resulted in encroachment ... more Construction of homes within the watershed of a fen-wetland complex has resulted in encroachment of ground water-borne anthropogenic contaminants into 3 high-quality fens. The study area is located in northeastern Illinois and is situated at the base of a Wisconsinan moraine. The upper 15 to 45 m of glacial drift consists of permeable sand and gravel, overlain by 3 to

Acta horticulturae

Minirhizotrons were used to observe, throughout the annual cycle, the root length density (RLD, c... more Minirhizotrons were used to observe, throughout the annual cycle, the root length density (RLD, cm cm-3) of fine roots in young olive trees (Olea europaea L., cv. Coratina) grown in irrigated and rainfed conditions. The trial was carried out in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment of Southern Italy. The root length density at different depths and distances from the trunk was examined during winter rest, flowering, and pit hardening. Results proved that RLD of irrigated trees was always higher than that shown by the non-irrigated ones, except at the end of July, when heavy rainfall wetted the soil surface layers stimulating root activity in the rainfed plants. Irrigated trees, differently from plants grown under rainfed conditions, showed a root density peak during the winter rest. Root growth pattern was also affected by the sink-source competition occurring throughout the annual season.

Therapeutic Laser Applications and Laser-Tissue Interactions IV, 2009

A prominent laser based treatment in ophthalmology is the LASIK procedure which nowadays includes... more A prominent laser based treatment in ophthalmology is the LASIK procedure which nowadays includes a cutting of the corneal tissue based on ultra short pulses. Focusing an ultra short laser pulse below the surface of biological tissue an optical breakdown is caused and hence a dissection is obtained. The laser energy of the laser pulses is absorbed by nonlinear processes.

Riassunto -L'obiettivo del presente lavoro è stato quello di valutare la capacità di osmoregolazi... more Riassunto -L'obiettivo del presente lavoro è stato quello di valutare la capacità di osmoregolazione delle foglie di olivo durante un periodo di carenza idrica.

Many inorganic cations play a major role in winemaking processes and wine quality. For this reaso... more Many inorganic cations play a major role in winemaking processes and wine quality. For this reason, chemistry at the elemental level ("ionomic") of the grape berry is of concern not only to the viticulturist, but also to the oenologist due to their direct impact on juice and must composition, which in turn affect wine quality. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of reduced irrigation and incident light (by means of micronized calcite) on the berry skin ionome of the Italian red grape 'Aglianico'. The study was carried out in a five-years-old vineyard (Vitis vinifera L. 'Aglianico') located in Southern Italy. Half of the plants (IRR) were drip irrigated, whereas the other half were not irrigated (NIR). Half of IRR and NIR plants were treated with Megagreen ® micronized calcite. In all the treatments, plant water status and gas exchange were determined. The mean values of stem water potential (ψ w ) during the experiment were -1.02 and -1.10 MPa in IRR and NIR, respectively. The calcite treatments did not show changes in ψ w values if compared to the untreated ones. The values of gas exchange were not statistically different among the four treatments. Grape berries were separated into three groups of mass, and the levels of macroelements, microelements and lanthanides were measured. Irrigation and calcite significantly affected macroelements distribution in all the three groups of mass, with Fe, Cu and Zn being significantly higher in the IRR and calcite-treated treatments. The effect of irrigation on the changes in microelement levels was significant for some elements. Calcite-treated vines showed higher mean values of Co, Cd, Hg and Pb. Regarding lanthanides, in calcite-untreated vines, irrigation determined significant decreases in average La, Ce, Nd, whereas in calcite-treated vines, increases in the mean concentrations of Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er and Yb were found. Generally, lanthanide levels did not change between calcite-treated and untreated vines, and in all the treatments Lu resulted to be the most abundant one. Macroelements, microelements and lanthanide levels generally decreased with decreasing berry weight. The dynamics of the extractability of metals from grape berries to must during fermentation could be used to predict wine quality during the following processes and for wine traceability purposes. K e y w o r d s : 'Aglianico', ionome, irradiance, irrigation, metals. A b b r e v i a t i o n s : A n = net photosynthesis; E = transpiration; ETc = cultural evapotranspiration; ETo = reference evapotranspiration; g s = stomatal conductance; IRR = irrigated plants; IRR-NT = irrigated plants not treated with calcite; IRR-T = irrigated plants treated with calcite; NIR = non-irrigated plants; NIR-NT = non-irrigated plants not treated with calcite; NIR-T = non-irrigated plants treated with calcite (NIR-T); PPFD = photosynthetic photon flux density; VPD = leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficit; ψ w = stem water potential.

Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 2014

Higher calcium (Ca) concentration in several fleshy fruit including kiwifruit is a pre-requisite ... more Higher calcium (Ca) concentration in several fleshy fruit including kiwifruit is a pre-requisite for lower incidence of Ca-related diseases and improved fruit nutritional value. This review examines the internal and external factors operating along the soil-to-fruit pathway that are involved in the uptake and partitioning of Ca in kiwifruit vines. After a brief description of fruit growth and the dynamic of nutrient accumulation during fruit development, the review considers the role of soil Ca concentration and availability, root elongation, mass flow in the apoplast, fruit transpiration, competition between fruit and highly transpiring leaves, weather variables and soil moisture. How fruit morphological and anatomical traits, including skin anatomy, xylem development and hydraulic resistance, influence physiological processes such as transpiration and impact on Ca accumulation is also discussed. The review highlights that approximately 80% of the total Ca content of fruit is accumulated during the early weeks after fruit-set, suggesting that failure of good fruit Ca nutrition at that time may lead to poor fruit Ca content at harvest. Therefore, based on the analysis of the internal and external factors that influence Ca accumulation, recommendations are made for orchard practices that maximize Ca accumulation in the kiwifruit berry, including optimal pollination, nutrient and irrigation management, and manipulation of canopy architecture.

Scientia Horticulturae, 2006

The vegetative and productive performance of micro-propagated olive plants in comparison with gra... more The vegetative and productive performance of micro-propagated olive plants in comparison with grafted and own-rooted plants was evaluated in southern Italy. Two cultivars of Olea europaea L. 'Carolea' and 'Nocellara Etnea', were planted in 1997 at two-row spacings: 6 m Â 3 m and 6 m Â 6 m. Percentage of flower bud differentiation, fruit weight, yield, pruning material and trunk diameter were measured on each plant of the experimental plot. Plants came into flowering the second year after planting with significant differences between cultivars. Micro-propagated 'Nocellara Etnea' plants came into bearing as early as the second year, whereas grafted plants had no bearing. Eight years after planting, cumulated yield of 'Nocellara Etnea' plants was almost double as compared to the 'Carolea' plants. Yield from micro-propagated plants was slightly higher with respect to grafted plants in 'Nocellara Etnea', but fruit weight was significantly lower. Micro-propagated 'Carolea' plants have shown a similar percentage of flower buds but a very low cumulated yield in the period of the trial, due to poor fruit set. In general, vegetative growth was significantly higher on plants with lower crop level. Our results have shown that micro-propagated plants did not exhibit any juvenile trait as, for instance, delay in flowering. In vitro propagation can thus be a rapid and a powerful olive propagation technique. Further investigations are however necessary to check if the main phenological differences observed (average fruit weight and poor fruit set) are somehow due to genetic modifications induced by in vitro propagation. #

Scientia Horticulturae, 2005

Agricultural practices can play an important role in atmospheric CO 2 emission and fixation. In t... more Agricultural practices can play an important role in atmospheric CO 2 emission and fixation. In this study, we present results on carbon fluxes in the biomass of two typical Mediterranean orchards indicating that proper canopy management coupled with other agricultural techniques could increase the absorption of atmospheric CO 2 and its storage. We also discuss the potential environmental contribution of the orchards to enhancement of both soil and air quality. Trials were carried out in southern Italy on olive (Olea europaea L.) and peach orchards (Prunus persica L.) at different age and plant densities. At the end of each vegetative season, values of fixed atmospheric CO 2 were calculated by measuring dry matter accumulation and partitioning in the different plant organs. In the early years, sequestered CO 2 was primarily distributed in the permanent structures and in the root system while in mature orchards the fixed CO 2 was distributed in leaves, pruning materials and fruit. Significant differences in amounts of fixed CO 2 were observed in peach orchards cultivated using different planting and training strategies. The results underline the importance of training system, plant density and cultivation techniques in the absorption of atmospheric CO 2 and its storage as organic matter in the soil. #

… on Irrigation of …, 2003

The aim of this paper was to verify the possibility to reduce irrigation water requirements by ap... more The aim of this paper was to verify the possibility to reduce irrigation water requirements by applying regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) during phenological stages less sensitive to water deficit. The effects of two different levels of RDI were studied in a peach orchard (cv Springcrest). From bud break to harvest, irrigation was managed by applying 100% ETc, while from harvest to early autumn, irrigation was equivalent to 100%, 50% and 25% ETc. During the trial, no significant reductions in yield or quality were found for the 50% ETc treatment, whereas about 1,000, 1,800 and 2,400 m 3 ha -1 of water were saved in the first, the second and the third year. The 25% treatment did reduce quality and yield significantly. Under scarce water supply conditions, a clear benefit can be obtained through the use of 50% RDI during the post-harvest period, especially for early harvest peaches.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2009

Invasive species can quickly transform biological communities due to their high abundance and str... more Invasive species can quickly transform biological communities due to their high abundance and strong impacts on native species, in part because they can be released from the ecological forces that limit native populations. However, little is known about the long-term dynamics of invasions; do invaders maintain their dominant status over long time spans, or do new ecological and evolutionary forces eventually develop to limit their populations? Alliaria petiolata is a Eurasian species that aggressively invades North American forest understories, in part due to the production of toxic phytochemicals. Here we document a marked decline in its phytotoxin production and a consequent decline in their impact on three native species, across a 50+ year chronosequence of Alliaria petiolata invasion. Genetic evidence suggests that these patterns result from natural selection for decreased phytotoxin production rather than founder effects during introduction and spread. These patterns are consistent with the finding of slowing A. petiolata population growth and rebounding native species abundance across a separate chronosequence in Illinois, U.S. These results suggest that this invader is developing evolutionary limits in its introduced range and highlight the importance of understanding the long-term processes that shape species invasions and their impacts.

Plant and Soil, 2000

The effects of water stress on water potential components, tissue water content, mean elastic mod... more The effects of water stress on water potential components, tissue water content, mean elastic modulus and the osmoregulation capacity of olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Coratina) leaves was determined. Artificial rehydration of olive leaf tissues altered the P-V relationships so that a plateau phenomenon occurred. Points in the P-V curve in the region affected by the plateau, generally up to −0.5 MPa, were corrected for all the samples analyzed. In the corrected P-V relationship, an osmotic adjustment was found in drought-stressed leaf tissues. Osmotic potentials at full turgor ( 0(sat) ) and osmotic potential at turgor-loss ( 0(TVT) ) decreased from −2.06±0.01 MPa and −3.07±0.16 MPa in controls to −2.81±0.03 MPa and −3.85±0.12 MPa in most stressed plants. Osmotic adjustment values obtained from the P-V curves agreed with those obtained using an osmometer. An active osmotic adjustment of 1.42 MPa was also observed in 1-4 mm-diameter roots. Mannitol is the main carbohydrate involved in osmotic potential decrease in all treatments. The maximum elastic modulus increased from 11.6±0.95 MPa in the controls to 18.6±0.61 MPa in the most stressed plants.

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 2007

Background. Automatic systems for stabilizing blood pressure (BP) during dialysis are few and onl... more Background. Automatic systems for stabilizing blood pressure (BP) during dialysis are few and only control those variables indirectly related to BP. Due to complex BP regulation under dynamic dialysis conditions, BP itself appears to be the most consistent input parameter for a device addressed to preventing dialysis hypotension (DH).

Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2011

BACKGROUND: The present article reports the anthocyanin content in the berry skin and wine of the... more BACKGROUND: The present article reports the anthocyanin content in the berry skin and wine of the Italian red grape cultivar Aglianico (clone VCR11 grafted onto 1103 Paulsen), one of the most ancient vines and famous for its deep-red colour. Anthocyanins were extracted from frozen berry skin in an acidified methanol solution. The extraction mixtures, monitored for 120 h, were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. , indicating an enrichment of acetyl derivatives in the wine. CONCLUSION: Levels of single anthocyanins in wine were not always correlated with those detected in grapes, as they were affected by winemaking. The high values of some anthocyanins in Aglianico wine could ameliorate its quality, increasing the chromatic properties, aging stability and product acceptance.

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2012

The present study was carried out in a 5-year-old vineyard (Vitis vinifera L., cv. Aglianico) loc... more The present study was carried out in a 5-year-old vineyard (Vitis vinifera L., cv. Aglianico) located in Southern Italy. Half of the plants (IRR) were fully irrigated, whereas the other half were not irrigated (NIRR). In both of the treatments, plant water status, gas exchange, photosynthetic efficiency and productive performance were determined. The arid conditions resulted in significant decreases in stem water potential in NIRR (minimum values of −1.34 and −1.52 MPa in IRR and NIRR, respectively). The values of yield per plant, cluster weight and total berry weight were significantly higher in IRR. Grape berries were separated into four weight classes, and morphometric and microscopic analyses were carried out to measure and calculate berry skin characteristics. Irrigation determined a marked shift toward heavier (+23% in the class ≥ 1.25 g) and bigger (336.35 mm 3 vs 299.15 mm 3 ) berries, and induced significant changes in other morphometric berry parameters. No differences among berry weight classes and irrigation treatments were observed for berry skin thickness. In all of the berry weight classes, total anthocyanins extracted from berry skins were significantly higher in NIRR than in IRR (12301.53 and 9585.52 mg kg −1 fresh berry skin, respectively), and appeared to be positively related to berry weight, whereas total flavonols were not significantly different between the two treatments. Qualitative changes in the levels of single anthocyanin and flavonol compounds were detected between IRR and NIRR. In addition, iron, copper and zinc, whose high concentration can negatively affect wine quality, were significantly higher in the IRR treatment. The results highlighted that the absence of irrigation did not determine decreases in grape quality. Such data can be of primary importance in environments where water availability is by far the most important limiting factor for plant growth.

VIII International Symposium on Canopy, Rootstocks and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems 732, Jun 13, 2004

Abstract: The concentration of CO 2 has increased during the 20 th century and it is estimated th... more Abstract: The concentration of CO 2 has increased during the 20 th century and it is estimated that if some actions are not taken against this increase, current CO2 concentrations are expected to double before the end of this century. Agricultural techniques play a key role in CO 2 emission and fixation. In the present investigation, we examined carbon fluxes in a peach orchard. We hypothesized that correct utilisation of agricultural techniques, and soil management in particular, could increase the absorption of ...

III International Symposium on Mineral Nutrition of Deciduous Fruit Trees 448, May 27, 1996

Abstract: The research was carried out in a warm-arid area of Southern Italy (Basilicata region) ... more Abstract: The research was carried out in a warm-arid area of Southern Italy (Basilicata region) on two peach orchards managed using different agronomic practices (green manuring and inorganic fertilisation). In November 1994, microbial biomass C, soluble organic C, total organic C and total N were evaluated in soils two years after planting. Trunk diameter and leaf area were measured in the two treatments. In 1996, the evolution of mineral nitrogen concentrations was monitored after cover crop (Vicia faba and Avena ...