117,445 research outputs found
Influence of storage temperature, tuber size and nitrogen nutrition on the content of vitamin C in potato
No full textIn 2002 some experiments were carried out on potato of the cv. 'Desiree' with the aim to evaluate the influence of storage temperature (5°C, 24°C), nitrogen nutrition (0, 140, 300, 600 kg/ha) and tuber size on the L-Ascorbic acid content, chemically measured by HPLC analysis and by histological studies by silver nitrate staining technique to locate its presence. The evolution of the content of the organic acid in the buds located on the rose end and on the lateral eyes of the tubers was effected during the storage period. The results underlined that, during the storage period, the L-Ascorbic acid content of potatoes decreased, during the first storage phases in the tubers stored at 24°C. Nitrogen fertilisation caused the reduction in the content in L-ascorbic acid, with 20% of concentration in the tubers treated, compared with non fertilised control. Little was the influence of the tuber size on the L-AsA content. The study on the evolution of the L-ascorbic acid content in the buds of the eyes underlined the increase of the content in L-ascorbic acid 33 days after harvesting, suggesting possible involvements of this organic acid during the dormancy period of the tuber
The Effect of Tillage on Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Nitrogen Fixation in Durum Wheat ((Triticum turgidum L. subsp. Durum (Desf))-Based Rotation under a Mediterranean Climate
No full textBiological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility that not only provides nitrogen to subsequent crops but also reduces the impacts of synthetic fertilizers. Here, a field experiment was established within the faba bean (Vicia faba L.), cv Prothabat 69-durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. Durum (Desf)), cv Iride rotation framework of a long-term experiment in southern Italy to quantify BNF over two consecutive years (2012/13–2013/14). The effect of tillage systems (reduced, conventional, and no tillage) on faba bean N2 fixation was estimated at the flowering and maturity stages via the natural abundance technique, using wheat as a reference crop. The effect of tillage on the percentage of nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere (Ndfa) and the amount of N2 fixed (kg ha−1) were higher under a no-tillage system in both years and at both growth stages, with values of 66.5% at flowering and 81.7% at maturity. The same trend was reported for the amount of N2 fixed (kg N ha−1) at both faba bean growth stages. The N balance was positive in both years, with a mean value of 40.4 kg N ha−1, across all tillage systems; this value was greater in the no-tillage systems (45.7 kg N ha−1) with respect to the others. The values for the organic matter content and stability index were higher under the no-tillage system, which provided favourable conditions that improved N2 fixation by faba beans. The overall results indicate that no-tillage soil management represents a sustainable strategy for improving soil quality and fertility, therefore reducing the dependency of agriculture on synthetic fertilizers
Morpho-pomological and chemical characterization of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes in Apulia region, Southeastern Italy
No full textA recent increasing demand in Western countries for pomegranate products by consumers is especially supported for the nutritional and medicinal characteristics, due to the antioxidant properties of this fruit. Some studies have been published on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruits in some Mediterranean countries, but little information is available about the genotypes present in Italy and in particular in Apulia (Southeastern region of Italy). This study (2008–2009) evaluated morpho-pomological and chemical parameters of eight pomegranate genotypes localized in private small orchards. Significant differences were observed among the pomegranate genotypes for many of the parameters investigated. In particular, fruit weight ranged from 168.9 g (SouMol) to 574.9 g (SouOst), ◦Brix from 14.7 (ComTri) to 18.0 (SouMol), titratable acidity from 5.4 (ComMol) to 25.0 (SouTri) g/L. SouMol showed the highest polyphenols (97.1 mg/L) and vitamin C (236.3 mg/L) contents. Oil content of the seeds was between 5.90% and 10.30%, no differences have been observed for the fatty acid composition with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers as the most abundant fraction (81.23%). Considering all the evaluated parameters, and especially those referring to the organoleptic characteristics and antioxidants content, it must be stated that the best genotypes worthy to be considered from agricultural and industrial points of view were AdeSgi for fresh market and SouOst for the juice industry
Effetto della densità e modalità d'impianto sulla produzione in droga secca di calendula (Calendula Officinalis L.)
No full textIndagini su tecniche ecosostenibili di coltivazione della pilosella (Hieracium pilosella L.)
No full textImplications of no-tillage system in faba bean production: Energy analysis and potential agronomic benefits
No full textBackground: Given the nutritional value of faba bean, however its susceptibility to water deficit, especially in Mediterranean environment, tillage practices need to be modified in order to adapt the crop to dry and low rainfall conditions and promote the interest in its cultivation. Objective: To identify whether no-tillage system can be considered as a sustainable means in faba bean cultivation under Mediterranean condition. Method: The study was conducted during a 6-year period (2010/11 to 2015/16) in southern Italy within wheat-faba bean rotation framework of a long-term experiment. The effect of No-Tillage (NT) on agronomic and energy parameters of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivation was evaluated and compared to those of Conventional (CT) and Reduced (RT) Tillage. Results: The agronomic results indicate that NT performed better and/or is comparable to CT, while its application was 28% and 30% more energy efficient compared to CT and RT respectively. For agronomic parameters, tillage had a significant effect on number of plant m -2 , grain yield, grain protein content and 100-seed weight whereas year effect was significant for yield components and quality parameters. Energy indexes, instead, were significantly affected by both factors. NT gave the best results in terms of energy efficiency, energy intensity and net energy, and consumed 39% and 36% less non-renewable energy than CT and RT, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the key benefit of NT in rainfed faba bean is its ability to produce sufficient yield of high quality with a significant reduction in energy inputs entailed the fewest field operations and therefore lowest energy requirements
Physiological, Productive and Qualitative Aspects of Potato in Early and Late Cycles
No full textIn ltaly, characterised by different pedo-climatic conditions, annual potato covers an area of 80,000 ha and produces 2 million tons. The diversified climatic conditions of our country allow its cultivation in different cycles, spring-summer in the Centre and North, winter-spring (Early potato) and summer-autumn (Late potato) in the South. The two last cultivation cycles are defined 'extraseasonal' and cover a surface of over 24,000 ha, equal to 44o/" of the total Italian potato surface, and have a remarkable commercial importance for exports. The different growing conditions (in early and late cycles) induce different characteristics in the product. A study on six potato varieties, in early and late cycles was conducted in 2003 to test the influence of different environmental conditions on potato. The analyses concerning the physiological (LAI, SPAD), productive (total and marketable yield, tubers per plant and tuber weight) qualitative (dry matter, fry colour ACB scale), and compositional (K, Ca, S, Mg, Fe, Vitamin C) parameters showed the influence of the variable environmental condition on the yield, physiological behaviour of the plant and the compositional characteristic of the tubers
Physiological, productive and qualitative aspects of potato in early and late cycles
No full textIn Italy, characterised by different pedo-climatic conditions, annual potato covers an area of 80,000 ha and produces 2 million tons. The diversified climatic conditions of our country allow its cultivation in different cycles, spring-summer in the Centre and North, winter-spring (Early potato) and summer-autumn (Late potato) in the South. The two last cultivation cycles are defined 'extraseasonal' and cover a surface of over 24,000 ha, equal to 44% of the total Italian potato surface, and have a remarkable commercial importance for exports. The different growing conditions (in early and late cycles) induce different characteristics in the product. A study on six potato varieties, in early and late cycles was conducted in 2003 to test the influence of different environmental conditions on potato. The analyses concerning the physiological (LAI, SPAD), productive (total and marketable yield, tubers per plant and tuber weight) qualitative (dry matter, fry colour ACB scale), and compositional (K, Ca, S, Mg, Fe, Vitamin C) parameters showed the influence of the variable environmental condition on the yield, physiological behaviour of the plant and the compositional characteristic of the tubers
Variability in Productive and Biochemical Traits of Vicia faba L. Landraces from Apulia Region (South Italy)
No full textThe faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. major) is a pulse that is garnering attention for its chemical composition, which makes it suitable for a healthy diet. The Apulian germplasm is rich in local accessions at risk of genetic erosion, which need evaluating and promoting. Thirteen Vicia faba local Landraces have been analyzed in relation to their productivity and their chemical and biochemical characteristics: their protein, total phenol, total flavonoid, condensate tannin and L-DOPA levels. The results showed great variability—above all in the thousand-seeds weight and in their content of proteins and L-DOPA. Among the accessions evaluated, the two collected from the most southern area of the region (FV12-FV10) were particularly promising—both for their good biochemical traits and, especially, for the higher L-DOPA content (0.46 and 0.49 g 100 g−1 d.m., respectively), even when expressed in terms of yield per plant (116.3 and 153.0 mg plant−1 d.m., respectively). © 2023 by the author
- …
