Simone Bossi | Università degli Studi di Torino (original) (raw)

Papers by Simone Bossi

Research paper thumbnail of Fusarium oxysporum and its bacterial consortium promote lettuce growth and expansin A5 gene expression through microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) emission

FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 2011

Fusarium oxysporum MSA 35 [wild-type (WT) strain] is a nonpathogenic Fusarium strain, which exhib... more Fusarium oxysporum MSA 35 [wild-type (WT) strain] is a nonpathogenic Fusarium strain, which exhibits antagonistic activity to plant pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates. The fungus lives in association with a consortium of ectosymbiotic bacteria. The WT strain, when cured of the bacterial symbionts [the cured (CU) form], is pathogenic, causing wilt symptoms similar to those of pathogenic F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae. Both WT and CU MSA 35 strains produce microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), but with a different spectrum. In vitro dual culture assays were used to assess the effects of the MVOCs produced by WT and CU strains of F. oxysporum MSA 35 on the growth and expansin gene expression of lettuce seedlings. An increase in the root length (95.6%), shoot length (75.0%) and fresh weight (85.8%) was observed only after WT strain MVOCs exposure. Leaf chlorophyll content was significantly enhanced (68%) in WT strain MVOC-treated seedlings as compared with CU strain volatiles and nontreated controls. b-Caryophyllene was found to be one of the volatiles released by WT MSA 35 responsible for the plant growth promotion effect. Semiquantitative and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assays indicated a significant difference in the expansin gene expression level between leaf (6.7-fold) and roots (4.4-fold) exposed to WT strain volatiles when compared with the CU strain volatiles and those that were nonexposed.

Research paper thumbnail of Chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes in the Pinales (Coniferales)

The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars be... more The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars belonging to the Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Podocarpaceae, Araucariaceae, Cephalotaxaceae, Sciadopityaceae and Taxaceae (Pinales). In general, n-alkanes ranged from 18 to 34 carbon numbers. In the Pinales, C 31 was the most abundant n-alkane (20.17%±1.68), followed by C 27 (2.84%±0.41), C 29 (2.59%±0.49) and C 25 (2.41%±0.22). In the Araucariaceae, n-alkane composition was characterized by low relative percentages of C 31 (5.23%±1.58), whereas the Cephalotaxaceae were characterized by high percentages of C 29 (31.95%±2.05) and C 27 (28.00%±1.00). The Cupressaceae had a mean composition of n-alkanes characterized by moderate percentages of C 31 (18.31%±2.32) and C 33 (5.36%±1.07), whereas in the Pinaceae, C 31 was the main n-alkane (25.40%±2.56). The Podocarpaceae were characterized by moderate percentages of C 29 (12.69%±9.16), C 31 (10.77%±2.70), C 27 (7.37%±5.83) and C 33 (6.59%± 5.71), whereas the Taxaceae had high percentages of C 31 (34.94%±7.85). Sciadopitys verticillata showed low percentages of all n-alkanes. Discriminant Analysis (DA) of the Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae and Pinaceae showed a good discrimination among subfamilies. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed on species of the Pinales, showed a good separation among the families. The direct comparison of the present data with those obtained on species belonging to eleven angiosperm families provided further evidence of the chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes.

Research paper thumbnail of Truffle volatiles inhibit growth and induce an oxidative burst in Arabidopsis thaliana

New Phytologist, 2007

The function of fungal volatiles in fungal-plant interactions is poorly understood. The aim here ... more The function of fungal volatiles in fungal-plant interactions is poorly understood. The aim here was to address this lack of knowledge, focusing on truffles, ectomycorrhizal fungi that are highly appreciated for their aroma.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular and chemical mechanisms involved in aphid resistance in cultivated tomato

New Phytologist, 2010

An integrated approach has been used to obtain an understanding of the molecular and chemical mec... more An integrated approach has been used to obtain an understanding of the molecular and chemical mechanisms underlying resistance to aphids in cherry-like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) landraces from the Campania region (southern Italy). The aphid-parasitoid system Macrosiphum euphorbiae-Aphidius ervi was used to describe the levels of resistance against aphids in two tomato accessions (AN5, AN7) exhibiting high yield and quality traits and lacking the tomato Mi gene.

Research paper thumbnail of Tobacco overexpressing β-ocimene induces direct and indirect responses against aphids in receiver tomato plants

In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularl... more In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularly for the role of Volatile Organic Compounds as possible elicitors of plant defense. The role of β-ocimene as an interspecific elicitor of plant defense has been recently assessed in multitrophic systems including different plant species (Solanaceae, Poaceae, legumes) and different pest species including chewer insects and phytophagous mites. Both chewer insects and phytophagous mites are known to elicit specific plant defensive pathways which are different (at least in part) from those elicited by sap feeders. The aim of this research was to fill this gap of knowledge and to assess the role of β-ocimene as an elicitor of plant defense against aphid pests, which are sap feeders. For this purpose we used as transgenic tobacco plant releasing an odour plume enriched in this compound as emitter and a tomato plant as receiver. We selected the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and its natural enem...

Research paper thumbnail of Foraging activity of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris L.) on Bt-expressing eggplants

Arthropod-Plant Interactions, 2011

A greenhouse experiment was setup to study foraging behavior of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris L... more A greenhouse experiment was setup to study foraging behavior of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris L. on Cry3Bb-expressing genetically modified (GM) eggplants and their near-isogenic control. Commonly, more bumblebees visited GM eggplants compared to near-isogenic control, but this difference was only marginally significant. The mean length of feeding bouts was similar on the two treatments. Neither the number of flowers produced nor their size could explain bumblebees' tendency to prefer GM eggplants. Volatile compounds were extracted from five plants per genotype and separated using gas chromatography. Thirteen compounds were identified and five of them appeared significantly more abundant in GM eggplants. Six of the identified compounds [(?)-limonene, Z-jasmone, p-cymene, a-pinene, methyl-salicilate, and (-)-limonene] were tested in electrophysiological bioassays with antennas detached from young bumblebees, and a response was recorded in all six cases. Experimental results indicate that pollination activity of bumblebees is compatible with this GM eggplant event as a food source and that chemical cues may have an important role in plant identification. The implications for environmental risk assessment of GM plants are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Tomato Below Ground–Above Ground Interactions: Trichoderma longibrachiatum Affects the Performance of Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Its Natural Antagonists

Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Tobacco overexpressing β-ocimene induces direct and indirect responses against aphids in receiver tomato plants

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2015

In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularl... more In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularly for the role of Volatile Organic Compounds as possible elicitors of plant defense. The role of ˇ-ocimene as an interspecific elicitor of plant defense has been recently assessed in multitrophic systems including different plant species (Solanaceae, Poaceae, legumes) and different pest species including chewer insects and phytophagous mites. Both chewer insects and phytophagous mites are known to elicit specific plant defensive pathways which are different (at least in part) from those elicited by sap feeders. The aim of this research was to fill this gap of knowledge and to assess the role of ˇ-ocimene as an elicitor of plant defense against aphid pests, which are sap feeders.

Research paper thumbnail of Tomato Below Ground–Above Ground Interactions: Trichoderma longibrachiatum Affects the Performance of Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Its Natural Antagonists

Research paper thumbnail of Chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes in the Pinales (Coniferales)

J. Biol. Res, 2004

The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars be... more The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars belonging to the Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Podocarpaceae, Araucariaceae, Cephalotaxaceae, Sciadopityaceae and Taxaceae (Pinales). In general, n-alkanes ranged from 18 to 34 carbon numbers. In the Pinales, C 31 was the most abundant n-alkane (20.17%±1.68), followed by C 27 (2.84%±0.41), C 29 (2.59%±0.49) and C 25 (2.41%±0.22). In the Araucariaceae, n-alkane composition was characterized by low relative percentages of C 31 (5.23%±1.58), whereas the Cephalotaxaceae were characterized by high percentages of C 29 (31.95%±2.05) and C 27 (28.00%±1.00). The Cupressaceae had a mean composition of n-alkanes characterized by moderate percentages of C 31 (18.31%±2.32) and C 33 (5.36%±1.07), whereas in the Pinaceae, C 31 was the main n-alkane (25.40%±2.56). The Podocarpaceae were characterized by moderate percentages of C 29 (12.69%±9.16), C 31 (10.77%±2.70), C 27 (7.37%±5.83) and C 33 (6.59%± 5.71), whereas the Taxaceae had high percentages of C 31 (34.94%±7.85). Sciadopitys verticillata showed low percentages of all n-alkanes. Discriminant Analysis (DA) of the Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae and Pinaceae showed a good discrimination among subfamilies. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed on species of the Pinales, showed a good separation among the families. The direct comparison of the present data with those obtained on species belonging to eleven angiosperm families provided further evidence of the chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes.

Research paper thumbnail of Discrimination of truffle fruiting body versus mycelial aromas by stir bar sorptive extraction

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) was applied in head space mode (HS), coupled with GC/MS, to c... more Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) was applied in head space mode (HS), coupled with GC/MS, to compare the aroma profile of three truffle species. A total of 119 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified from the fruiting bodies, of which 70 were not yet described in truffles and 60 in fungi. VOCs profile showed a high intra-and inter-specific variability, with alcohols and sulfur compounds dominating the HS of Tuber borchii and, alcohols, aldehydes and aromatic compounds the HS of T. melanosporum and T. indicum. Despite these variations, eight VOCs markers could be identified allowing the discrimination of the three species. Additionally, T. borchii and T. melanosporum both distinguished themselves from T. indicum due to higher aroma content and larger variety of sulfur containing compounds. Mycelial VOCs production was also investigated under two cultural conditions and led to the identification of eight VOCs. On one side, seven of them were also detected in the fruiting body, confirming their mycelial origin. On the other side, the total absence of some class of compounds (i.e. sulfur) in the mycelium raises questions about their origins in the fruiting bodies and confirms deep metabolic changes between the reproductive (fruiting body) and vegetative (mycelium) stages.

Research paper thumbnail of FULL PAPERS MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENOMICS

Research paper thumbnail of Adio, AM, 599 Azzolin, CMM, 507

Research paper thumbnail of Benedict, CR, 356 Bertea, CM, 371 Bortenschlager, S., 410

Research paper thumbnail of Sensing Volatile Organic Compounds by Porous Anodic Alumina

Research paper thumbnail of Arabidopsis CPKs are key mediators of gene regulation in defense responses to insect herbivory

Research paper thumbnail of Tomato below ground-above ground interactions: Trichoderma longibrachiatum affects the performance of macrosiphum euphorbiae and its natural antagonists

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative analysis of supercritical CO2 extracts and essential oils from an Ocimum basilicum chemotype particularly rich in T-cadinol

ABSTRACT Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) is an important essential oil plant used for different pu... more ABSTRACT Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) is an important essential oil plant used for different purposes (from food flavoring to pharmaceutical applications) characterized by the presence of several chemotypes. Here we show the comparative analysis between hydrodistillation of essential oils (EO) and supercritical CO2 extraction (SFE) of an O. basilicum chemotype particularly rich in T-cadinol. SFE yielded a higher percentage of 1,8-cineole (10%; 4-fold), linalool (23.2%; 5.8-fold), eugenol (13.3%; 1.2-fold) and germacrene D (5.6%; 28-fold) with respect to EO. On the other hand, EO composition was characterized by higher percentages of T-cadinol (27.5%; 3-fold) and some other sesquiterpenes with respect to SFE. The presence of high percentages of T-cadinol in EO is of great importance owing to the biological activity of this compound in cancer therapy and as an antibiotic

Research paper thumbnail of Tobacco overexpressing β-ocimene induces direct and indirect responses against aphids in receiver tomato plants

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2015

In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularl... more In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularly for the role of Volatile Organic Compounds as possible elicitors of plant defense. The role of ˇ-ocimene as an interspecific elicitor of plant defense has been recently assessed in multitrophic systems including different plant species (Solanaceae, Poaceae, legumes) and different pest species including chewer insects and phytophagous mites. Both chewer insects and phytophagous mites are known to elicit specific plant defensive pathways which are different (at least in part) from those elicited by sap feeders. The aim of this research was to fill this gap of knowledge and to assess the role of ˇ-ocimene as an elicitor of plant defense against aphid pests, which are sap feeders.

Research paper thumbnail of Interspecific relationships in co-occurring populations of social parasites and their host ants

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013

Myrmica ant colonies host numerous insect species, including the larvae of Maculinea butterflies ... more Myrmica ant colonies host numerous insect species, including the larvae of Maculinea butterflies and Microdon myrmicae hoverflies. Little is known about the interspecific relationships among these social parasites and their host ants occurring in sympatric populations. We investigated communities of social parasites to assess the strategies allowing them to share the same pool of resources (i.e. Myrmica colonies). The present study was carried out at five sites inhabited by different social parasite communities, each comprising varying proportions of Maculinea teleius, Maculinea nausithous, Maculinea alcon, and Microdon myrmicae. We investigated their spatial distributions, host segregation, the degree of chemical similarity between social parasites and hosts, and temporal overlaps in colony resource exploitation. Spatial segregation among social parasites was found in two populations and it arises from microhabitat preferences and biological interactions. Local conditions can drive selection on one social parasite to use a Myrmica host species that is not exploited by other social parasites. Myrmica scabrinodis and Myrmica rubra nests infested by larvae of two social parasite species were found and the most common co-occurrence was between Ma. teleius and Mi. myrmicae. The successful coexistence of these two species derives from their exploitation of the host colony resources at different times of the year.

Research paper thumbnail of Fusarium oxysporum and its bacterial consortium promote lettuce growth and expansin A5 gene expression through microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) emission

FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 2011

Fusarium oxysporum MSA 35 [wild-type (WT) strain] is a nonpathogenic Fusarium strain, which exhib... more Fusarium oxysporum MSA 35 [wild-type (WT) strain] is a nonpathogenic Fusarium strain, which exhibits antagonistic activity to plant pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates. The fungus lives in association with a consortium of ectosymbiotic bacteria. The WT strain, when cured of the bacterial symbionts [the cured (CU) form], is pathogenic, causing wilt symptoms similar to those of pathogenic F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae. Both WT and CU MSA 35 strains produce microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), but with a different spectrum. In vitro dual culture assays were used to assess the effects of the MVOCs produced by WT and CU strains of F. oxysporum MSA 35 on the growth and expansin gene expression of lettuce seedlings. An increase in the root length (95.6%), shoot length (75.0%) and fresh weight (85.8%) was observed only after WT strain MVOCs exposure. Leaf chlorophyll content was significantly enhanced (68%) in WT strain MVOC-treated seedlings as compared with CU strain volatiles and nontreated controls. b-Caryophyllene was found to be one of the volatiles released by WT MSA 35 responsible for the plant growth promotion effect. Semiquantitative and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assays indicated a significant difference in the expansin gene expression level between leaf (6.7-fold) and roots (4.4-fold) exposed to WT strain volatiles when compared with the CU strain volatiles and those that were nonexposed.

Research paper thumbnail of Chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes in the Pinales (Coniferales)

The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars be... more The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars belonging to the Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Podocarpaceae, Araucariaceae, Cephalotaxaceae, Sciadopityaceae and Taxaceae (Pinales). In general, n-alkanes ranged from 18 to 34 carbon numbers. In the Pinales, C 31 was the most abundant n-alkane (20.17%±1.68), followed by C 27 (2.84%±0.41), C 29 (2.59%±0.49) and C 25 (2.41%±0.22). In the Araucariaceae, n-alkane composition was characterized by low relative percentages of C 31 (5.23%±1.58), whereas the Cephalotaxaceae were characterized by high percentages of C 29 (31.95%±2.05) and C 27 (28.00%±1.00). The Cupressaceae had a mean composition of n-alkanes characterized by moderate percentages of C 31 (18.31%±2.32) and C 33 (5.36%±1.07), whereas in the Pinaceae, C 31 was the main n-alkane (25.40%±2.56). The Podocarpaceae were characterized by moderate percentages of C 29 (12.69%±9.16), C 31 (10.77%±2.70), C 27 (7.37%±5.83) and C 33 (6.59%± 5.71), whereas the Taxaceae had high percentages of C 31 (34.94%±7.85). Sciadopitys verticillata showed low percentages of all n-alkanes. Discriminant Analysis (DA) of the Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae and Pinaceae showed a good discrimination among subfamilies. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed on species of the Pinales, showed a good separation among the families. The direct comparison of the present data with those obtained on species belonging to eleven angiosperm families provided further evidence of the chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes.

Research paper thumbnail of Truffle volatiles inhibit growth and induce an oxidative burst in Arabidopsis thaliana

New Phytologist, 2007

The function of fungal volatiles in fungal-plant interactions is poorly understood. The aim here ... more The function of fungal volatiles in fungal-plant interactions is poorly understood. The aim here was to address this lack of knowledge, focusing on truffles, ectomycorrhizal fungi that are highly appreciated for their aroma.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular and chemical mechanisms involved in aphid resistance in cultivated tomato

New Phytologist, 2010

An integrated approach has been used to obtain an understanding of the molecular and chemical mec... more An integrated approach has been used to obtain an understanding of the molecular and chemical mechanisms underlying resistance to aphids in cherry-like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) landraces from the Campania region (southern Italy). The aphid-parasitoid system Macrosiphum euphorbiae-Aphidius ervi was used to describe the levels of resistance against aphids in two tomato accessions (AN5, AN7) exhibiting high yield and quality traits and lacking the tomato Mi gene.

Research paper thumbnail of Tobacco overexpressing β-ocimene induces direct and indirect responses against aphids in receiver tomato plants

In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularl... more In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularly for the role of Volatile Organic Compounds as possible elicitors of plant defense. The role of β-ocimene as an interspecific elicitor of plant defense has been recently assessed in multitrophic systems including different plant species (Solanaceae, Poaceae, legumes) and different pest species including chewer insects and phytophagous mites. Both chewer insects and phytophagous mites are known to elicit specific plant defensive pathways which are different (at least in part) from those elicited by sap feeders. The aim of this research was to fill this gap of knowledge and to assess the role of β-ocimene as an elicitor of plant defense against aphid pests, which are sap feeders. For this purpose we used as transgenic tobacco plant releasing an odour plume enriched in this compound as emitter and a tomato plant as receiver. We selected the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and its natural enem...

Research paper thumbnail of Foraging activity of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris L.) on Bt-expressing eggplants

Arthropod-Plant Interactions, 2011

A greenhouse experiment was setup to study foraging behavior of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris L... more A greenhouse experiment was setup to study foraging behavior of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris L. on Cry3Bb-expressing genetically modified (GM) eggplants and their near-isogenic control. Commonly, more bumblebees visited GM eggplants compared to near-isogenic control, but this difference was only marginally significant. The mean length of feeding bouts was similar on the two treatments. Neither the number of flowers produced nor their size could explain bumblebees' tendency to prefer GM eggplants. Volatile compounds were extracted from five plants per genotype and separated using gas chromatography. Thirteen compounds were identified and five of them appeared significantly more abundant in GM eggplants. Six of the identified compounds [(?)-limonene, Z-jasmone, p-cymene, a-pinene, methyl-salicilate, and (-)-limonene] were tested in electrophysiological bioassays with antennas detached from young bumblebees, and a response was recorded in all six cases. Experimental results indicate that pollination activity of bumblebees is compatible with this GM eggplant event as a food source and that chemical cues may have an important role in plant identification. The implications for environmental risk assessment of GM plants are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Tomato Below Ground–Above Ground Interactions: Trichoderma longibrachiatum Affects the Performance of Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Its Natural Antagonists

Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Tobacco overexpressing β-ocimene induces direct and indirect responses against aphids in receiver tomato plants

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2015

In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularl... more In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularly for the role of Volatile Organic Compounds as possible elicitors of plant defense. The role of ˇ-ocimene as an interspecific elicitor of plant defense has been recently assessed in multitrophic systems including different plant species (Solanaceae, Poaceae, legumes) and different pest species including chewer insects and phytophagous mites. Both chewer insects and phytophagous mites are known to elicit specific plant defensive pathways which are different (at least in part) from those elicited by sap feeders. The aim of this research was to fill this gap of knowledge and to assess the role of ˇ-ocimene as an elicitor of plant defense against aphid pests, which are sap feeders.

Research paper thumbnail of Tomato Below Ground–Above Ground Interactions: Trichoderma longibrachiatum Affects the Performance of Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Its Natural Antagonists

Research paper thumbnail of Chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes in the Pinales (Coniferales)

J. Biol. Res, 2004

The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars be... more The chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes was studied in 112 species and cultivars belonging to the Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Podocarpaceae, Araucariaceae, Cephalotaxaceae, Sciadopityaceae and Taxaceae (Pinales). In general, n-alkanes ranged from 18 to 34 carbon numbers. In the Pinales, C 31 was the most abundant n-alkane (20.17%±1.68), followed by C 27 (2.84%±0.41), C 29 (2.59%±0.49) and C 25 (2.41%±0.22). In the Araucariaceae, n-alkane composition was characterized by low relative percentages of C 31 (5.23%±1.58), whereas the Cephalotaxaceae were characterized by high percentages of C 29 (31.95%±2.05) and C 27 (28.00%±1.00). The Cupressaceae had a mean composition of n-alkanes characterized by moderate percentages of C 31 (18.31%±2.32) and C 33 (5.36%±1.07), whereas in the Pinaceae, C 31 was the main n-alkane (25.40%±2.56). The Podocarpaceae were characterized by moderate percentages of C 29 (12.69%±9.16), C 31 (10.77%±2.70), C 27 (7.37%±5.83) and C 33 (6.59%± 5.71), whereas the Taxaceae had high percentages of C 31 (34.94%±7.85). Sciadopitys verticillata showed low percentages of all n-alkanes. Discriminant Analysis (DA) of the Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae and Pinaceae showed a good discrimination among subfamilies. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed on species of the Pinales, showed a good separation among the families. The direct comparison of the present data with those obtained on species belonging to eleven angiosperm families provided further evidence of the chemotaxonomic significance of leaf wax n-alkanes.

Research paper thumbnail of Discrimination of truffle fruiting body versus mycelial aromas by stir bar sorptive extraction

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) was applied in head space mode (HS), coupled with GC/MS, to c... more Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) was applied in head space mode (HS), coupled with GC/MS, to compare the aroma profile of three truffle species. A total of 119 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified from the fruiting bodies, of which 70 were not yet described in truffles and 60 in fungi. VOCs profile showed a high intra-and inter-specific variability, with alcohols and sulfur compounds dominating the HS of Tuber borchii and, alcohols, aldehydes and aromatic compounds the HS of T. melanosporum and T. indicum. Despite these variations, eight VOCs markers could be identified allowing the discrimination of the three species. Additionally, T. borchii and T. melanosporum both distinguished themselves from T. indicum due to higher aroma content and larger variety of sulfur containing compounds. Mycelial VOCs production was also investigated under two cultural conditions and led to the identification of eight VOCs. On one side, seven of them were also detected in the fruiting body, confirming their mycelial origin. On the other side, the total absence of some class of compounds (i.e. sulfur) in the mycelium raises questions about their origins in the fruiting bodies and confirms deep metabolic changes between the reproductive (fruiting body) and vegetative (mycelium) stages.

Research paper thumbnail of FULL PAPERS MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENOMICS

Research paper thumbnail of Adio, AM, 599 Azzolin, CMM, 507

Research paper thumbnail of Benedict, CR, 356 Bertea, CM, 371 Bortenschlager, S., 410

Research paper thumbnail of Sensing Volatile Organic Compounds by Porous Anodic Alumina

Research paper thumbnail of Arabidopsis CPKs are key mediators of gene regulation in defense responses to insect herbivory

Research paper thumbnail of Tomato below ground-above ground interactions: Trichoderma longibrachiatum affects the performance of macrosiphum euphorbiae and its natural antagonists

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative analysis of supercritical CO2 extracts and essential oils from an Ocimum basilicum chemotype particularly rich in T-cadinol

ABSTRACT Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) is an important essential oil plant used for different pu... more ABSTRACT Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) is an important essential oil plant used for different purposes (from food flavoring to pharmaceutical applications) characterized by the presence of several chemotypes. Here we show the comparative analysis between hydrodistillation of essential oils (EO) and supercritical CO2 extraction (SFE) of an O. basilicum chemotype particularly rich in T-cadinol. SFE yielded a higher percentage of 1,8-cineole (10%; 4-fold), linalool (23.2%; 5.8-fold), eugenol (13.3%; 1.2-fold) and germacrene D (5.6%; 28-fold) with respect to EO. On the other hand, EO composition was characterized by higher percentages of T-cadinol (27.5%; 3-fold) and some other sesquiterpenes with respect to SFE. The presence of high percentages of T-cadinol in EO is of great importance owing to the biological activity of this compound in cancer therapy and as an antibiotic

Research paper thumbnail of Tobacco overexpressing β-ocimene induces direct and indirect responses against aphids in receiver tomato plants

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2015

In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularl... more In the last decade plant-to-plant communication has received an increasing attention, particularly for the role of Volatile Organic Compounds as possible elicitors of plant defense. The role of ˇ-ocimene as an interspecific elicitor of plant defense has been recently assessed in multitrophic systems including different plant species (Solanaceae, Poaceae, legumes) and different pest species including chewer insects and phytophagous mites. Both chewer insects and phytophagous mites are known to elicit specific plant defensive pathways which are different (at least in part) from those elicited by sap feeders. The aim of this research was to fill this gap of knowledge and to assess the role of ˇ-ocimene as an elicitor of plant defense against aphid pests, which are sap feeders.

Research paper thumbnail of Interspecific relationships in co-occurring populations of social parasites and their host ants

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013

Myrmica ant colonies host numerous insect species, including the larvae of Maculinea butterflies ... more Myrmica ant colonies host numerous insect species, including the larvae of Maculinea butterflies and Microdon myrmicae hoverflies. Little is known about the interspecific relationships among these social parasites and their host ants occurring in sympatric populations. We investigated communities of social parasites to assess the strategies allowing them to share the same pool of resources (i.e. Myrmica colonies). The present study was carried out at five sites inhabited by different social parasite communities, each comprising varying proportions of Maculinea teleius, Maculinea nausithous, Maculinea alcon, and Microdon myrmicae. We investigated their spatial distributions, host segregation, the degree of chemical similarity between social parasites and hosts, and temporal overlaps in colony resource exploitation. Spatial segregation among social parasites was found in two populations and it arises from microhabitat preferences and biological interactions. Local conditions can drive selection on one social parasite to use a Myrmica host species that is not exploited by other social parasites. Myrmica scabrinodis and Myrmica rubra nests infested by larvae of two social parasite species were found and the most common co-occurrence was between Ma. teleius and Mi. myrmicae. The successful coexistence of these two species derives from their exploitation of the host colony resources at different times of the year.