'Vitouska' is the progeny of 'Prosecco tondo' and 'Malvasia bianca lunga'

'Vitouska' is a minor white wine grape variety, cultivated in the Kars region and recently recovered and revaluated by local viticulturists. Its obscure origins, traditionally linked to this land, are now supported by the results obtained from the present research, which identified the two parents, 'Malvasia bianca lunga' alias 'Malvasia del Chianti' and 'Prosecco tondo'. The latter cultivar has an ancient and well-documented presence in the same growing region as 'Vitouska'. Molecular analyses have been performed with 37 nuclear microsatellite loci

‘Malvasia nera di Brindisi/Lecce’ grapevine cultivar (Vitis vinifera L.) originated from ‘Negroamaro’ and ‘Malvasia bianca lunga’

‘Malvasia nera di Brindisi’ and ‘Malvasia nera di Lecce’ are two of the few Malvasias with black berries and belong to the Apulian ampelographic assortment (South Italy). Their presumed synonymy has been recently ascertained with SSR markers and therefore these two black 'Malvasias' can be considered as an unique variety. We discovered that this cultivar is the cross between ‘Malvasia bianca lunga’ alias ‘Malvasia del Chianti’ and ‘Negroamaro’ by using 42 nuclear SSR. Both parents belong to the Apulian varietal resources, since centuries. So far, ‘Malvasia nera di Brindisi/Lecce’ origin has been obscure; now we may assert that this cultivar was born right in Apulia. Three sets of chloroplast SSR loci were used to determine the female and the male parent: 6 ccmp loci, already used in previous pedigree studies, 15 ccSSR loci and 2 NTCP loci, derived from tobacco. The second set of loci was sequenced in order to compare the length of the markers with the reference species where they were originally obtained: in 4 cases no microsatellite motives were detected and in other 4 cases the perfect repetition found in tobacco was not maintained in grape. Unfortunately, the three sets of markers failed to show any polymorphism. A detailed comparison of the black Malvasia morphology with its two parents showed a closer similarity to ‘Negroamaro’. Also the anthocyanin profile is in agreement with that of the black parent; its varietal aroma presents interesting levels of free and bound 2-phenylethanol, responsible for rose flavor, and of bound linalool compounds.

Investigations on the identity of ‘Canaiolo bianco’ and other white grape varieties of central Italy

During research for the rescue and description of grapevine germplasm in central Italy, 28 white accessions were collected, 10 of them sharing the name ‘Canaiolo bianco’ but having different morphological and yield characteristics. ‘Canaiolo bianco’ is listed as essential in the specifications for some D.O.C.G. and D.O.C. Tuscan wines, but its correct identity is not clear. With the aim to identify and characterize our samples and to pinpoint what the true-to-type ‘Canaiolo bianco’ is, we described these accessions using a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing DNA analysis, ampelographic, phyllometric, phenological and yield descriptions. Moreover we collected as much historical information as possible about them. The 28 accessions investigated were grouped in 8 varieties with very distinct traits. The research has provided useful information for clarifying various cases of synonymy and homonymy. Moreover, we hypothesize that the true to type ‘Canaiolo bianco’ corresponds to the so called ‘Drupeggio’.

Evidence of alae in Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Les auteurs decrivent au microscope electronique a balayage les ailes laterales des larves (L1) d'Aelurostrongylus abstrusus recueillies dans les selles d'un chat, precedemment observees au microscope optique par l'un des auteurs dans des coupes transversales de larves pulmonaires du nematod

‘Sangiovese’ and ‘Garganega’ are two key varieties of the Italian grapevine assortment evolution

Two synonymous cases have been found using a set of 11 SSR markers: ‘Garganega’ and ‘Grecanico dorato’; ‘Catarratto bianco comune’, ‘Catarratto bianco lucido’ and ‘Catarratto bianco extra lucido’. Molecular data at 36 SSR loci showed that ‘Sangiovese’ and ‘Garganega’ represent two key varieties in the Italian ampelographic assortment evolution, as they both have a first degree relationship with numerous wine varieties. ‘Sangiovese’ showed this link with ten varieties: ‘Foglia tonda’, ‘Frappato’, ‘Gaglioppo’, ‘Mantonicone’, ‘Morellino del Casentino’, ‘Morellino del Valdarno’, ‘Nerello mascalese’, ‘Susumaniello’, ‘Tuccanese di Turi’ and ‘Vernaccia nera del Valdarno’. Seven varieties resulted closely related to ‘Garganega’: ‘Trebbiano toscano’ alias ‘Ugni blanc’, ‘Albana’, ‘Empibotte’, ‘Malvasia bianca di Candia a sapore semplice’, ‘Marzemina bianca’, ‘Catarratto’ and ‘Greco del Pollino’. However, being ‘Sangiovese’ parents disputed and those of ‘Garganega’ still unknown, it was not possible to determine the univocal direction of the various crosses. Identification of the “missing” parents would allow these genealogical trees to be drawn up with greater precision.

Seasonal variations of the serum proteins in sheep and goats (Short Communication)

Abstract. The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal trend of the serum protein content of sheep and goats. The tested animals were six female goats (Maltese breed) and six female sheep (Valle del Belice breed). All animals were clinically healthy and not pregnant or lactating before or during the study. On blood samples, collected through an external jugular venipuncture every 30 days for 12 months, electrophoresis was performed using a semiautomated AGE system and then electrophoretic curves with the relative protein concentrations were analyzed. One way for repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the effect of time and by means of cosinor rythmometry, mesor (mean level), amplitude (half the range of oscillation) and acrophase (Φ, time of peak) were determined. The results showed a seasonal rhythm on Albumin and Alumin/Globulin ratio for sheep and goats, with different acrophases, winter for goats and spring for sheep. A seasonal rhythm was shown also in Alpha 2 globulins by sheep and in Beta globulins by goats. The difference in the acrophase can be attributed to a different production pattern of melatonin in goat, so the liver production of albumin is major during the winter that has a longer scotophase

Scanning electron microscopy of Oestrus ovis larvae (Diptera: Oestridae): skin armour and posterior spiracles.

The skin armour and posterior spiracles of L1, L2 and L3 of Oestrus ovis (Diptera: Oestridae) are described and documented photographically by a scanning electron microscope. The complex and variable morphology of the attack organs of larvae of different stages makes it easier to understand better their exceeding adaptability to the host. The SEM survey has also allowed an apparently unreported anatomic particular with a probable sensory function to be detected in L1

Serum total proteins and related electrophoretic fractions in growing foals

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of serum total proteins, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2 and γ-globulins in growing foals during the first month of life. Nine clinically healthy foals (five females and four males, mean body weight 39.00 ± 3.50 kg) were enrolled in the study. From each animal, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every 3 days during the first month of life starting from the day of birth. Serum concentration of total proteins, albumin, α1, α2, β1, β2 and γ-globulins was assessed. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni post hoc comparison test, was used to determine statistically significant effect of the day of life on studied parameters. A statistically significant effect of the day of life on serum total proteins (P < 0.0001), albumin (P < 0.0001) and γ-globulins (P < 0.005) was observed during the first month of life. Our findings emphasize the importance of establishing different reference intervals for serum electrophoretic protein profiles in growing foals based on their physiological status. This study provides useful information that could help clinicians to better interpret clinical data and diagnose equine neonatal disease

Recognition and genotyping of minor germplasm of Friuli Venezia Giulia revealed high diversity

The wealth of vine varieties that used to exist in Friuli Venezia Giulia has been progressively lost. In order to ascertain the current situation regarding vine germplasm in the region, between 2001 and 2008, a wide-ranging study was conducted of recovery, conservation and molecular characterization with microsatellite markers (SSR) of accessions of minor germplasm at risk of erosion or extinction. A total of 178 accessions were analyzed and 93 varieties identified. Of these, 44 are already registered in the Italian Catalogue, 8 have been imported and are well-known foreign varieties even if not registered in the Italian Catalogue, 38 are potentially autochthonous and of these only 15 are described or at least cited in the literature; there are no hypotheses on the remaining three. In order to obtain information on possible genetic similarities, three types of software were used to process the molecular data, but only Structure allowed the existence of two principal groupings to be hypothesized for some of the presumed Friuli autochthons: one that gravitates around ‘Prosecco’ and the other around ‘Refoscone’.

Influence of different nitrate and iron availabilities on phosphoenolpiruvate carboxilase and malate dehydrogenase in roots of maize (Zea mays L.) plants

The effect of the different nitrate (NO3) availability on some enzymatic activities has been evaluated in iron (Fe) deficient and iron sufficient maize plants (Zea mays L.) in order to evaluate the induction of Fe sensitiveness to enzymatic activities. The apoplast reactions may be altered due to the different nitrate availability. Two experimental tests were done on maize plants grown in nutrient solution with different NO3 availability and with Fe-sufficiency and Fedeficiency. Phosphoenolpiruvate carboxilase (PEPcase) and malate dehydrogenase activities, for the reaction determined in citosol, by NO3 uptake, showed different responses according to Fe availability. The different nitrate availability caused a difference in the acid content. These results justifies the higher energy demand to activate membrane carriers under stress conditions for the reduced nitrate availability