European consumers' involvement with date labels and implications for household food waste

Food waste (FW) in the European Union remains a significant challenge, with over 58 million tons generated annually. Consumer behavior, particularly in relation to food-date labels, is a key factor influencing FW. This study focuses on patterns of involvement with date labels, examining how understanding, attention, and behavioral responses to date labels vary across consumer segments. By clustering consumers based on these dimensions, the research aims to identify distinct involvement patterns toward date labels and the impact on FW decisions. The study involved 1507 consumers (54.6 % female, mean age = 44.9 years) from six EU countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden). Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing their understanding, attention, and behavioral responses to date labels, alongside their reported domestic FW behaviors, sociodemographics, and FW management skills. Results indicate that 75.2 % of European consumers understand the difference between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates, and over 80 % correctly identify the meanings of these terms. Increased understanding correlates with reduced household FW, but this factor alone is insufficient to significantly lower waste levels. Additionally, enhanced use of date labels plays a crucial role in minimizing FW. The study identifies distinct consumer segments toward date labels: “Higher involvement” segment (23.9 % of subjects), who rely on date labels for food management, “Lower involvement” segment (33.4 %), who base their decisions on other elements such as sensory cues, and “Medium involvement” segment (42.6 %), which shows intermediate characteristics. This segmentation provides valuable insights for designing targeted interventions aimed at improving date label usage and reducing household F

The role of protein-phenolic interactions in the formation of red wine colloidal particles

Colloids play a crucial role in red wine quality and stability, yet their composition and formation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent studies from the D-Wines (Diversity of the Italian Wines) project aimed to elucidate the structure, composition, and formation mechanisms of red wine colloids by analysing monovarietal wines from 10 Italian red grape varieties. Colloid-forming molecules, specifically proteins, polysaccharides, and tannins, were examined in over 100 wines, showing a wide diversity across the samples. Electrophoretic analysis demonstrated that all proteins in the wines exist as high molecular weight aggregates, likely including tannins. Moreover, the wines could be categorised into two groups based on the electrophoretic mobility of the protein aggregates, which appeared to be related to the quantity of protein-reactive tannins in each variety. Asymmetrical Flow-Field Flow Fractionation (AF4) with online multidetection was used to isolate and characterise red wine colloids in their native state, revealing diverse colloidal populations across wines. This diversity was attributed to the varying proportions of proteins, polysaccharides, and phenolics present in the colloidal particles. These latter were coloured, indicating the presence of red pigments in the colloids. A correlation analysis of the compositional data of the wines and their colloidal particles indicated that the association of proteins with polymeric pigments should be important for red wine colour. Overall, the findings led to the proposal of an updated model for colloidal particles in red wines, suggesting that the process for their formation occurs through the assembly of protein-tannin sub-aggregates, followed by their interaction with polysaccharides. The compactness of these colloidal particles has been linked to the wine’s protein content, with colloidal particles containing higher protein levels being less compact. These findings suggest that proteins likely play a role in determining the structure and properties of red wine colloidal particles. Moreover, this study provides an updated framework for understanding how compositional differences among grape varieties, particularly the content of protein-reactive tannins, shape colloidal structures, ultimately impacting key wine quality parameters such as colloidal stability and colou

Qualità delle acque, indice di funzionalità di risorgiva e segnalazioni faunistiche (batracofauna, ittiofauna, astacofauna) nel comune di Isola Vicentina (provincia di Vicenza)

Si presenta uno studio preliminare, eseguito nel 2021, sulla qualità dell’acqua della rete idrografica delle sorgenti del comune di Isola Vicentina (VI), secondo il metodo “Indice di Biodiversità Acquatico (IBA)” di WBA Onlus e sull’indice di Funzionalità di Risorgiva (IFR). Sono state svolte 15 uscite diurne da metà marzo a inizio luglio, per un totale di 42 punti di campionamento lungo i corsi d’acqua, all’interno dei limiti comunali, e 53 punti di campionamento, uno per ciascuna sorgente. Si segnalano anche alcuni aspetti faunistici relativi alla batracofauna di cui sono state contattate sette specie autoctone: Ichthyosaura alpestris, Lissotriton vulgaris, Salamandra salamandra, Bufotes viridis balearicus, Pelophylax synkl. esculentus, Rana dalmatina, Rana latastei. Sono inoltre stati individuati due siti riproduttivi di Rana latastei, uno di Rana dalmatina, uno di Bufotes viridis balearicus tramite la tecnica della ricerca a vista delle ovature e sei di Salamandra salamandra tramite la presenza di larve. Gli individui adulti di Ichthyosaura alpestris e di Lissotriton vulgaris, come anche buona parte delle specie ittiche, sono stati contattati durante le retinate volte a catturare i macroinvertebrati acquatici per i due indici (IBA e IFR) e immediatamente liberati. Per quanto riguarda l’ittiofauna, si conferma la presenza di sei specie autoctone, Barbus plebejus, Squalius cephalus, Phoxinus phoxinus, Telestes souffia muticellus, Cobitis bilineata, Padogobius bonelli, e di una specie alloctona, Rhodeus amarus. Di Padogobius bonelli sono stati individuati alcuni siti riproduttivi. Si segnalano anche nuovi dati di presenza di Austropotamobius pallipes, e nelle località in cui è stato rinvenuto ne è stata determinata la densità di popolazione secondo la metodologia ISPRADuring 2021 we carried out a preliminary study on the water quality of the hydrographic network, according to the WBA Onlus “Aquatic Biodiversity Index (IBA)” method and on the Resurgence Functionality Index (IFR) of the springs of the municipality of Isola Vicentina (Vicenza, NE Italy). Fifteen daytime outings were carried out from mid-March to early July, for a total of 42 sampling points along the waterways, within the municipal limits, and 53 sampling points, one for each spring. We highlight some wildlife observations related to the batracofauna. Seven native species have been contacted (Ichthyosaura alpestris, Lissotriton vulgaris, Salamandra salamandra, Bufotes viridis balearicus, Pelophylax synkl. esculentus, Rana dalmatina, Rana latastei). Furthermore, we have located two reproductive sites of Rana latastei, one of Rana dalmatina and one of Bufotes viridis balearicus by the visual search technique of egg masses and six of Salamandra salamandra by the presence of larvae. The adult individuals of Ichthyosaura alpestris and Lissotriton vulgaris, as well as a good part of the fish species, were contacted during the net fishing aimed at capturing aquatic macroinvertebrates for the two indices (IBA and IFR) and immediately released. As regards the ichthyofauna, the presence of six native species (Barbus plebejus, Squalius cephalus, Phoxinus phoxinus, Telestes souffia muticellus, Cobitis bilineata, Padogobius bonelli), and an allochthonous species (Rhodeus amarus) is confirmed. We also located some reproductive sites of Padogobius bonelli. Finally, new data on the presence of Austropotamobius pallipes was collected. In the localities where the species was found, its population density was determined according to the ISPRA methodolog

Quantification of carbopeaking and fluxes in a regulated Alpine river

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in regulated Alpine rivers are driven by multiple biogeochemical and anthropogenic processes, acting on different spatiotemporal scales. We quantified the relative importance of these drivers and their effects on the dynamics of CO2 concentration and atmospheric exchange fluxes in a representative Alpine river segment regulated by a cascading hydropower system with diversion, which includes two residual flow reaches and a reach subject to hydropeaking. We combined instantaneous and time-resolved water chemistry and hydraulic measurements at different times of the year, and quantified the main CO2 fluxes by calibrating a one-dimensional transport-reaction model with measured data. As a novelty compared to previous inverse modeling applications, the model also included carbonate buffering, which contributed significantly to the CO2 budget of the case study. The spatiotemporal distribution and drivers of CO2 fluxes depended on hydropower operations. Along the residual flow reaches, CO2 fluxes were directly affected by the upstream dams only in the first ∼ 2.5 km, where the supply of supersaturated water from the reservoirs was predominant. Downstream of the hydropower diversion outlets, the CO2 fluxes were dominated by systematic sub-daily fluctuations in CO2 transport and evasion fluxes (“carbopeaking”) driven by hydropeaking. Hydropower operational patterns and regulation approaches in Alpine rivers affect fluxes and their response to biogeochemical drivers significantly across different temporal scales. Our findings highlight the importance of considering all scales of CO2 variations for accurate quantification and understanding of these impacts, to clarify the role of natural and anthropogenic drivers in global carbon cycling

Chasing intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis at the southern edge of its European distribution using red fox stomach content analysis

Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) is a Taeniidae cestode circulating among canids (definitive hosts) and among voles (intermediate hosts). Humans can develop alveolar echinococcosis (AE) following egg ingestion. In Italy, Em is present in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Region, with reports in canids from Liguria (wolf Canis lupus and domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris) and Tuscany (wolf and red fox) Regions. The first autochthonous case of human AE was recently confirmed in the Province of Bolzano. Despite its relevance, the intermediate hosts maintaining the Em life cycle in this area have never been identified. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by collecting ingested rodents from the stomachs of 148 legally culled foxes across the Province of Bolzano. For 142 prey items, species was ascertained from tissue DNA using a PCR of a 350 bp fragment of cytb mitochondrial gene. Em positivity was investigated by RT-PCR and conventional PCR on organ tissues from 97 rodents targeting a 69 bp fragment of cob and a 126 bp fragment of nad2 mitochondrial genes, respectively. Microtus arvalis was the most common prey rodent in terms of both frequency in foxes (20.8%; 30/144), and total prey items (81.7%; 116/142). Other prey species included nine Arvicola amphibius, five Microtus lavernedii, two M. subterraneus, one M. liechtensteini, six Clethrionomys glareolus, one Apodemus flavicollis and two Ap. sylvaticus. Only 3/97 rodents were Em-positive (M. arvalis; 3/85) in two Em-positive red foxes. Prevalence in M. arvalis was estimated at 0.035, (95% CI: 0.008-0.103). Nonetheless, this is the first attempt in estimating the frequency of encounter between Em and its intermediate hosts in this region. Further research is required to explain why Em distribution is limited to this area in the eastern Italian Alps despite the spatial contiguity to hyperendemic foc

Parasite diversity in grey wolves (Canis lupus) from Tuscany, central Italy: a copromicroscopical investigation

Parasite monitoring is considered an important issue for wildlife conservation as well as for veterinary and public health. In Italy, data on endoparasites of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) are still limited. A copro-microscopical study was performed to investigate endoparasites of grey wolf communities in three Apennine natural reserves and a hilly area in northern Tuscany, central Italy. A total of 66 fresh faecal samples were collected and examined using the Mini-FLOTAC technique with a high-density flotation solution. Apparent prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for each parasite taxon, while true parasite prevalence rates were assessed for individual wolves identified after molecular analyses in one of the three natural areas (Apuan Alps Regional Park, AARP). Overall, a high prevalence of endoparasites was estimated (92.4%, 95% CI 83.2-97.5), and most samples were found positive for respiratory capillariids (81.8%), i.e., Eucoleus boehmi (66.7%) and Eucoleus aerophilus (31.8%), Sarcocystis spp. (36.4%) and hookworms (21.2%). Physaloptera spp. (7.6%), Toxocara canis (1.5%), Spirocerca lupi (1.5%) Crenosoma vulpis (1.5%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (1.5%), Opistorchis felineus (3%), Alaria alata (1.5%), Taeniids (12.1 %), and Cystoisospora spp. (6.1%) were also identified. Dicrocoelium dendriticum eggs and Demodex spp. mites were detected in few samples. No significant differences emerged between faecal and population prevalence for any of the parasite species identified in AARP. Findings from this study add new information on grey wolf endoparasite infections in Italy and confirm the high prevalence of respiratory capillariids circulating among wild canids in Europe. Our results highlight the important role grey wolves may play in the transmission of these capillariid species between wild and domestic canids as well as of potentially zoonotic parasites in examined areas. Moreover, some endoparasites identified in this study may negatively affect the health of infected wolves

The FEM grapevine crossbreeding program for resistance to the main ampelopathies: towards climate-resilient varieties.

The technique of crossing, whether free or controlled, has always been a source of variability allowing the selection of new varieties with improved fitness. Therefore, one promising strategy towards a sustainable viticulture is crossbreeding for resistance traits to biotic stresses under climate change conditions to reduce pesticide usage and improve resilience. With this awareness and vision, the Edmund Mach Foundation (FEM) began its grapevine genetic improvement program in the 1990s. Later, in 2010 with the exploration of the genetic pool of resistance loci to downy and powdery mildew, a group of accessions was selected as donors. Next, genotypes with stacked (“pyramided”) loci were generated through marker-assisted parental selection (MAPS) with up to seven loci combining resistance to both mildews. Then, upon protocol optimization a highly efficient marker-assisted seedling selection (MASS) was established, allowing since 2019 to overcome phenotypic screening and revealing inter- and intra-population effects. Upon multi-year agronomic surveys, grape quality composition and wine tastings, in 2018 four new varieties were registered for their novel organoleptic characteristics and tolerance to grey mould. In 2020 four (mid)-resistant varieties to mildews were patented and in 2025 other four are in the process. At the same time, the resistance to other “emergent” ampelopathies, as black rot, is being introgressed. Various collaborations are in place across the national territory for the exploitation of the superior parental lines. Lately, the genetic and phenotypic characterization of the FEM germplasm (ca. 3,000 accessions) has been completed, so that the scouting process within such biodiversity is continuously ongoing towards the development of varieties coupling disease resistance with climate resilienc

Effects of deficit irrigation practices on the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere system: a case study on Vitis vinifera L. (Teroldego cv.) from Trentino Alto Adige, Italy

Viticulture in Trentino Alto Adige (northern Italy) mainly focuses on wine quality rather than quantity, and it is well known that wine quality can be improved by applying moderate water stress during fruit ripening. But with climate change extreme drought periods are becoming more and more frequent, and longer often coupled with high air temperatures. This is challenging for farmers, since prolonged periods of water scarcity negatively affect the physiological activity of the vines, the yield and the increase of water demand from irrigation reservoirs. On the other hand, summer extreme precipitations cause, as well, crop loss, plant diseases, nutrient leaching and soil erosion. With appropriate precision irrigation practices the timing and the amount of water can be controlled to guarantee the optimal amount of water to the crops and ensure the best quality of the products, also avoiding water loss by runoff or deep percolation resulting from an excess of irrigation. In this perspective it is essential to accurately monitor the water status of the SPAC, which is the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum. This study focuses on the comparison of two different irrigation regimes on a vineyard located in Mezzolombardo (Trentino Alto Adige, Italy), with the analysis of the water status of the field during the 2024 growing season and the comparison of the musts after harvest. Four vines (Vitis vinifera L., Teroldego cv.) on the same vine row were chosen: two of them were kept without irrigation, and the others were treated as usual with irrigation scheduled by the irrigation consortia. The water state of the plant was monitored with microtensiometers (FloraPulse Co., Davis, USA) embedded in the trunk and measuring the stem water potential (Ψstem) allowing a continuous, non-invasive and remote monitoring of Ψstem. The amount of water in the soil was measured with tensiometers, located near each plant, and atmospheric parameters were given by a meteorological station nearby. The start of the 2024 growing season has been extremely wet and limited the initial development of the vegetation, but August was characterized by almost no water income and particularly high temperatures. Despite the lack of water, the non irrigated plants never reached Ψstem values associated to water stress, whereas the irrigated plants were kept regularly irrigated even when the water in the soil was above field capacity, leading to a potential loss of water by deep percolation. The comparison of the musts between the two thesis highlighted no significant differences in the organoleptic properties and the Ravaz Index showed that the non irrigated vines were in a better vegetative-productive equilibrium with respect to the irrigated plants. In order to adapt the agricultural production to the water imbalance given by the changing climate, it is more effective to provide irrigation only when needed, and not to rely on a scheduled calendar. It is confirmed that precision irrigation practices accurately support the crop needs and it should be one common practice to be developed and enhanced in the near future

Spatio-temporal variability of isotopic and chemical tracers in high-elevation water sources, Eastern European Alps

In high-mountain areas, the ratios of stable water isotopes (δ18O, δ2H) and solute concentrations are often used to infer the relative contribution from snow, ice, and rain waters to runoff. Yet, the strong spatial and temporal tracer variability of these hydrological resources is often overlooked. We characterised the water isotopes and chemistry of hydrological resources in two headwater catchments of South Tyrol (Eastern Italian Alps). During the melt season of 2022 and 2023, we collected bi-weekly water samples from precipitation, snow, snowmelt, as well as ice and runoff on the surface of a small glacier and within the debris of two rock glaciers. We found a sharp isotopic seasonality in snowmelt and precipitation, and a tendency of depletion and fractionation with increasing elevation in both resources. End-member mixing models identified permafrost and glacial ice as the dominant components (over rainwater and snowmelt) of the rock glacier and glacier runoff, respectively. Both runoff types had elevated concentrations of sulphate and trace elements (Sr, Ba, Al, Mn, Ni, Co, Fe, Zn, Li, Y). This is attributed to the intense chemical weathering occurring on abundant freshly ground rock particles on the glacier, and to the melt of solute-enriched perennial ice in rock glaciers. While deep water pathways are generally considered as major locations of chemical reactions, we highlight that even the surface runoff of glaciers and rock glaciers can strongly contribute to the export of toxic elements – e.g. Ni – to aquatic ecosystems. This has important implications for drinking water and environmental qualit

Effect of resource abundance on woodland rodents' demography at latitudinal extremes in Europe

Climate change effects on primary productivity are especially evident along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients. Some of the species with a fast reproductive cycle strategy and relying on primary productivity may rapidly respond to such changes with alterations to demographic parameters. However, how these bottom-up effects may emerge in systems with different population dynamics has not been elucidated. We aimed to assess the role of food availability on rodent demography in populations characterised by different dynamics, that is multiannual cycles in Northern European populations and mast-driven outbreaks in Southern European populations, both driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. We live-trapped woodland rodents at these latitudinal extremes in two study systems (Norway, Italy) while deploying control/treatment designs of food manipulation providing ad libitum trophic resource availability, albeit not reflecting the natural resource fluctuations. We applied a multistate open robust design model to estimate population patterns and survival rates while controlling for seasonal variation, intrinsic traits, and co-occurrence of sympatric species. Yellow-necked and wood mouse (Apodemus spp.) were sympatric with bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) in Italy, while only the latter was trapped in Norway. Food provisioning increased both survival and population size of bank vole in Norway, where temperatures are harsher and snow cover persists in winter. In milder Italian habitats, the wood mouse abundance was boosted by food availability, increasing also survival rates (but only in females), whereas the bank vole showed a decrease in both parameters across sexes. We speculate that overabundant food resources may trigger some forms of competition between sympatric wood mouse and bank vole, although other types of interactions, such as predation and parasitism, may also contribute. By manipulating food availability in two systems where rodents have different population dynamics, we showed how resource availability exerted bottom-up effects on rodent demography, especially in the context of climate change, although being mediated by other intrinsic and extrinsic factor