15 research outputs found
Growth performance of selected eucalypt hybrid clones for SRWC in central and southern Italy
Eucalypt short-rotation woody crop (SRWC) is becoming an attractive option for energy biomass in Mediterranean dry environments. The present study is aimed at assessing growth performance of selected eucalypt hybrid clones for SRWC in three Italian sites (Massama, Sardinia; Mirto, Calabria; Rome, Latium) compared with Eucalyptus camaldulensis, the most commonly cultivated eucalypt species in Italy. The study identified eucalypt clones with stable and high performance between several alternatives. Results pointed out the declining growth performance observed in the second rotation compared with the first cycle. This is due to the cultivation model, age rotation and harvesting method adopted, which negatively affect the available soil nutrients’ content. The clone/site interaction as for basal area growth at the three investigated sites, suggests a significantly different clones’ performance among sites. Viglio and Velino clones showed the best overall performance and are suggested to be used over the large scale SRWC in central and southern Italy
Assessing the Influence of Summer Organic Fertilization Combined with Nitrogen Inhibitor on a Short Rotation Woody Crop in Mediterranean Environment
The European Union Directive 91/676/EEC, known as Nitrates Directive, has dictated basic agronomic principles regarding the use of animal manure source as well as livestock and waste waters from small food companies. The use of nitrification inhibitors together with animal effluents as organic fertilizers could be beneficial for nutrient recycling, plant productivity, and greenhouse gas emission and could offer economic advantages as alternative to conventional fertilizers especially in the Mediterranean region. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in plant productivity between bovine effluent treatments with (or without) addition of a nitrification inhibitor (3,4 DMPP) in a short rotation woody crop system. Results of the field experiment carried out in a Mediterranean dry environment indicated that the proposed strategy could improve tree growth with indirect, beneficial effects for agroforestry systems
Control of nitrification of organic fertilizer in soil by 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)
Control of nitrification of organic fertilizer in soil by 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP). International Workshop on Nitrogen, environment and vegetables (NEV2013
Control of nitrification of organic fertilizer in soil by 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)
Environmental correlates of crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever incidence in Bulgaria
Abstract Background Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic viral disease transmitted by ixodid tick bites, mainly of Hyalomma spp., or through contact with blood/tissues from infected people or animals. CCHF is endemic in the Balkan area, including Bulgaria, where it causes both sporadic cases and community outbreaks. Methods We described trends of CCHF in Bulgaria between 1997 and 2009 and investigated the associations between CCHF incidence and a selection of environmental factors using a zero-inflated modelling approach. Results A total of 159 CCHF cases (38 women and 121 men) were identified between 1997 and 2009. The incidence was 0.13 cases per 100,000 population/year with a fatality rate of 26%. An epidemic peak was detected close to the Turkish border in the summer of 2002. Most cases were reported between April and September. Increasing mean temperature, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), savannah-type land coverage or habitat fragmentation increased significantly the incidence of CCHF in the CCHF-affected areas. Similar to that observed in Turkey, we found that areas with warmer temperatures in the autumn prior to the case-reporting year had an increased probability of reporting zero CCHF cases. Conclusions We identified environmental correlates of CCHF incidence in Bulgaria that may support the prospective implementation of public health interventions.</p
Short-term and long-term effects of antimicrobial use on antimicrobial resistance in broiler and turkey farms.
ABSTRACTAntimicrobials have been widely used in poultry, promoting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emergence and spread. Resistant bacteria selected by antimicrobial use (AMU) can contaminate the farm environment and transfer resistance genes to other bacteria, providing opportunities for persistence and (re-)colonization of subsequent flocks and potentially jeopardizing antimicrobial treatments. We investigated the effects of AMU on AMR in poultry in the long-term (due to historical AMU in the farm) and in the short-term (due to current AMU in a flock). Litter samples from 35 broiler and 35 turkey farms in North-East Italy were sampled longitudinally for AMR testing of E. coli indicator bacteria in 2019/2020. Differences in AMR as a function of historical AMU (Defined Daily Doses in 2016-2018), current AMU in the sampled flock, farm size and season were tested using Generalized Estimating Equation regression analysis. In both broilers and turkeys, the highest resistance levels were observed for sulfamethoxazole (>70%), followed by ampicillin (54-60%). Only few positive associations between historical levels of penicillin use and the specific resistance levels to penicillin in broiler farms, and the overall historical AMU and resistance to trimethoprim in turkey flocks, were significant. Current AMU showed significant effects on resistance to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in turkey flocks. Significant effects of farm size on some AMR levels were also identified. We found a stronger association between current AMU and AMR compared to historical AMU and AMR. AMR persistence in the farm environment in absence of direct AMU pressure needs to be further investigated
Sources of Resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi in Juglans spp. for Potential Rootstocks
diverse collection of Juglans species and hybrids with potential to serve as
walnut rootstocks was evaluated to identify resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a destructive
pathogen affecting commercial production of Persian walnuts worldwide. A total
of 35 Juglans genotypes, comprising hybrids and Juglans microcarpa, plus three
Juglans regia genotypes as comparison, were inoculated during two seasons (spring and
autumn) for 3 years, with two isolates of P. cinnamomi. Inoculations were carried out on
excised shoots of the different genotypes by replacing a bark disk with a P. cinnamomi
culture plug. After incubation, necrosis length caused by the pathogen was measured.
Data were collected and statistically analyzed with generalized linear mixed models. This
work pointed out a seasonal influence on some Juglans genotype response to P. cinnamomi:
both hybrids and J. microcarpa groups were significantly less sensitive in autumn
compared with spring (P = 0.0006), thus this condition must be considered when selecting
Juglans for resistance to this pathogen. Three genotypes of J. regia, known for its
susceptibility to P. cinnamomi, were used as comparison. Results show good levels of resistance
to P. cinnamomi in J. microcarpa genotypes, confirming literature results.
Among J. microcarpa genotypes, the Jmi03 is quite promising for its in vitro propagation.
A number of Juglans hybrids, H5/18, 7/28,8/29, 10/43, and 6/22, showed significantly
higher levels of resistance to P. cinnamomi, compared with susceptible J. regia
genotypes. Evaluation, in naturally infected fields, of clonal genotypes and seedlingprogenies
of resistant genotypes, grafted with commercial walnut varieties, is currently
under way and will provide additional information for successful usage
Sources of Resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi in Juglans spp. for Potential Rootstocks
diverse collection of Juglans species and hybrids with potential to serve as
walnut rootstocks was evaluated to identify resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a destructive
pathogen affecting commercial production of Persian walnuts worldwide. A total
of 35 Juglans genotypes, comprising hybrids and Juglans microcarpa, plus three
Juglans regia genotypes as comparison, were inoculated during two seasons (spring and
autumn) for 3 years, with two isolates of P. cinnamomi. Inoculations were carried out on
excised shoots of the different genotypes by replacing a bark disk with a P. cinnamomi
culture plug. After incubation, necrosis length caused by the pathogen was measured.
Data were collected and statistically analyzed with generalized linear mixed models. This
work pointed out a seasonal influence on some Juglans genotype response to P. cinnamomi:
both hybrids and J. microcarpa groups were significantly less sensitive in autumn
compared with spring (P = 0.0006), thus this condition must be considered when selecting
Juglans for resistance to this pathogen. Three genotypes of J. regia, known for its
susceptibility to P. cinnamomi, were used as comparison. Results show good levels of resistance
to P. cinnamomi in J. microcarpa genotypes, confirming literature results.
Among J. microcarpa genotypes, the Jmi03 is quite promising for its in vitro propagation.
A number of Juglans hybrids, H5/18, 7/28,8/29, 10/43, and 6/22, showed significantly
higher levels of resistance to P. cinnamomi, compared with susceptible J. regia
genotypes. Evaluation, in naturally infected fields, of clonal genotypes and seedlingprogenies
of resistant genotypes, grafted with commercial walnut varieties, is currently
under way and will provide additional information for successful usage