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Sharka, caused by Plum Pox Virus (PPV), is by far the most important infectious disease of peach [P. persica (L.) Batsch] and other Prunus species. The progressive spread of the virus in many important growing areas throughout Europe poses serious issues to the economic sustainability of stone fruit crops, peach in particular. The adoption of internationally agreed-upon rules for diagnostic tests, strain-specific monitoring schemes and spatial-temporal modeling of virus spread, are all essential for a more effective sharka containment. The EU regulations on nursery activity should be modified based on the zone delimitation of PPV presence, limiting open-field production of propagation materials only to virus-free areas. Increasing the efficiency of preventive measures should be augmented by the short-term development of resistant cultivars. Putative sources of resistance/tolerance have been recently identified in peach germplasm, although the majority of novel resistant sources to PPV-M have been found in almond. However, the complexity of introgression from related-species imposes the search for alternative strategies. The use of genetic engineering, particularly RNA interference (RNAi)-based approaches, appears as one of the most promising perspectives to introduce a durable resistance to PPV in peach germplasm, notwithstanding the well-known difficulties of in vitro plant regeneration in this species. In this regard, rootstock transformation to induce RNAi-mediated systemic resistance would avoid the transformation of numerous commercial cultivars, and may alleviate consumer resistance to the use of GM plants.

In this contribution, Italian new data concerning the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 3150, 3170*, 3260, 4090, 91L0, 91M0, 9340 are reported. In detail, 20 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 30 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Campania, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Umbria.

This study presents the results of the examination and characterisation of the wall paintings that decorate the rupestrian church named Grotta del Crocifisso, which is located in the territory of Lentini (eastern Sicily, few tens of kilometres from Catania and Syracuse). The earliest mural paintings in the church date back to the twelfth century AD. A multi-analytical approach was adopted for the characterisation of stone materials, secondary degradation products, and pigments. For this purpose, the following techniques were used: reflected light microscopy (RLM), polarised light microscopy on thin sections (PLM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The lithic substrate and the plaster’s coating layers were thoroughly characterised from compositional and textural points of view, and the use of locally available raw materials was established. Similarly, the newly formed crystalline phases produced by alteration processes of the original materials were recognised. The red, yellow, brown, and green pigments were easily identified by p-XRF and SEM-EDS. The use of “earth pigments” widely available in the surrounding area (various types of ochre) was thus highlighted. The recognition of the dark blue pigment created some additional issues in its identification, making further diagnostic methods necessary. In fact, the use of the most common mineral pigments was categorically excluded by both p-XRF and SEM-EDS, since no chromophore metallic elements were highlighted with the exception of trace amounts of iron. A combination of detailed microscopic observations together with the application of FTIR and RS supported the use of an organic pigment obtained from the maceration of woad (Isatis tinctoria). The green pigment is the result of a mixture between woad and yellow ochre. Woad is even today easily available in Sicily, and some additional experimental tests were carried out on Isatis tinctoria that had been freshly collected in the area (treated with traditional procedures). Over the past centuries, woad was widely used for dyeing fabrics, but its practice for wall paintings has only been sporadically proven. The identification reported in this case study could be considered a novelty at least in the Sicilian panorama.

Biogeographia vol. XXX - 2071 (Pubblicato il 23 dicembre 2011) La Biogeografia della Sici/ia Osservazioni sulla flora pteridologica della Sicilia ANGELO TROIA, VTNCENZO ILARDI, FRANCESCO MARIA RAIMONDO Universita di Palermo - Dz'partz'mem.‘0 a’z' Biologia Ambientale e Biodiversita, via Arckirafi 38, I—90]23 Palermo (Italy); e—mail: ange[0.tr0z'a @[z'ber0.z'2f Key words: flora, pteridophytes, Lycopodiophyta, Monilophyta, ferns, Sicily SUMMARY An updated checll—list of Sicilian pteridophytes is presented: in total, there are 55 taxa, including 49 ferns in the strict sense (“monilophytes”) and 6 lycopodiophytes. Aspleniaceae is the most represented family in terms of species diversity, with 17 taxa belonging to a single genus (Asplerzizzm) which is also the most numerous. Some taxonomic and chorological graphs, based on the check—list, are shown. INTRODUZIONE Recenti studi, nel confermare Yimportanza dei processi di ibridazione e po- liploidizzazione nell’evoluzione di Vari generi di felci, hanno evidenziato il ruo— lo delle isole del Mediterraneo sia come “rifugio” durante i periodi glaciali plei— stocenici (cfr. ad es. Trewick et al., 2002), sia come “laboratorio” evolutivo (cfr. ad es. Van den Heede et al., 2002). La Sicilia e la piu estesa isola del Mediter— raneo ed una delle piu ricche in termini di diversita biologica, compresa la com- ponente storicamente nota come “crittogarnica vascolare” (Fig. 1). Punto di partenza indispensabile per qualunque approfondimento sistematico e bio- geografico e disporre di un elenco critico delle specie presenti, ordinato secon- do le piu recenti classificazioni disponibili ed aggiornato alle ultime segnala— zioni. Scopo del presente contributo e appunto Yelaborazione di tale elenco. MATERIALI E METODI Considerato orrnai acquisito e consolidato che il taxon “Pteridophyta” e pa- rafiletico, e che quindi una moderna classificazione filogenetica e “naturale” de— ve distinguere due diversi stipiti (qui denominati “Lycopodiophyta” e “Moni- lophyta”, seguendo la terminologia proposta da Cantino et al., 2007), i dati sono stati elaborati con questa impostazione.

The problems of the environment and human health related to the use of synthetic and broad-spectrum insecticides have increasingly motivated scientific research on different alternatives and among these, the use of green systems, such as essential oils, have been explored. Several species of the Apiaceae and Asteraceae families, aromatic herbs rich in secondary bioactive metabolites, are used in the industrial field for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food purposes. Different essential oils extracted from some species of these families have shown acute toxicity and attractive and/or repellent effects towards different insects. In our work, we investigated the toxic potential of Calendula incana subsp. maritima and Laserpitium siler subsp. siculum essential oils against four insect species, Sitophilus oryzae, Lasioderma serricorne, Necrobia rufipes, and Rhyzoperta dominica, which are common pests of stored products. The composition of both oils, extracted by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of the two plants, was evaluated by GC×GC-MS. Calendula incana subsp. maritima essential oil was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenoids, such as cubebol (35.39%), 4-epi-cubebol (22.99%), and cubenol (12.77%), while the Laserpitium siler subsp. siculum essential oil was composed mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as β-phellandrene (42.16%), limonene (23.87%), and β-terpinene (11.80%). The toxicity Petri dish bioassays indicated that C. maritima oil killed a mean of 65.50% of S. oryzae and 44.00% of R. dominica adults, indicating a higher biocidal activity in comparison with L. siculum oil, while toward the other species, no significant differences in mortality were recorded. Calendula maritima oil could be, then, considered a promising candidate for further tests as an alternative biocide toward S. oryzae and R. dominica. The possibility that the relatively high content of oxygenated sesquiterpenoids in C. maritima essential oil determines its higher biocidal activity is discussed.

Although Prunus dulcis has been frequently listed in non-native floras all around the world, its naturalization has been rarely studied in the field. Probably, because this species has generally invaded synanthropic habitats. We assessed the density of natural regeneration of almond, biometric parameters (height and basal stem diameter), and the distribution in life stage classes in three different ecological contexts in Sicily (Mediterranean Italy): one natural habitat (maquis), one pine afforestation and two prickly pear orchards. We recorded 236 naturally regenerating almond individuals, with density ranging from 140 individuals per hectare (prickly pear orchard 1) up to 2,400 individuals per hectare (pine afforestation). Despite the higher density, almond individuals presented the lowest height and basal stem diameter under pine afforestation, suggesting a more recent establishment. Reproductive individuals were dominant (67.8%), followed by pre-reproductive (22.1%), and juveniles (10.1%). Although the naturalization of the almond in Mediterranean contexts is not new, in the last two decades there is evidence of an increasing trend. Most importantly, for the first time, we found the almond thriving within a natural habitat in large areas covered by Mediterranean maquis. Since the almond appears to be perfectly integrated within local plant communities, the origin and meaning of this peculiar vegetation aspect deserve to be further deepened.

Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. (Fam. Apiaceae), an orophilous species of eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, possesses a number of biological properties that are worthy of exploitation in different fields. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of coumarins, prenyl-coumarins, and furano-coumarins as the main constituents of this species, as well as several flavonoids. Among prenyl-coumarins, osthol is a promising apoptotic agent quite selective toward cancer cells. In addition, the essential oils have been extensively investigated, and several chemotypes have been identified. This work reviews the literature on this species published between 1965 and 2018, describes its volatile and nonvolatile metabolites, and outlines its pharmacological effects.

The peculiar aspect that emerges from the study of Orchidaceae is the presence of various molecules, which are particularly interesting for pharmaceutical chemistry due to their wide range of biological resources. The aim of our study was to investigate the properties of two dihydrophenanthrenes, isolated, for the first time, from Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge (Orchidaceae) bulbs and roots. Chemical and spectroscopic study of the bulbs and roots of Himantoglossumrobertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge resulted in the isolation of two known dihydrophenanthrenes—loroglossol and hircinol—never isolated from this plant species. The structures were evaluated based on 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and two-dimensional spectra, and by comparison with the literature. These two molecules have been tested for their possible antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic activities. In particular, it has been shown that these molecules cause an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN); show antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and have anti-proliferative effects on gastric cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis effects. Therefore, these two molecules could be considered promising candidates for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical preparations.

Simple Summary In the Mediterranean environment, climatic variability determines a discontinuity in the forage availability of pastures. Caciocavallo Palermitano is a cheese obtained from the milk of the Cinisara cattle breed, mainly raised on pasture. The present study investigated the fatty acid profile of cheeses produced in two typical farms in the four seasons of the year, with the aim of identifying specific fatty acids that can be used as biomarkers to discriminate the productions obtained in the different seasons, in order to economically enhance those seasonal productions that have better health characteristics. The results revealed the possibility of distinguishing spring productions from those of other seasons on the basis of the higher content of some fatty acids deriving from grazing fresh forage, the availability of which is greater in spring. Further studies should be conducted to also evaluate the possibility of using fatty acids as biomarkers of different diets. Abstract This experiment aims to evaluate the potential of fatty acids (FA) of Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese as biomarkers of production season and pasture-based diet. A total of 48 cheeses were made in the four seasons with milk from two farms that raised cows of Cinisara breed. The animals were fed on pasture with supplementation of wheat bran and wheat straw in the barn, and in summer also with Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. The chemical composition and FA profile of cheese were influenced by the season and not by the farm. In particular, cheeses produced in spring were characterized by higher protein and lower fat, and showed higher contents in trans-vaccenic acid, α-linolenic acid, rumenic acid, n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), and total PUFA. In winter, the lower availability of grazing forage, requiring a higher level of feeding integration, was responsible for an increase of saturated FA (SFA). The multivariate analysis distinguished clearly the cheeses made in winter and spring, while those produced in autumn and summer showed some overlapping points. Further investigations should be carried out to evaluate the effects of type and level of feeding integration on the presence of FA more suitable to be used as biomarkers of period and diet.

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (CaLsol) is a phloem-limited, unculturable, Gram-negative bacterium associated with emerging diseases in crops of the Solanaceae and Apiaceae families. As it has been shown to be seed-transmitted in carrot, emergency measures for exportation require carrot seed to be heat-treated or tested by PCR and found CaLsol free. Therefore, the identification and harmonization of a protocol for CaLsol diagnosis in carrot seed are becoming of socio-economic priority. We initially set up an improved DNA extraction method for Apiaceae seeds and identified, among the widely used PCR tests to detect and identify CaLsol, the real-time PCR developed by Li et al. (Journal of Microbiological Methods, 78(1), 59–65, 2009) and the end-point PCR by Ravindran et al. (Plant Disease, 95(12), 1542–1546, 2011) to be the most sensitive ones. The two PCR methods were initially intra-laboratory validated followed by a “Test Performance Study” involving 11 Italian laboratories that received both the samples and the material necessary to carry out the experiments. The results indicated that the improved DNA extraction method was robust and that the real-time PCR showed the highest analytical sensitivity in the intra-laboratory validation tests. Similarly, the real-time PCR outperformed the end-point PCR in the inter-laboratory comparison assay showing a higher percentage of accuracy, accordance, and concordance. The overall obtained data could be used for the appropriate application of phytosanitary measures against CaLsol.

A new population of Anthemis ismelia (Asteraceae) has been discovered on Mt Pecoraro (Cinisi, NW Sicily), a limestone headland at about 14 km from Mt Gallo (Palermo), the locus classicus et unicus of this species described in 1884. Taxonomic framework, distribution update, habitat characterisation, ecology and phytosociological framework are provided, as well as meta-population numerical estimates and risk status assessment.

Vengono presentati i risultati preliminari di una indagine multidisciplinare condotta in una zona umida nel territorio di Calatafimi Segesta in provincia di Trapani. L'area è di grande interesse per la presenza di rare specie animali e vegetali, di habitat minacciati tutelati da normative nazionali ed internazionali, ma anche perché è una delle ultime zone umide superstiti dell'entroterra trapanese. L'area ha subito in tempi recenti un pesante disturbo antropico che rischia di portare alla distruzione questo ambiente e il suo biota di pregio. Con questo contributo gli autori intendono supportare la richiesta di adeguata e urgente tutela del sito. Anguillara Ponds (Calatafimi Segesta, Trapani): preliminary data on the biodiversity in support of the protection of the biotope. The preliminary results of a multidisciplinary survey concerning a wetland complex in the territory of Calatafimi Segesta (Trapani) are presented here. The area is of great interest not only because of the presence of several rare animal and plant taxa and of threatened habitats protected by national and international laws, but also because it hosts one of the last surviving inland wetlands in the whole province. In the last years, the area was subjected to serious anthropogenic disturbance, so that this ecosystem and its valuable biota risk to be definitely destroyed. With this contribution, the authors wish support the request to appropriately and urgently protect the site.

The chemical profile of the essential oils in ten populations of the genus Helichrysum Mill. (Asteraceae), collected in the loci classici of the nomenclatural types of the taxa endemic to Sicily, were analyzed. Our results confirm that the analysis of secondary metabolites can be used to fingerprint wild populations of Helichrysum, the chemical profiles being coherent with the systematic arrangement of the investigated populations in three main clusters, referring to the aggregates of H. stoechas, H. rupestre, and H. italicum, all belonging to the section Stoechadina. The correct nomenclatural designation of the investigated populations is discussed and the following two new combinations are proposed: Helichrysum preslianum subsp. compactum (Guss.) Maggio, Bruno, Guarino, Senatore & Ilardi and Helichrysum panormitanum subsp. latifolium Maggio, Bruno, Guarino, Senatore & Ilardi.

Temporary wetlands are endangered throughout the entire Mediterranean area (1). Contrary to the permanent wetlands, that (usually) cover larger surfaces and are now protected after a long period of siege and ‘reclamation’ attempts, temporary ponds and wetlands are small, scattered areas still under pressure and threatened by human activities. This fact represents a serious threat for biodiversity, since many species only occur in these peculiar sites. To secure their protection Mediterranean temporary ponds are listed as “priority habitat” in the EU “Habitats” Directive (92/43/EEC). The temporary ponds of Anguillara, located near Calatafimi in Western Sicily, host a huge amount of rare plants. This site was still unexplored until few years ago, and it falls outside the regional nature reserves and the Natura 2000 network. Although in 2011 an attempt was made to obtain a legal protection of the area (2), this proposal was not accepted by regional authorities, and few months later some of the ponds were destroyed to build greenhouses with solar panels. In the framework of a multidisciplinary study promoted by the ‘Società Siciliana di Scienze Naturali’ in order to improve the knowledge and awareness on the biological importance of the site, the wetlands were visited many times by bryologists, botanists and vegetation scientists in different seasons. The preliminary results of these still ongoing investigations are presented here. Several hygro-hydrophilous plant communities have been detected: the Ranunculetum peltati Horst, Krausch & Müller-Stoll 1966 em. Weber-Oldecop 1969 (class Potametea pectinati Klika in Klika et Novák 1941) is linked to the deepest part of the main seasonal pool, where species such as Alisma lanceolatum With. and Glyceria notata Chevall. occur. On the edges of the ponds several communities referred to the classes Phragmito australis-Magnocaricetea elatae Klika in Klika & Novák 1941 and Isoëto-Nanojuncetea Br.-Bl. & Tüxen ex Westhoff, Dijk & Passchier 1946 have been observed. The local vascular flora includes many species of high biogeographic and conservation interest, such as Isoetes longissima Bory (= I. velata Auct.) and Ipomoea sagittata Poir., the latter included in the European Red List (3), and a number of regionally or globally rare species such as Myosotis sicula Guss., Elatine cf. macropoda Guss., Solenopsis laurentia (L.) C.Presl, Cicendia filiformis (L.) Delarbre, Lysimachia arvensis (L.) U.Manns & Anderb. subsp. parviflora (Hoffmanns. & Link) Peruzzi. Local ‘highlights’ are with no doubt the recent discoveries of the only Sicilian population of the globally endangered Pilularia minuta Durieu (3), included in the European Red List (4), and of the only Italian population of Trifolium isthmocarpum Brot. subsp. jaminianum (Boiss.) Murb. (5), which was considered extinct at the national level. The site hosts also some interesting mosses such as Ephemerum crassinervium (Schwägrichen) Hampe subsp. sessile (Bruch) Holyoak, included in the National Red List (6) and confirmed a century after the collection in one single site of eastern Sicily, and Enthostodon fascicularis (Hedw.) Müll.Hal., new to western Sicily; and the liverwort Riccia bicarinata Lindb., rare in Italy. Due to the richness of its communities and the conservation value of its flora at the local, regional and global level, the site of Anguillara with its network of temporary wetlands and pools results to play a strategic role for biodiversity of western Sicily, thus it urgently deserves appropriate protection measures. 1) A. Lumbreras, J.T. Marques, A.F. Belo, M. Cristo, M. Fernandes, D. Galioto, M. Machado, A. Mira, P. Sásousa, R. Silva, L. G. Sousa, C. Pinto-Cruz (2016) Hydrobiologia, DOI 10.1007/s10750-016-2697-7 2) A. Troia, G. Bazan, R. Schicchi (2011) Naturalista Sicil., 35, 257-293 3) A. Troia, R. Lansdown (2016) Webbia, DOI 10.1080/00837792.2016.1195105 4) M. Bilz, S.P. Kell, N. Maxted, R.V. Lansdown (2011) European Red List of Vascular Plants. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union 5) L. Scuderi, A. La Rosa, S. Pasta (2016) Naturalista Sicil., in press 6) F. Conti, A. Manzi, F. Pedrotti (Eds.), Libro rosso delle piante d’Italia. Società Botanica Italiana, Roma

Dianthus borbonicus a new species occurring in North-Western Sicily is described and illustrated. It is a rare chasmophyte belonging to the D. sylvestris group, which is exclusive of a rupestrian stand near Rocca Busambra (Ficuzza). Its macro- and micromorphological features (seed testa sculptures, and leaf anatomy), ecology, conservation status and a comparison with the related species are provided too.

A new species of Silene sect. Dipterosperma, named S. nefelites C. Brullo, S. Brullo, Giusso & Ilardi spec. nova, from Sicily is described and illustrated. Some of the characteristics are pinnately nerved leaves, 10–25 mm long bracts and 10– 15 mm long filaments. It is a therophyte occurring on the top of Mt. Erice, near Trapani, where it grows on calcareous rocky stands. Its relationships with S. colorata and allied species are also examined. A key to the Sicilian species belonging to S. sect. Dipterosperma is provided Eine neue Art von Silene sect. Dipterosperma, nämlich S. nefelites C. Brullo, S. Brullo, Giusso & Ilardi spec. nova von Sizilien wird beschrieben und illustriert. Einige der Merkmale sind fiedernervige Blätter, 10–25 mm lange Brakteen und 10– 15 mm lange Filamente. Sie ist ein Therophyt, der im Gipfelbereich des Mt. Erice bei Trapani auf Kalkfels-Standorten vorkommt. Die Beziehungen zu S. colorata und verwandten Arten wurden studiert. Weiters bringen wir einen Bestimmungsschlüssel für die sizilianischen Arten von S. sect. Dipterosperma

Limonium poimenum is here proposed as a new species for Science. It is a very peculiar and extremely localized species, growing on a calcareous mountain of NW Sicily (southern Italy), where it grows on rupestrian places together with many other rare chasmophytic endemics. Iconography, morphological features, ecology and conservation status are provided, as well as a morphological comparison with L. todaroanum.

A new species of Brassica from Sicily, namely B. trichocarpa, is described and illustrated. This suffrutex was found on a calcareous peak of a mount near Palermo, where it is represented by a single population occupying a really small surface. It is well differentiated from the other perennial species belonging to B. sect. Brassica mainly in having hairy ovary and very short, thickened, hairy, not torulose fruits. Its relationships and taxonomical position within this group are examined too. An analytical key of the current taxa belonging to the genus Brassica sect. Brassica is also provided.

Silene kemoniana, a new species of the section Dipterosperma from NW Sicily, is described and illustrated. It is a therophyte that occurs in mountains near Palermo, where it grows on Mesozoic limestones in xerophilous garigues. Its relationships with S. colorata and allied species are also examined. A key of the species belonging to sect. Dipterosperma is provided. Se describe e ilustra Silene kemoniana, una nueva especie del NW de Sicilia perteneciente a la sección Dipterosperma. Se trata de un terófito que habita en algunas montañas próximas a Palermo, donde crece sobre calizas mesozoicas entre matorrales mediterráneos xerófilos. Se estudian sus relaciones con S. colorata y otras especies próximas. Se ofrece una clave para todas las especies pertenecientes a la sect. Dipterosperma.