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Human infrastructure can alter the ecosystem services provided by a migratory ungulate
Get PDFWild ungulates, through their movement over the landscape, provide key ecosystem functions. Environmental processes such as soil productivity, seed dispersal and carbon sequestration are significantly affected by the presence of large herbivores. However, with the loss of migratory routes due to expanding human infrastructure networks and climate change, landscapes that depend on the movement of these species may experience changes in ecosystem functionality. Nutrient translocation and deposition, which is an important service provided by large herbivores, is of particular interest in alpine agricultural landscapes. Human activities generally have a negative impact on the quality, quantity, and dynamics of soil nutrient in the landscape, particularly nitrogen. Wild ungulates, with their movement and space use, can offset some of these human impacts by restoring concentrations over the landscape. In this project, we aim to map the nitrogen (N) flow derived by large migrating ungulates in a fragmented Alpine ecosystem. To this end, we developed an Agent-Based Model to quantify animal-vectored subsidies balance, based on observed movement of 15 GPS-tracked red deer over two years, and parameterized with population parameters from local monitoring, and species-specific information from literature. Preliminary stoichiometric nutrient budget maps indicate that human infrastructure networks and land use are shaping the movement of red deer, resulting in hotspots of nitrogen intake and uptake. Barrier to movements, caused by anthropogenic land use, has the potential to alter ecosystem services provided by free-ranging animals, particularly important in an ever-changing Alpine environment
Comprehensive analysis of colloid formation, distribution, and properties of monovarietal red wines using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation with online multidetection
Get PDFRed wine colloids, crucial in determining wine quality and stability, are understudied due to inadequate techniques for studying them effectively in the natural wine environment. Recently, Asymmetrical Flow Field-flow Fractionation (AF4) with online multidetection has emerged as a novel analytical tool for quantifying, fractionating, and characterizing red wine colloids in their native state. This study aimed to characterize the colloidal composition of 24 monovarietal Italian wines produced without filtration, oak contact, fining treatments, malolactic fermentation, macerating enzymes or ageing on yeast lees. AF4 analysis allowed quantification and characterization of wine colloids based on light scattering signal (MALS; gyration radius − Rg), size (hydrodynamic radius – Rh) and absorbance (A280 & A520 nm). The results showed that each wine contained up to five distinct colloids’ populations, varying in size and gyration radii. Despite possessing very similar Rh, most colloids exhibited great differences in compactness, as indicated by their varying Rg values. Comparing the A280 signal of whole wines to those of wines containing only species larger than 5 kDa (considered colloids) allowed to calculate the percentage of molecules involved in colloidal particles assembly, ranging from 1 to 44 % of the total A280 absorbing compounds, reflecting the diversity among wines. The A520 signal indicated the presence of polymeric pigments in the colloidal fraction. Notably, colored colloids all had Rg > 20 nm, indicating their association with other colloidal-forming compounds. This observation led to the conclusion that, apart from free anthocyanins and polymeric pigments, the color of red wines is also due to colloidal particles formed by the latter bound to proteins, with their quantity being highly variable across wines of different origin. These findings, which highlight the fundamental role of proteins in shaping the colloidal status of red wines, were utilized to propose an updated hypothetical model for colloidal aggregation in red win
Coupling stem water potential and soil water potential on irrigated and not irrigated vines: preliminary results for Vitis vinifera L. cv Teroldego
Get PDFImproving wine quality necessitates precise control over plant water stress, which requires accurate scheduling of irrigation based on the plant's water status and the soil's water availability. The aim of this experiment is to monitor the water status of grapevines and soil in both irrigated and not-irrigated conditions to quantify differences in the plant's physiological response and yield. In addition, novel microtensiometer probes for measuring continuously the Stem Water Potential were tested for efficacy. These probes were coupled with a handcrafted tensiometer to monitor the Soil Water status and at the end of the season all the yield was analyzed to determine the main oenological parameters driving the final quality of the musts. Initial findings indicate that the microtensiometers gave effective estimates of the vines’ water status, revealing rapid plant responses to water inputs and atmospheric changes. Notably for the experiment, soil moisture exceeded field capacity under irrigated vines before irrigation, suggesting potential water loss through deep percolation, and both the irrigated and not-irrigated vines were in water comfort for all the vegetative season without any detriment both in production and quality
Valutazione di prodotti alternativi per ridurre il potenziale ascosporico di Venturia inaequalis
No full textUn basso potenziale ascosporico in campo è la condizione di base per una corretta pianificazione della strategia di difesa contro la ticchiolatura del melo. La rimozione dei residui vegetali, l’impiego di urea e la calce dolomitica rappresentano le soluzioni riconosciute come valide per la riduzione dell’inoculo. È stato allestito un esperimento con l’utilizzo di lettiere artificiali di foglie infette da ticchiolatura, per sperimentare l’efficacia di prodotti alternativi. La prova, durata tre anni, svolta nel periodo da dicembre a maggio, ha confrontato una tesi non trattata, il Remedier®, formulato a base di Trichoderma spp., l’urea, fertilizzante inorganico, e il siero di latte, ammendante organico. Le lettiere trattate rispettivamente con urea in autunno, con Remedier in primavera e con siero di latte ad autunno e primavera, hanno consentito di diminuire la produzione di spore in riferimento al non trattato. La riduzione, valore medio di due anni, è stata di circa il 60% per l’urea, del 50% per l’agente di biocontrollo e del 40% per il siero di latte. In particolare la strategia d’impiego di Remedier se ulteriormente indagata, potrebbe essere implementata con maggiori probabilità di successo, soprattutto in agricoltura biologica, dove non è possibile intervenire nella gestione dell’inoculo di ticchiolatura se non mediante onerose operazioni di tipo meccanico o l’utilizzo della calceA low level of inoculum is a prerequisite to planning an effective protection strategy against apple scab. To date inoculum reduction approaches proven to be effective are treatments with urea, dolomitic lime and removing leaf litter from orchard. It was settled an experiment to evaluate alternative products applications to reduce the effectiveness of the apple scab inoculum of artificial leaves litters. Remedier, Trichoderma based product, urea, inorganic fertilizer and whey, organic amendant, were compared during a three overwintering period study. A partial reduction of the ascospores production if compared to untreated leaves litters, it was achieved respectively by autumn application of urea, spring application of Remedier and both autumn and spring applications of whey. From two years assessments the spore reduction was about 60% for urea, 50% for Remedier and 40% for whey. Trichoderma based product, could be an interesting option to reduce the apple scab inoculum especially in organic farming where there are no others means, the costly mechanical operations and use of dolomitic lime apar
Not only editing: a cas-cade of CRISPR/cas-based tools for functional genomics in plants and animals
Get PDFThe advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized genome editing, enabling the attainment of once-unimaginable goals. CRISPR/Cas’s groundbreaking attributes lie in its simplicity, versatility, universality, and independence from customized DNA-protein systems, erasing the need for specialized expertise and broadening its scope of applications. It is therefore more and more used for genome modification including the generation of mutants. Beyond such editing scopes, the recent development of novel or modified Cas-based systems has spawned an array of additional biotechnological tools, empowering both fundamental and applied research. Precisely targeting DNA or RNA sequences, the CRISPR/Cas system has been harnessed in fields as diverse as gene regulation, deepening insights into gene expression, epigenetic changes, genome spatial organization, and chromatin dynamics. Furthermore, it aids in genome imaging and sequencing, as well as effective identification and countering of viral pathogens in plants and animals. All in all, the non-editing aspect of CRISPR/Cas exhibits tremendous potential across diverse domains, including diagnostics, biotechnology, and fundamental research. This article reviews and critically evaluates the primary CRISPR/Cas-based tools developed for plants and animals, underlining their transformative impac
Cell wall remodeling mediated by specific PME genes plays a role in grapevine response to Botrytis cinerea
Get PDFBotrytis cinerea (Bc) is one of the main pathogens affecting the cultivated grapevine. A key role in grapevine tissue colonization is played by cell wall (CW) remodeling driven by CW Modifying Enzymes (CWMEs), expressed both by the host and the pathogen. Their action can impact CW integrity and trigger specific immune signaling, thus influencing Bc infection outcome. To further characterize the role of the CW in the grapevine response to Bc, two contrasting genotypes in their resistance to the fungus were artificially inoculated at full bloom. RNA-seq analysis and biochemical characterization of the CW and its modification in samples collected at 24 hours post-inoculation highlighted significant differences between genotypes. A gene set enrichment analysis indicated several over-represented categories upon infection, with a general down-regulation of those genes related to CW organization and pectin modification, mostly in the resistant genotype. Within the down-regulated CWMEs, Pectin Methyl-Esterase (PME) genes were found highly represented. Unlike, VviPME10 was significantly induced upon infection and was further characterized since its putative ortholog in Arabidopsis was associated with resistance to Bc. VviPME10 promoter hosts several predicted binding sites for VviWRKY3, a defense-associated transcription factor, as highlighted by DAP-seq analysis. This evidence is under confirmation by luciferase assays. In addition, the artificial inoculation with Bc of leaves from six VviPME10 knock-out (KO) edited lines showed significantly larger lesion areas when compared to control plants at 5 dpi. Together, these results suggest that pectin modification, mediated by VviPME10, plays an important role in the grapevine response to Bc
Genetic legacy and adaptive signatures: investigating the history, diversity, and selection signatures in Rendena cattle resilient to eighteenth century rinderpest epidemics
Get PDFBackground: Rendena is a dual-purpose cattle breed, which is primarily found in the Italian Alps and the eastern areas of the Po valley, and recognized for its longevity, fertility, disease resistance and adaptability to steep Alpine pastures. It is categorized as 'vulnerable to extinction' with only 6057 registered animals in 2022, yet no comprehensive analyses of its molecular diversity have been performed to date. The aim of this study was to analyse the origin, genetic diversity, and genomic signatures of selection in Rendena cattle using data from samples collected in 2000 and 2018, and shed light on the breed's evolution and conservation needs. Results: Genetic analysis revealed that the Rendena breed shares genetic components with various Alpine and Po valley breeds, with a marked genetic proximity to the Original Braunvieh breed, reflecting historical restocking efforts across the region. The breed shows signatures of selection related to both milk and meat production, environmental adaptation and immune response, the latter being possibly the result of multiple rinderpest epidemics that swept across the Alps in the eighteenth century. An analysis of the Rendena cattle population spanning 18 years showed an increase in the mean level of inbreeding over time, which is confirmed by the mean number of runs of homozygosity per individual, which was larger in the 2018 sample. Conclusions: The Rendena breed, while sharing a common origin with Brown Swiss, has developed distinct traits that enable it to thrive in the Alpine environment and make it highly valued by local farmers. Preserving these adaptive features is essential, not only for maintaining genetic diversity and enhancing the ability of this traditional animal husbandry to adapt to changing environments, but also for guaranteeing the resilience and sustainability of both this livestock system and the livelihoods within the Rendena valley