Construction of an integrated consensus map of the Apple genome based on four mapping populations

An integrated consensus genetic map for apple was constructed on the basis of segregation data from four genetically connected crosses (C1¿=¿Discovery × TN10-8, C2¿=¿Fiesta × Discovery, C3¿=¿Discovery × Prima, C4¿=¿Durello di Forli × Fiesta) with a total of 676 individuals using CarthaGene® software. First, integrated female¿male maps were built for each population using common female¿male simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs). Then, common SSRs over populations were used for the consensus map integration. The integrated consensus map consists of 1,046 markers, of which 159 are SSR markers, distributed over 17 linkage groups reflecting the basic chromosome number of apple. The total length of the integrated consensus map was 1,032 cM with a mean distance between adjacent loci of 1.1 cM. Markers were proportionally distributed over the 17 linkage groups (¿ 2¿=¿16.53, df¿=¿16, p¿=¿0.41). A non-uniform marker distribution was observed within all of the linkage groups (LGs). Clustering of markers at the same position (within a 1-cM window) was observed throughout LGs and consisted predominantly of only two to three linked markers. The four integrated female¿male maps showed a very good colinearity in marker order for their common markers, except for only two (CH01h01, CH05g03) and three (CH05a02z, NZ02b01, Lap-1) markers on LG17 and LG15, respectively. This integrated consensus map provides a framework for performing quantitative trait locus (QTL) detection in a multi-population design and evaluating the genetic background effect on QTL expression

Domestic heating: Can hemp-hurd derived pellet be an alternative?

Among the renewable sources, residual woody biomass from agricultural crops is becoming of great interest due to its lower environmental impact and one of the most growing agricultural sector, of the last decade, is the hemp industry which generates several kind of byproducts. In this paper, a blend of 50% of hemp-hurd and 50% of fir sawdust was pulverized and pelletized. The pellets were burned into a domestic pellet stove (9 kWth maximum nominal thermal power output) at different biomass flowrates. To compare results with a commercial-grade pellet, the tests were repeated by fueling the same stove with A2-grade pellets. Results shown that the pellet mixture 50/50 of fir sawdust and hemp-hurd is suitable for the commercial pellet stove used and that the slightly higher amount of ashes (2.7%), compared to pellet A2 (<1.2%), can be handled by the self-cleaning fire chamber. Comparable results were also obtained in regards with the stove global efficiency which ranged from 90.8-92.3% for the hemp pellets and 91-94% for the A2. A significant difference was noted in the biomass flowrate where, during the tests with hemp-hurd pellets a lower value was obtained (-20%) compared to A2. This resulted into lower power input in the stove and lower performances at the same nominal power output

Analysis and modeling of processes involved with salt tolerance and rice

Salinity is a worldwide problem for rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation, and a number of breeding programs targeting increased salt tolerance are ongoing. A new trait-based mathematical model for salt stress on rice was recently proposed, characterized by a high level of detail in the description of physiological mechanisms dealing with crop response to salinity. In this study, dedicated growth chamber experiments were performed where three rice cultivars with different degrees of tolerance were grown under different salinity levels. The aim was to improve the understanding of physiological mechanisms like Na+ uptake and sequestration in structural tissues, and to validate the model using new datasets where temporal dynamics in plant response to salt stress were analyzed. Model evaluation demonstrated strong agreement between measured and simulated dry weights of plant organs (e.g., R2 = 0.88-0.97 for aboveground biomass), [Na+] in plant tissues (R2 = 0.73-0.88), and green leaf area index (R2 = 0.71-0.99). These results demonstrate the reliability of the model and support its adoption within studies aimed at analyzing or predicting the response of different cultivars to temporal dynamics of Na+ concentration in soil and water

Identification of functional apple scab resistance gene promoters

Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is one of the most damaging diseases affecting commercial apple production. Some wild Malus species possess resistance against apple scab. One gene, HcrVf2, from a cluster of three genes derived from the wild apple Malus floribunda clone 821, has recently been shown to confer resistance to apple scab when transferred into a scab-susceptible apple variety. For this proof-of-function experiment, the use of the 35S promoter from Cauliflower mosaic virus was reliable and appropriate. However, in order to reduce the amount of non-plant DNA in genetically modified apple to a minimum, with the aim of increasing genetically modified organism acceptability, these genes would ideally be regulated by their own promoters. In this study, sequences from the promoter region of the three members of the HcrVf gene family were compared. Promoter constructs containing progressive 5′ deletions were prepared and used for functional analyses. Qualitative assessment confirmed promoter activity in apple. Quantitative promoter comparison was carried out in tobacco (Nicotiana glutinosa) and led to the identification of several promoter regions with different strengths from a basal level to half the strength of the 35S promoter from Cauliflower mosaic viru

Characterization of red-fleshed pear accessions from Emilia-Romagna region

Germplasm collections represent a reservoir of traits and genes that might be used in breeding programs to cope with the evolving market demand. Some old pear accessions still cultivated in the Apennine Mountains in Italy possess a red flesh fruit. This paper reports the molecular analysis of 33 red-fleshed pear accessions, collected in different areas of the Emilia-Romagna region and genotyped with 18 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers with the aim of improving germplasm conservation strategies for old red-fleshed pears and for supporting ongoing breeding programs. The molecular profiles revealed both cases of synonymy and homonymy and only 6 unique genotypes were identified. S-genotypes were also established in order to highlight the genetic relationships among these landraces. Four of the unique genotypes have been clustered based on pomological data

Experimental investigation of chestnut shells gasification

Fossil fuels substitution with renewable energy sources is necessary for an effective decarbonization. Biomass can represent a valid alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, bioenergy generation avoids costs and problems related to biomass disposal. This study presents the energetic valorisation of chestnut shells, a byproduct of the chestnut transformation processes. Through a thermo-conversion system based on gasification, this material was considered not as a waste, but as a resource to be exploited to produce bioenergy and biochar. The fuel gas produced through the gasification process can partially replace the LPG currently used to meet the energy required for the brulage and steam peeling processes. Experimental gasification tests were carried out to evaluate this biomass by means of a laboratory scale micro-gasifier (Imbert downdraft type). Chestnut shells were pelletized with a pelletizer machine to avoid the bridging effect inside the gasifier and increase its energy density. The fuel gas obtained was sampled and analyzed to measure its composition and HHV. In addition, the gasification efficiency was calculated obtaining a value of 70%, a result in line with the ones obtained with higher quality biomasses

A technical-economic analysis of integrating vine prunings energy conversion systems for CHP production in local wineries

This study proposes the energy conversion of vine prunings to supply energy to local wineries, with a focus on the Riunite & CIV branch winery located in Carpi (Modena, Italy), exploring the possibility of generating both electricity and heat through biomass gasification. A Matlab-Simulink model is used to evaluate the energy savings that can be achieved when an energy storage system is coupled with the combined heat and power generation system. Within this context, the results showed that it is possible to save approximate to 60% of the thermal energy demanded by the winery. However, the economic viability of the project is hindered by high investment and operation costs. DPB is strongly affected by the cost of biomass and the energy prices, resulting in a profitable investment for electricity prices higher than 0.30(sic)> 0.57 euro/kWh according to the different scenarios investigated

Experimental investigation of moisture influence on biochar and biochar-soil blends thermophysical properties

Biochar is a carbonaceous and porous material obtained through pyrolysis or gasification. It can be extremely valuable as soil amendment since it increases the organic matter content and fertility, the microbial activity, the water retention, and the crop yields. Moreover, biochar soil application has the potential for long-term carbon sequestration which makes its application to soil interesting even outside agricultural crops. In recent years, the study of the variation of the thermophysical properties of the soil induced by mixing with biochar has attracted interest. In this work, the effect of the water content on thermal conductivity of biochar was investigated by means of the guarded hot plate apparatus λ-Meter EP500e. The same procedure was applied to various mixtures of biochar and soil. Furthermore, the specific heat was measured in order to obtain the thermal diffusivity in the various conditions through a calorimeter. Solar reflectance was also measured following the ASTM C1549 using a solar spectrum reflectometer SSR-ER. The obtained thermophysical properties can be used for the evaluation of the temperature trend of soil at different depths during the seasonal variations

Airborne pathogens diffusion: A comparison between tracer gas and pigmented aerosols for indoor environment analysis

The evaluation of airborne pathogens diffusion is a crucial practice in preventing airborne diseases like COVID-19, especially in indoor environments. Through this transmission route, pathogens can be carried by droplets, droplet nuclei and aerosols and be conveyed over long distances. Therefore, understanding their diffusion is vital for prevention and curbing disease transmission. There are different techniques used for this purpose, and one of the most common is the utilization of tracer gas, however, it has limitations such as the difference in size between the gas molecules and the respiratory droplets, as well as its incapability to take into account evaporation. For this reason, a new method for evaluating the diffusion of respiratory droplets has been developed. This approach involves the use of an ultrasonic emitter to release and disperse pigmented aerosols, and a colorimeter for the following quantitative evaluation. A comparison with the tracer gas technique has been carried out, showing for the pigmented aerosols methodology a response that is dependent on different relative humidity conditions, while there is no clear difference in the dispersion of tracer gas at high or low humidity