Grafting suitability of Sicilian eggplant ecotypes onto Solanum torvum: Fruit composition, production and phenology

The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most widely cultivated crops in tropical and temperate regions around the world and is suitable for propagation through grafting. In many parts of the world, grafting is a routine technique used in continuous cropping systems, because in the horticulture field is a sustainable technique that allows cultivators to overcome abiotic or biotic stress. The objective of this research was to evaluate the suitability at the grafting of four Sicilian eggplant ecotypes grown in open field in Sicily, Italy. Vegetables in general are a great source of minerals in the human diet and the eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) provides significant quantities of various minerals, among which are P, K, Ca and Mg. The study demonstrated that grafting increased marketable yield. Furthermore, grafting has increased the amount of Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu in the fruit, while reducing the amount of Na, Mg and Mn. This variation is of significant interest, as lower levels of Na and Mn favour a reduction in hypertension and help keep blood pressure under control. Grafted plant height after 35 days is positively correlated with the average number of marketable fruits per plant (r = 0.607) and percentage of discard production (r = 0.583). Furthermore, after 35 days, the non-grafted plant’s height was also negatively correlated with the total average production (r = -0.528), the average marketable production (r = -0.558), and the average weight of marketable fruits (r = -0.815). This research confirmed that Solanum torvum selection Australys rootstock gave Sicilian eggplant ecotypes increased vigor in the initial 35 days from planting, increased yields while increasing the number of marketable fruit, and creating fruit with more healthful qualities

Current and Potential Use of Citrus Essential Oils.

Since the Middle Ages, citrus essential oils (EOs) have been widely used for their bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitical, insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic proprieties. Also nowadays, they find important applications in pharmaceutical, sanitary, cosmetic, agricultural and food industries. The best method to extract EOs from citrus plant tissue is steam distillation because of a variety of extracted volatile molecules such as terpenes and terpenoids, phenol-derived aromatic components and aliphatic components. In vitro physicochemical assays classify most of them as antioxidants

Distribution of REEs in soil-citrus limon system(L.) Osbeck

The consumers have an increasing interest about food traceability with respect to safety, quality and typicality issues. The knowledge of a chemistry relationship between the soil and the agricultural products is an important tool for the quality assessment of food. Citrus Limon is the most important fruit tree crop in the world and the detection of potential fraud could improve by using tools linking the chemistry composition of this production to its typical growing area. This study use rare earth elements (REEs) as geochemical tracers. The REEs are a set of 14 elements, from lanthanum to lutetium that can be divided in light rare earth elements (LREEs), from La to Gd and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), from Tb to Lu. The REEs have recognized as very useful tracers due to their generally coherent and predictable behaviour. The aim of the research is to observe whether the fruits of various cultivars of citrus cultivated on the same soil and their products (fruit and juice) reproduce the same distribution of REEs. Taking into account of our previous works carried out on grapevine – soil system [1,2], we applied the same technique to evaluate and trace the REEs distribution in soil– Citrus Limon fruits system. Sampling of soil and of fruits was carried out in the CREA experimental farm located in Acireale (CT, Sicily) where are present several Citrus Limon cultivars cultivated in Sicily. The REEs amount, the HREEs/LREEs relations and their distribution in the fruit and citrus juice with respect to the own soil were determined and calculated. The intriguing results obtained with a geochemical approach are the first on the soil–Citrus Limon fruits system

Effects of Citrus essential oils on weed emergence and on soil microorganisms

Weed invasion is a major problem for agricultural productivity since causes economic and environmental damages. Weed control can be achieved through chemical, mechanical, biological and cultural means. Although synthetic herbicides are effective for weed control, they have a negative impact on soil and the environment. Therefore, it is important to develop alternative means that are in the meanwhile effective and ecofriendly. EOs are commonly used for bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitical, insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications. Citrus EOs are the most widely used in the world for many purposes. Moreover, some studies have recently investigated their potential as herbicides. EOs can be extracted in different ways among which hydro distillation and cold pressing are commonly used. The two methods are based on different procedures. Hydro distillation is carried out with a Clevenger-apparatus that conducts the distillation process by boiling, condensing and decantation to separate the EOs. The cold pressing consist of crushing and pressing the peels thus leading to the formation of a watery emulsion. Then, the emulsion is centrifuged to separate out the EOs. Since no external substance are needed, this process ensures that the resulting EOs retains all their properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo potential effects of Citrus EOs extracted by hydro distillation and cold pressing on weed emergence and on soil biochemical properties. The topsoil (5 cm) of an Inceptisol within the campus of University of Palermo was used for the experiment. 500 g of soil, air-dried and sieved at 1 cm, were used to fill each of the 24 aluminium pots (10 x 20 cm). then, soils were brought up to 100% of their water holding capacity (WHC) by adding firstly 150 mL of tap water (2/3 of WHC) followed by 70 mL of tap water (1/3 of WHC), by a anual sprayer, containing 8 mL L-1 of each one of the extracted EOs. Then, the soils were maintained at 50% of their water holding capacity during all the period of the experiment. Fitoil was used as emulsifier at a concentration of 1 ml L-1. Soils without EO, and with or without Fitoil, were considered as control. After one month the soils were moistened, plant biomass and height, and soil chemical and biochemical properties were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in quadruplicate to investigate the soil proprieties. In this work, the results are showed and discussed

Degradation of long-chain n-alkanes in soil microcosms by two actinobacteria

The ability of two recently isolated actinobacteria, that degrade medium and long chain n-alkanes in laboratory water medium, was investigated in soil microcosms using different standard soils that were artificially contaminated with n-alkanes of different length (C12- C20- C24- C30). The two strains, identified as Nocardia sp. SoB and Gordonia sp. SoCp, revealed a similar high HC degradation efficiency with an average of 75% alkane degraded after 28 days incubation. A selectivity of bacteria towards n-alkanes of different length was detected as well as a consistent effect of soil texture and other soil physical chemical characteristics on degradation. It was demonstrated the specific aptitude of these selected strains towards specific environmental conditions

Soil bioindicators and weed emergence as affected by essential oils extracted from leaves of three different Eucalyptus species

The widespread use of synthetic herbicides has resulted in herbicide-resistant weeds, altered ecological balance and negative effects on human health. To overcome these problems, efforts are being made to reduce the reliance on synthetic herbicides and shift to natural products. Essential oils (EOs) extracted from plants have been demonstrated to have potential herbicide activity. EOs, composed by volatile organic compounds and characterized by a strong odor, are used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries as they are thought to be safe compounds for humans, animals, and the environment. EOs extracted from Eucalyptus leaves have antimicrobial, antiviral, fungicidal, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-oxidant effects. Moreover, in vitro studies have demonstrated that they have inhibitory effects on germination of seeds of many crops and weeds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo effects of EOs extracted from Eucalyptus leaves on both weed emergence and biochemical soil properties. Furthermore, since the diverse species of Eucalyptus have shown to have different biological activities, EOs were extracted from three Eucalyptus species (E. camaldulensis, E. globulus, E. occidentalis). Fresh leaves were collected from an afforested area near Piazza Armerina (province of Enna, Italy) and their EOs extracted by hydrodistillation. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil (<5 cm) of an Inceptisol within the experimental farm of the University of Palermo, air-dried and sieved at 1 cm. Five hundred grams of this soil were filled in each of 20 aluminum pots (10×20 cm). The soil samples were brought up to 100% of the water holding capacity (WHC) by adding 150 mL of tap water, followed by 70 mL of tap water containing 8 mL L-1 of one of the three extracted EOs. This experimental test was repeated for remaining two EOs. Fitoil was used as emulsifier at a concentration of 0.1% (v/v). The control consisted of the soil treated as the EO treatment but with Fitoil only. The soils were incubated in greenhouse conditions. After 2 days, the 100% WHC halved and then it was kept to this level (50% WHC) by watering soil daily. The experiment was carried out in quadruplicate. After one month the soil were brought up to 100% of WHC, plant biomass and height of germinated weeds and soil biochemical properties were evaluated. This work reports the results and discuss them

Phytotoxic potential of Citrus essential oils on weed species

Environmental constraints of crop production systems have stimulated interest in alternative weed management strategies. In fact, the continued use of synthetic herbicides may threaten sustainable agricultural production and result in serious ecological and environmental problems, such as the increased incidence of resistance in weeds to important herbicides and increased environmental pollution and health hazards. Public awareness and demand for environmentally safer herbicides with less persistence and less contaminating potential make searches for new weed control strategies. Citrus Essential oils are generally used in the cosmetic, medicinal, and food industries, and are thought to be safe compounds for humans, animals, and the environment. EOs can be extracted by hydro distillation and cold pressing. The two methods are based on different procedures. Hydro distillation is carried out with a Clevenger-apparatus that conducts the distillation process by boiling, condensing and decantation to separate the EOs. The cold pressing consist of crushing and pressing the peels thus leading to the formation of a watery emulsion. Then, the emulsion is centrifuged to separate out the EOs. Since no external substance are needed, this process ensures that the resulting EOs retains all their properties. The allelopathic and phytotoxic effects of EOs obtained from other species and their potential use for weed management has been well documented. The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vitro the phytotoxic effects of Citrus EOs (Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon and Citrus reticulata) extracted by hydro distillation and cold pressing on main weed species (Amaranthus retroflexus, Portulaca oleracea., Echinochloa crus-galli, Avena sativa). For all EOs six concentrations were tested (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12) μl/ml and 5 repetitions with 20 seeds each (for dicotyledons) or 10 repetitions with 10 seeds each (for monocotyledons) were performed. They were applied for one hundred seeds for concentration. Twenty seeds were placed into 9 cm diameter Petri dishes for Amarantus and Portulaca. In each Petri dish, 5 ml of distilled water were added. This volume kept the filter papers uniformly soaked-wet without flooding. For Avena and Echinocloa ten seeds were placed into petri dishes and 6 ml of distilled water was added. The essential oil was placed in a sheet of filter papers in contact with the seeds. The controls were prepared with the same quantities of distilled water. Petri dishes were incubated in the room germination (EQUITEC) at 20/30 °C (±1 °C), alternating temperature (6/18 h dark and light (cool white Radium NL 36W/840; 3100 lm)). Dishes were sealed to reduce evaporation, and no more additional water was supplied during the tests. To evaluate the possible phytotoxic effects of the essential oils and their main compounds on seed germination and seedling growth data were registered by taking photos after 3,5, 7, 10 and 14 days after incubation and will be processed using Digimizer. Then data will be analysed and discussed

Tree-Ripe Mango Fruit: Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Properties and Sensory Profile of Six Mediterranean-Grown Cultivars

Some of the key components that contribute to the acceptance of high-quality fresh mangoes by consumers are its flavour, odour, texture and chemical constituents that depend mainly on level of maturity. In the European market, the demand for tree-ripened fruit has increased in recent decades. Nevertheless, the qualitative response and the marketable characteristics of tree-ripened mango fruit grown in the Mediterranean area are not yet studied. Tree-ripened fruits of cv Keitt, Glenn, Osteen, Maya, Kensington Pride and Tommy Atkins were submitted to analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, flesh firmness, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed weight, peel weight, percentage of flesh and fibre, ash content, fat content, carbohydrate content, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn contents, ascorbic acid and vitamin A) and sensory evaluations. Significant differences were observed for sensory and physicochemical characteristics in a cultivar-dependent manner. The mango Keitt, in addition to its interesting physicochemical traits, content of protein and vitamin, has a higher sensory appeal. Glenn fruit showed more suitable weight, flesh firmness, soluble solids, vitamin content, total antioxidant activity and total polyphenolics content; Maya had the lowest titratable acidity and the highest soluble solid content, whereas Tommy Atkins revealed preferable ground colour, total antioxidant activity, and vitamin B2 and vitamin C contents. Tree-ripened fruits grown in the Mediterranean climate show interesting peculiarities in regard to fresh market requirements. The analytical-sensory approach established a qualitative characterization of the six observed cultivars

Hybrids and allied species as potential rootstocks for eggplant: Effect of grafting on vigour, yield and overall fruit quality traits

Grafting of fruiting vegetables is an effective technique to overcome pests and diseases in modern cropping systems and it is often used to improve yield and fruit quality. Eggplant is an important vegetable crop that benefits significantly from grafting. In this regards, the exploitation, valorization and breeding of new rootstock genotypes as possible substitute to those commonly used (Solanum torvum and tomato hybrids) would permit an intensive eggplant crop system in those situations where a rootstock rotation is required. In the present article, we study the effects of several potential rootstocks including both wild/allied species of eggplant [S. torvum (STO), S. macrocarpon (SMA), S. aethiopicum (accession SASI), S. aethiopicum (accession SASa2), S. paniculatum (jurubeba) (SPA) and S. indicum (SIN)] and Msa 2/2 E7 and 460 CAL. eggplant hybrids on plant vigor, yield and fruit characteristics of eggplant F1 hybrid (‘Birgah’), in two spring-summer growing seasons (2014 and 2015). SPA and the hybrids Msa 2/2 E7 and 460 CAL. displayed a high percentage of grafting success. ‘Birgah’ scion grafted onto the two above-mentioned rootstocks showed a notable vigour and yield. Both rootstocks did not promote any unfavorable effects on apparent fruit quality traits and overall fruit composition. Furthermore, the concentration of glycoalkaloids in the fruit remained below the recommended safety value (200 mg/100 g of dw). These results suggest that SPA and Msa 2/2 E7 and 460 CAL. eggplant hybrids might represent a potential rootstock alternative to S. torvum