Search

ABSTRACTThe genus Eucalyptushas been widely introduced into many regions of the world outside its native range and has become invasive in some Mediterranean biomes (e.g. in southern Africa and California). In the Mediterranean Basin and Europe, eucalypts were introduced at the end of the 18th century. However, natural regeneration events in these regions are recent in time and limited in terms of affected areas, except for the Iberian Peninsula. An updated overview about the natural spread of Eucalyptusspecies in Italy is still lacking. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap, using both published data and unpublished field data regarding naturalisation events, with a specific focus on Sicily. Three species have naturalised on the island: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. globulusand E. occidentalis. According to our data, E. camaldulensisshowed a clear ‘switch’ in the past decade towards naturalisation and invasive behaviour on the pebbly shores of watercourses that have a torrential rainfall regime and erodible substrates, threatening native plant communities and species. Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosawere found to be particularly vulnerable to E. camaldulensisinvasion. This is significant because the A. glutinosacommunities are a native habitat of particular conservation value and protected under the Habitats Directive 92/43. The uncontrolled spread of Eucalyptusspecies may represent a higher threat to native biodiversity than previously considered. The situation in Sicily could be indicative of the invasion process by eucalypts currently ongoing around the Mediterranean Basin, the management of which requires special attention, urgent action and sound choices.

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is cultivated worldwide for fruit production either in the subsistence agriculture of dryland areas or as a cash crop. However, little horticultural research has been devoted to this species so far. Research needs related to reproductive biology as well as productivity and orchard management are outlined. A better knowledge of the environmental influence on reproductive biology and fruit quality, the control of fluctuations in plant cropping, as well as the reduction of seed number and size, are the major challenges for future research. Cactus pear will transcend the ethnical markets only if adequate marketing strategies can be promoted and fruit quality enhanced and standardized.