In vitro method to screen grapevine genotypes for tolerance to lime-induced chlorosis

Herbaceous nodes of four grapevine genotypes with different tolerance to lime-induced chlorosis (V. berlandieri x V. rupestris 140 Ru; V. berlandieri x V. riparia SO 4; V, riparia MICH. Gloire de Montpellier; V. vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay) were cultured in vitro. The effects of three levels of FeNaEDTA (5, 15, 30 mg/l) and of four mixtures of iron and bicarbonate in the MS medium were compared and chlorosis rating, ferrous iron content of the leaves and fresh weight of the plantlets were assayed. The chlorosis rating of the tested genotypes ranked according to their known degree of tolerance/susceptibility to lime-induced chlorosis

Spatio-temporal variability of Borer Polychaetes in Posidonia oceanica beds and its relation to meadow structure

Posidonia oceanica forms an extremely productive and complex ecosystem in the coastal Mediterranean Sea providing a suitable habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species. Among motile invertebrates associated to Posidonia meadows, polychaete borers of the plant sheaths represent a unique group which exploit a peculiar microhabitat. They belong to the family Eunicidae with three dominant species, Lysidice collaris, L. ninetta and L. unicornis. Due to their strong association with Posidonia shoots, these animals are particularly suitable to study the plant and animal spatial relationships and their pattern of variability. The aim of this work was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of these animals (Index of Borer, IB) at different spatial and temporal (summer vs winter) scales in two Posidonia meadows off the Ischia Island (Gulf of Naples, Italy), which are exposed to different degrees of human impact and of hydrological conditions. Results showed IB values of L. collaris (the most abundant species) significantly different between meadows and at scales from 10s to 100s of meters, as well as between summer and winter. The IB of L. ninetta showed significant differences only at scales of 10s of meters while, on the contrary, the IB of L. unicornis (the less abundant species) did not show variability at any spatial and temporal scales. Most of the variance was at the more impacted and less water movement exposed meadow, suggesting higher level of small and intermediate scales of patchiness of borers at this meadow. These variation patterns are discussed in relation to local environmental differences between the studied Posidonia beds

Invasions of the non-indigenous red alga Lophocladia lallemandii (Montagne) F. Schmitz off the Island of Ischia (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

This paper describes the distribution and spread of the non-indigenous red alga Lophocladia lallemandii (Montagne) F. Schmitz along the coast of the Island of Ischia (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). Lophocladia lallemandii was monitored through surveys from July 2019 to January 2020 at the Capo Sant’Angelo (Ischia), where L. lallemandii was observed, but not reported, in the years preceding the invasion of the upper rocky infralittoral shore reported here. It is noteworthy that a large portion of the study area is included within one of the two “B no-take” zones of the Marine Protected Area of the “Regno di Nettuno” (“Neptune’s Realm”). During the surveys, the alga was first observed in the middle of July 2019 and totally disappeared by the middle of January 2020. Algal cover showed two peaks in August (55%) and November (58.5%). Fertile thalli (tetrasporophytes) of L. lallemandii were observed in all of the analysed samples. Thalli were not always strongly attached to the substrate or other algae and could often be easily detached by strong hydrodynamic conditions. These detached thalli were found laying on the bottom in dense turfs or floating or stranding on the beach. Noteworthy were the macroflora and fauna, the latter essentially composed by mollusks and amphipods, living among the branches of the alga, and various fishes hiding within the thick algal turf. These observations indicate that this alga may be a source of food and refuge for the native animal community of the upper rocky infralittoral zone

Investigation on the microbiological hazards in an artisanal soft cheese produced in northern Italy and its production environment in different seasonal periods

The present study aimed at assessing the occurrence of microbiological hazards (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157) in an artisanal soft cheese produced in northern Italy. In the same product total bacterial count, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated, and pH and water activity measured in two batches sampled in summer and winter. Samples of raw materials, environmental swabs from the production processes and cheese during 15 days of storage at 2 and 8°C as well as dynamic temperature of 2°C for 5 days and 8°C for 10 days were collected and tested. The load of total bacterial count was significantly higher in the winter batch in comparison to the summer one, with a significant increase at the end of the storage period also noticed for lactic acid bacteria. Statistical higher values of pH were registered in raw materials and end of storage in winter batch. S. aureus was con-firmed only in the winter batch within samples (n=4) of stored cheese. On plates used for E. coli O157 detection, colonies of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxy-toca were isolated. The results suggest that the highest bacterial population in the winter batch was associated to a higher pH in stored cheese and a higher number of bio-logical hazards identified. Their isolation started in the maturation room suggesting this step as relevant for possible cheese contamination

Macrofaunal communities in the Gioia Canyon (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

Submarine canyons play pivotal roles in the physical, biological and ecological processes of coastal areas, especially in closed or semi-closed basins as the Mediterranean Sea, influencing the biodiversity and the abundance of the benthic fauna. On February 2013, during the Tyrrhenian Gravity Flows (TyGraF) campaign, samples have been collected along the Gioia Canyon Basin (Italy) with the aim to describe the taxonomical composition and the abundances of the macrobenthic assemblages, filling the gap of knowledge in this area. A total of 93 taxa were identified, and the Annelida was the phylum with the highest number of specimens and most diversified (46 taxa). The polychaetes Sternaspis scutata, Prionospio cirrifera and Monticellina sp., the bivalves Thyasira sp.1 and Saccella commutata and the amphipods belonging to the genera Ampelisca and Harpinia showed the highest densities in the studied area; however, results suggest low values of the abundances of the macrobenthos if compared with those generally reported for other canyons, both inside and outside the Mediterranean Sea. The marine biotic index (AMBI) highlights that the canyon system and the surrounded area were slightly disturbed and characterized by a high percentage of tolerant taxa. This study is the first baseline for future analyses of the macrobenthic communities of this area

Investigation on the microbiological hazards in an artisanal salami produced in Northern Italy and its production environment in different seasonal periods

In the present study, the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli VTEC was investigated in two batches of artisanal Italian salami tested in winter and summer. Moreover, enumerations of total bacterial count, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae were performed as well as monitoring of water activity and pH. Samples were taken from raw materials, production process environment, semi-finished product and finished products. The results revealed an overall increase of total bacterial count and lactic acid bacteria during the ripening period, along with a decrease of Enterobacteriaceae, pH and water activity. No significant difference was observed between the two batches. The enterobacterial load appeared to decrease during the maturation period mainly due to a decrease in pH and water activity below the limits that allow the growth of these bacteria. E. coli VTEC, Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes were not detected in both winter and summer batches. However, Klebsiella pneumoniae was detected in both summer and winter products. Except for one isolate, no biological hazards were detected in the finished salami, proving the efficacy of the ripening period in controlling the occurrence of microbiological hazard in ripened salami. Further studies are required to assess the virulence potential of the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates