In higher plants, NO3 can induce its own uptake and the magnitude of this induction is positively related to the external anion concentration. This phenomenon has been characterized in both herbaceous and woody plants...In higher plants, NO3 can induce its own uptake and the magnitude of this induction is positively related to the external anion concentration. This phenomenon has been characterized in both herbaceous and woody plants. Here,different adaptation strategies of roots from two maize（Zea mays L., ZmAGOs） inbred lines differing in nitrogen use efficiency（NUE） and exhibiting different timing of induction were discussed by investigating NO3 ‐induced changes in their transcriptome. Lo5 line（high NUE） showing the maximum rate of NO3 uptake 4 h after the provision of 200 mmol/L NO3 treatment modulated a higher number of transcripts relative to T250（low NUE） that peaked after 12 h. The two inbred lines share only 368 transcripts that are modulated by the treatment with NO3 and behaved differently when transcripts involved in anion uptake and assimilation were analyzed. T250 line responded to the NO3 induction modulating this group of Researchgenes as reported for several plant species. On the contrary,the Lo5 line did not exhibit during the induction changes in this set of genes. Obtained data suggest the importance of exploring the physiological and molecular variations among different maize genotypes in response to environmental clues like NO3 provision, in order to understand mechanisms underlying NUE.展开更多
Cereal is an essential source of calories and protein for the global population.Accurately predicting cereal quality before harvest is highly desirable in order to optimise management for farmers,grading harvest and c...Cereal is an essential source of calories and protein for the global population.Accurately predicting cereal quality before harvest is highly desirable in order to optimise management for farmers,grading harvest and categorised storage for enterprises,future trading prices,and policy planning.The use of remote sensing data with extensive spatial coverage demonstrates some potential in predicting crop quality traits.Many studies have also proposed models and methods for predicting such traits based on multiplatform remote sensing data.In this paper,the key quality traits that are of interest to producers and consumers are introduced.The literature related to grain quality prediction was analyzed in detail,and a review was conducted on remote sensing platforms,commonly used methods,potential gaps,and future trends in crop quality prediction.This review recommends new research directions that go beyond the traditional methods and discusses grain quality retrieval and the associated challenges from the perspective of remote sensing data.展开更多
Characterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II plants, has proven that low sulfur availability often limits plant capability to cope with iron shortage. Here it was inv...Characterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II plants, has proven that low sulfur availability often limits plant capability to cope with iron shortage. Here it was investigated whether the adaptation to iron deficiency in tomato （Solanum lycopersicum L.） plants was associated with an increased root sulfate uptake and translocation capacity, and modified dynamics of total sulfur and thiols accumulation between roots and shoots. Most of the tomato sulfate transporter genes belonging to Groups 1, 2, and 4 were significantly upregulated in iron-deficient roots, as it commonly occurs under S-deficient conditions. The upregulation of the two high affinity sulfate transporter genes, SlST1.1 and SlST1.2, by iron deprivation clearly suggests an increased root capability to take up sulfate. Furthermore, the upregulation of the two low affinity sulfate transporter genes SlST2.1 and SlST4.1 in iron-deficient roots, accompanied by a substantial accumulation of total sulfur and thiols in shoots of＆amp;nbsp;iron-starved plants, likely supports an increased root-to-shoot translocation of sulfate. Results suggest that tomato plants exposed to iron-deficiency are able to change sulfur metabolic balance mimicking sulfur starvation responses to meet the increased demand for methionine and its derivatives, al owing them to cope with this stress.展开更多
The present study analyzes the structure and dynamics of the forest landscape in a peri-urban area （Rome, Italy） during the city＇s expansion from 1949 to 2008 using landscape metrics and change detection anal- ysis...The present study analyzes the structure and dynamics of the forest landscape in a peri-urban area （Rome, Italy） during the city＇s expansion from 1949 to 2008 using landscape metrics and change detection anal- ysis of digital maps of the area （1500 km2）. While urban settlements increased continuously from 6.5 to 27.5 % of the study area, woodlands changed less clearly, with a moderate increase （from 11.2 to 11.9 % of the total area） and a higher fragmentation as a consequence of Rome＇s expansion. The structure of forest landscape changed along the urban-to-rural gradient with patch size increasing with the distance to the inner city in 1949 and substantial landscape homogeneity in 2008. The indicators proposed in this study inform dedicated measures for conserving forest and maintaining landscape diversity. Measures adopted in Rome＇s forestation plan to counteract woodlandfragmentation were analyzed and discussed. Based on the complex landscape dynamics found for Rome, an inte- grated multiscale planning approach targeting forest con- servation is considered a key contribution to urban sustainability.展开更多
In Italy, the hydro-geological protection of the Apennine territories is a well-known issue. For this reason, at the end of the 19th century, a new reforestation technique was proposed by the Inspector of Forest Servi...In Italy, the hydro-geological protection of the Apennine territories is a well-known issue. For this reason, at the end of the 19th century, a new reforestation technique was proposed by the Inspector of Forest Service, Pietro Montanari to cope with difficult soil conditions of the mountain areas. This new approach was the first application of the so-called ＂gradoni＂ （small terraces） method of soil preparation. Each ＂gradone＂ was 100-120 cm wide and made with a slight counter slope （ca 10-15 degrees） to promote the accumulation of water and organic matter. Along each ＂gradone＂, bare root black pine seedlings （Pinus nigra Am.） were planted at a distance of 1 m from each other with a density of more than 3,000/ha. Nowadays, 19,158 hectares of black pine forests are growing in the Apennine of the Abruzzi region, largely resulting from those reforestation projects realized since the beginning of the 20th century. A case study of Monte Plaia （42°00′ 12″ N 13°53′39″ E）, that illustrates the situation after 70-110 years in consequence of lacking of silvicultural treatment and the application of aforest restoration method is presented.展开更多
This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the costs of different logging systems, in particular considering three different bunching-extraction methods. Moreover the stumpage value of each plot was calculated, ...This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the costs of different logging systems, in particular considering three different bunching-extraction methods. Moreover the stumpage value of each plot was calculated, and a comparison analysis of the results is presented. The work was carried out in Central Italy, in an aged Quercus cerris L. coppice in hill zones, with a 45% average slope. Short wood system harvesting was applied. Felling and processing were performed by chainsaw, while extraction with three different methods： plot No. 1 with mules, plot No. 2 with a tractor with winch, plot No. 3 with polyethylene chute line. Transport of firewood from the forest track to the landing was made by a tractor loaded as a mule. In the plot No. 1 the costs per unit mass （30.76 ∈·t33% ^-1） were higher despite having the lower cost per hour （39.99∈·th^- 1）. The reason was the lower productivity （1.3 t33%·h^-1）. The plot No. 2 had the highest cost per hour （66.79 ∈·h^-1）. However, productivity was the highest （2.7 t33%·h^- 1）. This aspect was notable from the financial point of view （24.74 ∈·t33%^-1）. Plot No. 3 was the less expensive （23.92 ∈·t33%^-1）. Comparing the three methods, a reduction of the costs through more appropriate extraction systems may increase the stumpage value from 8.3 to 9.65 ∈·t33%^- 1.展开更多
The aim of the research was to develop a catch-and-release trap for monitoring and controlling RPW （Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, red palm weevil）. The RPW insects were attracted through the use of an aggregation phero...The aim of the research was to develop a catch-and-release trap for monitoring and controlling RPW （Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, red palm weevil）. The RPW insects were attracted through the use of an aggregation pheromone located into a dispenser inside the trap. The RPW adults entered through an entrance door into a sterilization room where they were sprayed with a solution containing the chemical sterilizer product ＂lufenuron＂. The adults were then forced to move into a contamination room where it was present a wet media containing spores and hyphae of Metarhizium anisopliae and spores and crystalline insecticidal proteins of Bacillus thuringensis. The sterilized and infected RPW adults were counted and released into the environment where they reached new palms and join natural populations of RPW. Preliminary experiments showed that the catch-and-release trap was able to reduce the fertility of RPW adults and to increase their mortality after contamination with entomopathogens. Moreover, the infected RPW adults were able to infect untreated RPW larvae leading to a larvae mortality of 93% within 30 days. In conclusion, the advanced catch-and-release trap represents a safe and effective tool to monitor and control the population of RPW pest without environmental pollution and risks for human health.展开更多
Land degradation and early forms of desertification in both advanced economies and emerging countries reflect complex socio-environmental processes driven by multiple interactions between biophysical and socioeconomic...Land degradation and early forms of desertification in both advanced economies and emerging countries reflect complex socio-environmental processes driven by multiple interactions between biophysical and socioeconomic forces across different spatial scales.The present study investigates desertification risk,land degradation,and socio-demographic dynamics through the lens of“resilience,”adopting complex adaptive systems(CAS)thinking.The resilience of socio-environmental systems exposed to land degradation is defined as the capacity of a regional economy to respond to crises and reorganize by making changes to preserve functions,structure,and feedback,and to promote future development options.By reviewing the socioeconomic resilience of local socio-ecological systems exposed to land degradation,this study achieves a better comprehension of the multifaceted processes that lead to a higher risk of desertification and the intimate relationship with underlying population trends and demographic dynamics.A comprehensive approach based on resilience thinking was formulated to review both environmental and socio-demographic issues at the landscape scale,and provide a suitable foundation for sustainability science and regional development policies.展开更多
Fruit size and shape are critical agronomical and pomological attributes and prime targets in peach breeding programs.Apart from the flat peach type,a Mendelian trait well-characterized at the genetic level,ample dive...Fruit size and shape are critical agronomical and pomological attributes and prime targets in peach breeding programs.Apart from the flat peach type,a Mendelian trait well-characterized at the genetic level,ample diversity of fruit size and shapes is present across peach germplasms.Nevertheless,knowledge of the underlying genomic loci remains limited.In this work,fruit size and shape were assessed in a collection of non-flat peach accessions and selections,under controlled fruit load conditions.The architecture of these traits was then dissected by combining association and linkage mapping,revealing a major locus on the proximal end of chromosome 6(qSHL/Fs6.1)explaining a large proportion of phenotypic variability for longitudinal shape and also affecting fruit size.A second major locus for fruit longitudinal shape(qSHL5.1),probably also affecting fruit size,was found co-localizing at locus G,suggesting pleiotropic effects of peach/nectarine traits.An additional QTL for fruit longitudinal shape(qSHL6.2)was identi fied in the distal end of chromosome 6 in a cross with an ornamental double-flower peach and co-localized with the Di2 locus,controlling flower morphology.Besides assisting breeding activities,knowledge of loci controlling fruit size and shape paves the way for more in-depth studies aimed at the identification of underlying genetic variant(s).展开更多
Snow damage on natural stands is an important problem concerning mountainous forest management.In the present research,the frequency and intensity of heavy snow damage on natural stands and the relationship of damages...Snow damage on natural stands is an important problem concerning mountainous forest management.In the present research,the frequency and intensity of heavy snow damage on natural stands and the relationship of damages with characteristics of trees,stand and topography were studied in mountainous forests of northern Iran.A systematic sampling design was applied to the study area(140 ha),with 122 circular plots.The grid dimension was100 m and each plot area was 1000 m^2.The four types of snow damage to trees include:crown damage(8.6%),stem breakage(5.4%),uprooting(3.2%),and bending(1.4%).The frequency of crown damage grew with an increase inthe diameter at breast height(DBH),while the frequency of stem breakage,uprooting and bending decreased with an increase the DBH.The frequency of crown damage,stem breakage,and total damages was related to tree species(p<0.01).Not all tree species were equally susceptible to snow damage.The amount of damage grew with increasing elevation and slope angle and decreased with increasing soil depth.Young trees(DBH<25 cm)were more susceptible to snow damage than other trees.Snow damage decreased by as the trees in the stand became more mixed in age.The susceptibility of trees to snow damage increased by height and slenderness coefficient.With adequate silvicultural operation,snow damage can be reduced to a minimum level in these natural forests.展开更多
We report for the first time the occurrence of heteroplasmy in Grey Partridge(Perdix perdix)revealed by means of two mitochondrial fragments.The possible serious biological and management implications of this exceptio...We report for the first time the occurrence of heteroplasmy in Grey Partridge(Perdix perdix)revealed by means of two mitochondrial fragments.The possible serious biological and management implications of this exception to unilateral inheritance of mtDNA were underlined.展开更多
文摘In higher plants, NO3 can induce its own uptake and the magnitude of this induction is positively related to the external anion concentration. This phenomenon has been characterized in both herbaceous and woody plants. Here,different adaptation strategies of roots from two maize（Zea mays L., ZmAGOs） inbred lines differing in nitrogen use efficiency（NUE） and exhibiting different timing of induction were discussed by investigating NO3 ‐induced changes in their transcriptome. Lo5 line（high NUE） showing the maximum rate of NO3 uptake 4 h after the provision of 200 mmol/L NO3 treatment modulated a higher number of transcripts relative to T250（low NUE） that peaked after 12 h. The two inbred lines share only 368 transcripts that are modulated by the treatment with NO3 and behaved differently when transcripts involved in anion uptake and assimilation were analyzed. T250 line responded to the NO3 induction modulating this group of Researchgenes as reported for several plant species. On the contrary,the Lo5 line did not exhibit during the induction changes in this set of genes. Obtained data suggest the importance of exploring the physiological and molecular variations among different maize genotypes in response to environmental clues like NO3 provision, in order to understand mechanisms underlying NUE.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42271396)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2022MD017)+1 种基金the Key R&D Project of Hebei Province(22326406D)The European Space Agency(ESA)and Ministry of Science and Technology of China(MOST)Dragon(57457).
文摘Cereal is an essential source of calories and protein for the global population.Accurately predicting cereal quality before harvest is highly desirable in order to optimise management for farmers,grading harvest and categorised storage for enterprises,future trading prices,and policy planning.The use of remote sensing data with extensive spatial coverage demonstrates some potential in predicting crop quality traits.Many studies have also proposed models and methods for predicting such traits based on multiplatform remote sensing data.In this paper,the key quality traits that are of interest to producers and consumers are introduced.The literature related to grain quality prediction was analyzed in detail,and a review was conducted on remote sensing platforms,commonly used methods,potential gaps,and future trends in crop quality prediction.This review recommends new research directions that go beyond the traditional methods and discusses grain quality retrieval and the associated challenges from the perspective of remote sensing data.
基金financially supported by grants from Italian M.I.U.R.-PRIN 2009Rothamsted Research receives funding from the BBSRC in the UK
文摘Characterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II plants, has proven that low sulfur availability often limits plant capability to cope with iron shortage. Here it was investigated whether the adaptation to iron deficiency in tomato （Solanum lycopersicum L.） plants was associated with an increased root sulfate uptake and translocation capacity, and modified dynamics of total sulfur and thiols accumulation between roots and shoots. Most of the tomato sulfate transporter genes belonging to Groups 1, 2, and 4 were significantly upregulated in iron-deficient roots, as it commonly occurs under S-deficient conditions. The upregulation of the two high affinity sulfate transporter genes, SlST1.1 and SlST1.2, by iron deprivation clearly suggests an increased root capability to take up sulfate. Furthermore, the upregulation of the two low affinity sulfate transporter genes SlST2.1 and SlST4.1 in iron-deficient roots, accompanied by a substantial accumulation of total sulfur and thiols in shoots of＆amp;nbsp;iron-starved plants, likely supports an increased root-to-shoot translocation of sulfate. Results suggest that tomato plants exposed to iron-deficiency are able to change sulfur metabolic balance mimicking sulfur starvation responses to meet the increased demand for methionine and its derivatives, al owing them to cope with this stress.
文摘The present study analyzes the structure and dynamics of the forest landscape in a peri-urban area （Rome, Italy） during the city＇s expansion from 1949 to 2008 using landscape metrics and change detection anal- ysis of digital maps of the area （1500 km2）. While urban settlements increased continuously from 6.5 to 27.5 % of the study area, woodlands changed less clearly, with a moderate increase （from 11.2 to 11.9 % of the total area） and a higher fragmentation as a consequence of Rome＇s expansion. The structure of forest landscape changed along the urban-to-rural gradient with patch size increasing with the distance to the inner city in 1949 and substantial landscape homogeneity in 2008. The indicators proposed in this study inform dedicated measures for conserving forest and maintaining landscape diversity. Measures adopted in Rome＇s forestation plan to counteract woodlandfragmentation were analyzed and discussed. Based on the complex landscape dynamics found for Rome, an inte- grated multiscale planning approach targeting forest con- servation is considered a key contribution to urban sustainability.
文摘In Italy, the hydro-geological protection of the Apennine territories is a well-known issue. For this reason, at the end of the 19th century, a new reforestation technique was proposed by the Inspector of Forest Service, Pietro Montanari to cope with difficult soil conditions of the mountain areas. This new approach was the first application of the so-called ＂gradoni＂ （small terraces） method of soil preparation. Each ＂gradone＂ was 100-120 cm wide and made with a slight counter slope （ca 10-15 degrees） to promote the accumulation of water and organic matter. Along each ＂gradone＂, bare root black pine seedlings （Pinus nigra Am.） were planted at a distance of 1 m from each other with a density of more than 3,000/ha. Nowadays, 19,158 hectares of black pine forests are growing in the Apennine of the Abruzzi region, largely resulting from those reforestation projects realized since the beginning of the 20th century. A case study of Monte Plaia （42°00′ 12″ N 13°53′39″ E）, that illustrates the situation after 70-110 years in consequence of lacking of silvicultural treatment and the application of aforest restoration method is presented.
文摘This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the costs of different logging systems, in particular considering three different bunching-extraction methods. Moreover the stumpage value of each plot was calculated, and a comparison analysis of the results is presented. The work was carried out in Central Italy, in an aged Quercus cerris L. coppice in hill zones, with a 45% average slope. Short wood system harvesting was applied. Felling and processing were performed by chainsaw, while extraction with three different methods： plot No. 1 with mules, plot No. 2 with a tractor with winch, plot No. 3 with polyethylene chute line. Transport of firewood from the forest track to the landing was made by a tractor loaded as a mule. In the plot No. 1 the costs per unit mass （30.76 ∈·t33% ^-1） were higher despite having the lower cost per hour （39.99∈·th^- 1）. The reason was the lower productivity （1.3 t33%·h^-1）. The plot No. 2 had the highest cost per hour （66.79 ∈·h^-1）. However, productivity was the highest （2.7 t33%·h^- 1）. This aspect was notable from the financial point of view （24.74 ∈·t33%^-1）. Plot No. 3 was the less expensive （23.92 ∈·t33%^-1）. Comparing the three methods, a reduction of the costs through more appropriate extraction systems may increase the stumpage value from 8.3 to 9.65 ∈·t33%^- 1.
文摘The aim of the research was to develop a catch-and-release trap for monitoring and controlling RPW （Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, red palm weevil）. The RPW insects were attracted through the use of an aggregation pheromone located into a dispenser inside the trap. The RPW adults entered through an entrance door into a sterilization room where they were sprayed with a solution containing the chemical sterilizer product ＂lufenuron＂. The adults were then forced to move into a contamination room where it was present a wet media containing spores and hyphae of Metarhizium anisopliae and spores and crystalline insecticidal proteins of Bacillus thuringensis. The sterilized and infected RPW adults were counted and released into the environment where they reached new palms and join natural populations of RPW. Preliminary experiments showed that the catch-and-release trap was able to reduce the fertility of RPW adults and to increase their mortality after contamination with entomopathogens. Moreover, the infected RPW adults were able to infect untreated RPW larvae leading to a larvae mortality of 93% within 30 days. In conclusion, the advanced catch-and-release trap represents a safe and effective tool to monitor and control the population of RPW pest without environmental pollution and risks for human health.
文摘Land degradation and early forms of desertification in both advanced economies and emerging countries reflect complex socio-environmental processes driven by multiple interactions between biophysical and socioeconomic forces across different spatial scales.The present study investigates desertification risk,land degradation,and socio-demographic dynamics through the lens of“resilience,”adopting complex adaptive systems(CAS)thinking.The resilience of socio-environmental systems exposed to land degradation is defined as the capacity of a regional economy to respond to crises and reorganize by making changes to preserve functions,structure,and feedback,and to promote future development options.By reviewing the socioeconomic resilience of local socio-ecological systems exposed to land degradation,this study achieves a better comprehension of the multifaceted processes that lead to a higher risk of desertification and the intimate relationship with underlying population trends and demographic dynamics.A comprehensive approach based on resilience thinking was formulated to review both environmental and socio-demographic issues at the landscape scale,and provide a suitable foundation for sustainability science and regional development policies.
文摘Fruit size and shape are critical agronomical and pomological attributes and prime targets in peach breeding programs.Apart from the flat peach type,a Mendelian trait well-characterized at the genetic level,ample diversity of fruit size and shapes is present across peach germplasms.Nevertheless,knowledge of the underlying genomic loci remains limited.In this work,fruit size and shape were assessed in a collection of non-flat peach accessions and selections,under controlled fruit load conditions.The architecture of these traits was then dissected by combining association and linkage mapping,revealing a major locus on the proximal end of chromosome 6(qSHL/Fs6.1)explaining a large proportion of phenotypic variability for longitudinal shape and also affecting fruit size.A second major locus for fruit longitudinal shape(qSHL5.1),probably also affecting fruit size,was found co-localizing at locus G,suggesting pleiotropic effects of peach/nectarine traits.An additional QTL for fruit longitudinal shape(qSHL6.2)was identi fied in the distal end of chromosome 6 in a cross with an ornamental double-flower peach and co-localized with the Di2 locus,controlling flower morphology.Besides assisting breeding activities,knowledge of loci controlling fruit size and shape paves the way for more in-depth studies aimed at the identification of underlying genetic variant(s).
文摘Snow damage on natural stands is an important problem concerning mountainous forest management.In the present research,the frequency and intensity of heavy snow damage on natural stands and the relationship of damages with characteristics of trees,stand and topography were studied in mountainous forests of northern Iran.A systematic sampling design was applied to the study area(140 ha),with 122 circular plots.The grid dimension was100 m and each plot area was 1000 m^2.The four types of snow damage to trees include:crown damage(8.6%),stem breakage(5.4%),uprooting(3.2%),and bending(1.4%).The frequency of crown damage grew with an increase inthe diameter at breast height(DBH),while the frequency of stem breakage,uprooting and bending decreased with an increase the DBH.The frequency of crown damage,stem breakage,and total damages was related to tree species(p<0.01).Not all tree species were equally susceptible to snow damage.The amount of damage grew with increasing elevation and slope angle and decreased with increasing soil depth.Young trees(DBH<25 cm)were more susceptible to snow damage than other trees.Snow damage decreased by as the trees in the stand became more mixed in age.The susceptibility of trees to snow damage increased by height and slenderness coefficient.With adequate silvicultural operation,snow damage can be reduced to a minimum level in these natural forests.
文摘We report for the first time the occurrence of heteroplasmy in Grey Partridge(Perdix perdix)revealed by means of two mitochondrial fragments.The possible serious biological and management implications of this exception to unilateral inheritance of mtDNA were underlined.
