Non-invasive tools to detect smoke contamination in grapevine canopies, berries and wine: a remote sensing and machine learning modeling approach

Bushfires are becoming more frequent and intensive due to changing climate. Those that occur close to vineyards can cause smoke contamination of grapevines and grapes, which can affect wines, producing smoke-taint. At present, there are no available practical in-field tools available for detection of smoke contamination or taint in berries. This research proposes a non-invasive/in-field detection system for smoke contamination in grapevine canopies based on predictable changes in stomatal conductance patterns based on infrared thermal image analysis and machine learning modeling based on pattern recognition. A second model was also proposed to quantify levels of smoke-taint related compounds as targets in berries and wines using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) as inputs for machine learning fitting modeling. Results showed that the pattern recognition model to detect smoke contamination from canopies had 96% accuracy. The second model to predict smoke taint compounds in berries and wine fit the NIR data with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.97 and with no indication of overfitting. These methods can offer grape growers quick, affordable, accurate, non-destructive in-field screening tools to assist in vineyard management practices to minimize smoke taint in wines with in-field applications using smartphones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).Sigfredo Fuentes, Eden Jane Tongson, Roberta De Bei, Claudia Gonzalez Viejo, Renata Ristic, Stephen Tyerman, and Kerry Wilkinso

Making sense of light: the use of optical spectroscopy techniques in plant sciences and agriculture

As a result of the development of non-invasive optical spectroscopy, the number of prospective technologies of plant monitoring is growing. Being implemented in devices with different functions and hardware, these technologies are increasingly using the most advanced data processing algorithms, including machine learning and more available computing power each time. Optical spectroscopy is widely used to evaluate plant tissues, diagnose crops, and study the response of plants to biotic and abiotic stress. Spectral methods can also assist in remote and non-invasive assessment of the physiology of photosynthetic biofilms and the impact of plant species on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The emergence of high-throughput technologies for plant phenotyping and the accompanying need for methods for rapid and non-contact assessment of plant productivity has generated renewed interest in the application of optical spectroscopy in fundamental plant sciences and agriculture. In this perspective paper, starting with a brief overview of the scientific and technological backgrounds of optical spectroscopy and current mainstream techniques and applications, we foresee the future development of this family of optical spectroscopic methodologies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O metodă de estimare a indicelui de suplimentare a azotului la plantele de cultură: studiu de caz la grâu

This paper aim was to adapt a physiological parameter which reflects plant growth and productivity for wheat plants in relation with the applied nitrogen dose. This index can be used for various plants due to the fact that can be easy calculated and gives information about the status and requirements of diverse crops. Nitrogen is the most widely used chemical fertilizer and the adjustment of the dose is really important for farmers, who are searching for an optimum cost-benefit ratio. For this study, five experimental N doses were utilized, between 0 and 200 kg/ha. Experimental field was located within Didactic Station of BUASMV Timisoara, Romania. Nitrogen supply index was determined for healthy leaves and mathematical models were developed. The optimum N amount used for this study was 119 kg/ha and the analysis of differences reflected the modifications for doses ranging between 0 and 200 kg/ha.Scopul acestei lucrări a fost de a adapta un parametru fiziologic care reflectă creșterea și productivitatea plantei de grâu în relație cu dozele de azot. Acest indice poate fi folosit pentru numeroase specii de plante deoarece poate fi ușor calculat și oferă informații despre statusul și necesitățile diverselor culturi. Azotul este cel mai mult folosit fertilizator chimic și ajustarea dozei este foarte importantă pentru fermieri, care caută un optim cost-beneficiu. Pentru acest studiu au fost folosite cinci doze experimentale de N, între 0 și 200 kg/ha. Câmpul experimental a fost localizat în Stațiunea Didactică a USAMVB Timișoara, România. Indicele de suplimentare a azotului a fost determinat pentru frunze sănătoase și au fost dezvoltate modele matematice. Cantitatea optimă de N folosită în acest studiu a fost de 119 kg/ha și analiza diferențelor a relevat modificările pentru doze care au variat între 0 și 200 kg/ha

Influencia de la fertilidad del suelo en el analisis de 3 variedades y 23 accesiones de cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen)

La cañihua es un cultivo ancestral, poco valorado, con potencial agroalimentario, que tolera el cambio climático y que posee la mayor biodiversidad de variedades y accesiones las cuales se ubican en Puno. Sin embargo, su identificación es aún difícil de realizar por la similitud de sus características. Los métodos empleados actualmente son por su taxonomía y el análisis genético, pero demandan tiempo y son costosos; además, la expresión de su potencial agronómico se ve limitado por la fertilidad del suelo en los que se cultiva. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar las características geométricas, dimensión fractal, factores de color y forma de las hojas, y analizar la respuesta de la planta a la fertilidad del suelo en cuanto a altura, diámetro de tallo principal y contenido de clorofila. El experimento se realizó durante la campaña 2021-2022 en condiciones de invernadero, bajo un diseño tipo látice con un testigo, un tratamiento con micorrizas y 5 repeticiones con un total de 156 plantas. Para la captura de imágenes de hojas se utilizó una cámara EO-2323, con un lente telecéntrico y se aplicó un análisis multivariado (PCA). Se concluye que las variedades y accesiones de cañihua pueden diferenciarse entre sí, agrupándose según sus características originarias propias, además que tres componentes principales aportan el 76% y 77% de varianza al haz y envés de las hojas. La diferencia del tratamiento frente al testigo fue 11.68 cm en altura de planta, 0.98 mm en diámetro de tallo principal y 7.86% de contenido de clorofila

Functional analysis of candidate terpenoid biosynthetic genes isolated from grapevine

Thesis (PhDAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2021.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Terpenoids are a group of compounds found in various organisms, with diverse functions, and can be broadly grouped into primary or specialised (secondary) metabolites. This compound diversity is achieved from the universal precursors for terpenoids, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), through the activity of various enzymes. Isoprenyl diphosphate synthases (IDSs) incorporate the IPP and DMAPP precursors into compounds of varying lengths that can then serve as the substrate for terpene synthases (TPSs) to produce terpenes. Each of these steps incorporates the opportunity to further increase terpene diversity. In addition, terpenes can be modified into other products through the activity of various enzymes to increase the product range even further. Terpenoids play an important role in Vitis vinifera (grapevine), not only in the normal functioning of the plant, but also in more specialised roles involving plant–environment interactions. In terms of their economic value, terpenes, such as mono- and sesquiterpenes, contribute to wine aroma – which has supported the study of these compounds and how these metabolites are biosynthesised. Grapevine genome annotation has shown a moderately sized IDS gene family and a TPS gene family that has undergone extensive expansion. However, many of these genes have not been functionally characterised. Putative annotation based on sequences is not always accurate or does not provide a realistic indication of gene function. Functional characterisation of IDS and TPS genes involves heterologous expression followed by analysis of the produced compounds. In this study, various heterologous systems were used and evaluated with the aim of characterising grapevine genes that putatively encode IDS and TPS enzymes. In this study, the novel annotation of a eucalyptol synthase and the re-annotation of a previously characterised gene to α-thujene synthase was achieved. Various expression systems were assessed, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae deemed a viable alternative to the typical use of Escherichia coli. Different plant systems were also investigated, with Nicotiana benthamiana found to be a good option in terms of ease of use and results obtained. An in-depth study of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (VviGGPS) was also conducted using an established transgenic tobacco population. The population was characterised in terms of morphology, physiology, and metabolites. The possible role of gibberellin was also determined based on the results of these analyses.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Terpene is ’n groep metaboliete wat in verskillende organismes voorkom, met ’n wye verskeidenheid van funksies, en wat breedvoerig in primêre of gespesialiseerde (sekondêre) metaboliete opgedeel kan word. Terpeen diversiteit word bewerkstellig vanaf die universele voorlopers, isopentenieldifosfaat (IPP) en dimetielallieldifosfaat (DMAPP), deur die aktiwiteit van verskeie ensieme. Isoprenieldifosfaat-sintases (IDSs) inkorporeer die IPP en DMAPP voorlopers binne-in verbindings van wisselende lengtes in wat dan as die substrate vir terpeen-sintases (TPSs) kan dien vir die biosintese van terpene. Elkeen van hierdie stappe bied ’n geleentheid om terpeen diversiteit te vermeerder. Terpene kan ook gemodifiseer word na ander produkte toe deur die aktiwiteit van verskeie ensieme om sodoende die terpeen produkreeks selfs meer te vermeerder. Terpene speel ’n belangrike rol in Vitis vinifera (wingerd); nie net in die normale funksionering van die plant nie, maar ook in ’n meer gespesialiseerde rol in plant–omgewing interaksies. In terme van ekonomiese waarde dra terpene soos mono- en seskwiterpene by tot die aroma van wyn – wat gedien het as ondersteuning vir die bestudering van hierdie verbindigs asook die biosintese daarvan. Annotering van die wingerd genoom het aangedui dat dit beskik oor ’n gemiddelde- grootte IDS geenfamilie en ’n TPS geenfamilie wat ekstensiewe vergroting ondergaan het. Baie van hierdie gene is egter nog nie gekarakteriseer in terme van funksie nie. Die vermeende benaming van gene gebaseer op nukleotied- of aminosuurvolgorde is ook nie altyd akkuraat nie of verskaf nie ’n realistiese indikasie van geenfunksie nie. Funksionele karakterisering van IDS en TPS gene behels heteroloë uitdrukking gevolg deur die analise van die geproduseerde metaboliete. Verskeie heteroloë sisteme is in hierdie studie gebruik en geëvalueer met die doel om wingerd gene wat kodeer vir vermeende IDS en TPS ensieme te karakteriseer. In hierdie studie is die nuwe annotering van ’n eukaliptol-sintase asook die annotasie van ’n voorheen gekaraktiseerde geen na α-thujene-sintase. Verskeie sisteme was ondersoek en Saccharomyces cerevisiae is gevind as ’n goeie alternatief tot die tipiese gebruik van Escherichia coli. Verskeie plantsisteme is ook oorweeg en Nicotiana benthamiana is gevind as ’n goeie opsie in terme van gebruikersvriendelikheid en resultate wat verkry is. ’n In-diepte studie van ’n geranielgeranieldifosfaat-sintase (VviGGPS) is ook uitgevoer deur die bestudering van ’n gevestigde transgeniese tabak populasie. Die populasie is gekaraktiriseer in terme van morfologie, fisiologie en metaboliete. Die moontlike rol van gibberelien gebasseer op hierdie analises, is ook bepaal.Doctora

XX Convegno nazionale dell'Associazione italiana di Agrometeorologia (AIAM). XLVI Convegno nazionale della Società italiana di Agronomia (SIA). Strategie integrate per affrontare le sfide climatiche e agronomiche nella gestione dei sistemi agroalimentari. Integrated strategies for agro-ecosystem management to address climate change challenges.

Atti del convegno nazionale di due delle principali società scientifiche che si occupano di scienze agrarie (Società Italiana di Agronomia e Associazione Italiana di AgroMeteorologia), quest'anno effettuato congiuntamente. Nel convegno si à trattato dei problemi e delle nuove strategie integrate per affrontare le sfide climatiche e agronomiche nella gestione dei sistemi agroalimentari

Impact of geogenic degassing on C-isotopic composition of dissolved carbon in karst systems of Greece

The Earth C-cycle is complex, where endogenic and exogenic sources are interconnected, operating in a multiple spatial and temporal scale (Lee et al., 2019). Non-volcanic CO2 degassing from active tectonic structures is one of the less defined components of this cycle (Frondini et al., 2019). Carbon mass-balance (Chiodini et al., 2000) is a useful tool to quantify the geogenic carbon output from regional karst hydrosystems. This approach has been demonstrated for central Italy and may be valid also for Greece, due to the similar geodynamic settings. Deep degassing in Greece has been ascertained mainly at hydrothermal and volcanic areas, but the impact of geogenic CO2 released by active tectonic areas has not yet been quantified. The main aim of this research is to investigate the possible deep degassing through the big karst aquifers of Greece. Since 2016, 156 karst springs were sampled along most of the Greek territory. To discriminate the sources of carbon, the analysis of the isotopic composition of carbon was carried out. δ13CTDIC values vary from -16.61 to -0.91‰ and can be subdivided into two groups characterized by (a) low δ13CTDIC, and (b) intermediate to high δ13CTDIC with a threshold value of -6.55‰. The composition of the first group can be related to the mixing of organic-derived CO2 and the dissolution of marine carbonates. Springs of the second group, mostly located close to Quaternary volcanic areas, are linked to possible carbon input from deep sources

EVOLUTION OF THE SUBCONTINENTAL LITHOSPHERE DURING MESOZOIC TETHYAN RIFTING: CONSTRAINTS FROM THE EXTERNAL LIGURIAN MANTLE SECTION (NORTHERN APENNINE, ITALY)

Our study is focussed on mantle bodies from the External Ligurian ophiolites, within the Monte Gavi and Monte Sant'Agostino areas. Here, two distinct pyroxenite-bearing mantle sections were recognized, mainly based on their plagioclase-facies evolution. The Monte Gavi mantle section is nearly undeformed and records reactive melt infiltration under plagioclase-facies conditions. This process involved both peridotites (clinopyroxene-poor lherzolites) and enclosed spinel pyroxenite layers, and occurred at 0.7–0.8 GPa. In the Monte Gavi peridotites and pyroxenites, the spinel-facies clinopyroxene was replaced by Ca-rich plagioclase and new orthopyroxene, typically associated with secondary clinopyroxene. The reactive melt migration caused increase of TiO2 contents in relict clinopyroxene and spinel, with the latter also recording a Cr2O3 increase. In the Monte Gavi peridotites and pyroxenites, geothermometers based on slowly diffusing elements (REE and Y) record high temperature conditions (1200-1250 °C) related to the melt infiltration event, followed by subsolidus cooling until ca. 900°C. The Monte Sant'Agostino mantle section is characterized by widespread ductile shearing with no evidence of melt infiltration. The deformation recorded by the Monte Sant'Agostino peridotites (clinopyroxene-rich lherzolites) occurred at 750–800 °C and 0.3–0.6 GPa, leading to protomylonitic to ultramylonitic textures with extreme grain size reduction (10–50 μm). Compared to the peridotites, the enclosed pyroxenite layers gave higher temperature-pressure estimates for the plagioclase-facies re-equilibration (870–930 °C and 0.8–0.9 GPa). We propose that the earlier plagioclase crystallization in the pyroxenites enhanced strain localization and formation of mylonite shear zones in the entire mantle section. We subdivide the subcontinental mantle section from the External Ligurian ophiolites into three distinct domains, developed in response to the rifting evolution that ultimately formed a Middle Jurassic ocean-continent transition: (1) a spinel tectonite domain, characterized by subsolidus static formation of plagioclase, i.e. the Suvero mantle section (Hidas et al., 2020), (2) a plagioclase mylonite domain experiencing melt-absent deformation and (3) a nearly undeformed domain that underwent reactive melt infiltration under plagioclase-facies conditions, exemplified by the the Monte Sant'Agostino and the Monte Gavi mantle sections, respectively. We relate mantle domains (1) and (2) to a rifting-driven uplift in the late Triassic accommodated by large-scale shear zones consisting of anhydrous plagioclase mylonites. Hidas K., Borghini G., Tommasi A., Zanetti A. & Rampone E. 2021. Interplay between melt infiltration and deformation in the deep lithospheric mantle (External Liguride ophiolite, North Italy). Lithos 380-381, 105855

Impact of Etna’s volcanic emission on major ions and trace elements composition of the atmospheric deposition

Mt. Etna, on the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy), is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet and it is widely recognized as a big source of volcanic gases (e.g., CO2 and SO2), halogens, and a lot of trace elements, to the atmosphere in the Mediterranean region. Especially during eruptive periods, Etna’s emissions can be dispersed over long distances and cover wide areas. A group of trace elements has been recently brought to attention for their possible environmental and human health impacts, the Technology-critical elements. The current knowledge about their geochemical cycles is still scarce, nevertheless, recent studies (Brugnone et al., 2020) evidenced a contribution from the volcanic activity for some of them (Te, Tl, and REE). In 2021, in the framework of the research project “Pianeta Dinamico”, by INGV, a network of 10 bulk collectors was implemented to collect, monthly, atmospheric deposition samples. Four of these collectors are located on the flanks of Mt. Etna, other two are in the urban area of Catania and three are in the industrial area of Priolo, all most of the time downwind of the main craters. The last one, close to Cesarò (Nebrodi Regional Park), represents the regional background. The research aims to produce a database on major ions and trace element compositions of the bulk deposition and here we report the values of the main physical-chemical parameters and the deposition fluxes of major ions and trace elements from the first year of research. The pH ranged from 3.1 to 7.7, with a mean value of 5.6, in samples from the Etna area, while it ranged between 5.2 and 7.6, with a mean value of 6.4, in samples from the other study areas. The EC showed values ranging from 5 to 1032 μS cm-1, with a mean value of 65 μS cm-1. The most abundant ions were Cl- and SO42- for anions, Na+ and Ca+ for cations, whose mean deposition fluxes, considering all sampling sites, were 16.6, 6.8, 8.4, and 6.0 mg m-2 d, respectively. The highest deposition fluxes of volcanic refractory elements, such as Al, Fe, and Ti, were measured in the Etna’s sites, with mean values of 948, 464, and 34.3 μg m-2 d-1, respectively, higher than those detected in the other sampling sites, further away from the volcanic source (26.2, 12.4, 0.5 μg m-2 d-1, respectively). The same trend was also observed for volatile elements of prevailing volcanic origin, such as Tl (0.49 μg m-2 d-1), Te (0.07 μg m-2 d-1), As (0.95 μg m-2 d-1), Se (1.92 μg m-2 d-1), and Cd (0.39 μg m-2 d-1). Our preliminary results show that, close to a volcanic area, volcanic emissions must be considered among the major contributors of ions and trace elements to the atmosphere. Their deposition may significantly impact the pedosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere and directly or indirectly human health