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Prof. Rossano Massai
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy

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0 Plant Breeding
0 water management
0 fruit quality
0 Ecophysiology and abiotic stress
0 Orchard systems

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fruit quality
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Journal article
Published: 18 January 2021 in Scientia Horticulturae
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Girdling is a widespread agronomic technique to increase the fruit quality characteristics (e.g. size, solid soluble content [SSC] and colour). However, the information on the fruit metabolic changes related to this practice still remains unclear and fragmentary. Moreover, girdling duration and application time may greatly affect the plant/fruit metabolic responses producing sometimes counterproductive results. Fruit quality, metabolomic and antioxidant analyses were conducted to characterise the effects of two different girdling dates (4- and 2-weeks before the harvest, 4 W and 2 W, respectively) in skin and pulp of red-fleshed plum (Prunus cerasifera var. pissardii). Overall, the pulp metabolism was altered in both 4 W and 2 W Girdling by inducing accumulation of sugars (sucrose and trehalose), sugar alcohols (inositol and xylitol), organic acids (especially some TCA cycle intermediates such as α-ketoglutaric, citric, isocitric, fumaric and malic acid), amino acids (ß-alanine and L-proline), anthocyanins and other phenols. In the skin only girdling 4 W showed major significant differences compared to the control increasing the fruit quality characteristics (size, SSC, dry matter and red colour) and showing greater metabolic changes with respect to the controls. Furthermore, the total antioxidant activity was also increased in both skin and pulp respect to other treatment only in Girdling 4 W. This approach could be used with both P. cerasifera plums as well as other red-fleshed fruit species in order to ensure red-fleshed fruits production with a uniform red colouration and higher content of bioactive compounds.

ACS Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Fabrizio Araniti; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Lucia Guidi; Maria Rosa Abenavoli; Damiano Remorini. Girdling stimulates anthocyanin accumulation and promotes sugar, organic acid, amino acid level and antioxidant activity in red plum: An overview of skin and pulp metabolomics. Scientia Horticulturae 2021, 280, 109907 .

AMA Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo, Fabrizio Araniti, Marco Landi, Rossano Massai, Lucia Guidi, Maria Rosa Abenavoli, Damiano Remorini. Girdling stimulates anthocyanin accumulation and promotes sugar, organic acid, amino acid level and antioxidant activity in red plum: An overview of skin and pulp metabolomics. Scientia Horticulturae. 2021; 280 ():109907.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Fabrizio Araniti; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Lucia Guidi; Maria Rosa Abenavoli; Damiano Remorini. 2021. "Girdling stimulates anthocyanin accumulation and promotes sugar, organic acid, amino acid level and antioxidant activity in red plum: An overview of skin and pulp metabolomics." Scientia Horticulturae 280, no. : 109907.

Review
Published: 16 December 2020 in Horticulturae
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The growth of agricultural mechanization has promoted an increase in raspberry production, and for this reason, the best postharvest storage and processing techniques capable of maintaining the health beneficial properties of these perishable berry fruits have been widely studied. Indeed, raspberries are a rich source of bioactive chemical compounds (e.g., ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid), but these can be altered by postharvest storage and processing techniques before consumption. Although there are clear differences in storage times and techniques, the content of bioactive chemical compounds is relatively stable with some minor changes in ascorbic acid or anthocyanin content during cold (5 °C) or frozen storage. In the literature, processing techniques such as juicing or drying have negatively affected the content of bioactive chemical compounds. Among drying techniques, hot air (oven) drying is the process that alters the content of bioactive chemical compounds the most. For this reason, new drying technologies such as microwave and heat pumps have been developed. These novel techniques are more successful in retaining bioactive chemical compounds with respect to conventional hot air drying. This mini-review surveys recent literature concerning the effects of postharvest storage and processing techniques on raspberry bioactive chemical compound content.

ACS Style

Ermes Piccolo; Leani Martìnez Garcìa; Marco Landi; Lucia Guidi; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini. Influences of Postharvest Storage and Processing Techniques on Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Properties of Rubus idaeus L.: A Mini-Review. Horticulturae 2020, 6, 105 .

AMA Style

Ermes Piccolo, Leani Martìnez Garcìa, Marco Landi, Lucia Guidi, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini. Influences of Postharvest Storage and Processing Techniques on Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Properties of Rubus idaeus L.: A Mini-Review. Horticulturae. 2020; 6 (4):105.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermes Piccolo; Leani Martìnez Garcìa; Marco Landi; Lucia Guidi; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini. 2020. "Influences of Postharvest Storage and Processing Techniques on Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Properties of Rubus idaeus L.: A Mini-Review." Horticulturae 6, no. 4: 105.

Original paper
Published: 21 June 2020 in European Food Research and Technology
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The study of local chestnut and traditional techniques related to their use and consumption are considered of primary importance to promote their nutritional/nutraceutical values. Fruit of four local chestnut cultivars (‘Carpinese’, ‘Pontecosi’, ‘Capannaccia’ and ‘Morona’) from Garfagnana (Italy) were analysed under nutritional and antioxidant aspects and compared with their flour obtained through a traditional thermal-drying process. Raw fruit contained significative amounts of P, K and Mg (~ 149, 1960 and 50 mg 100 g−1 dry weight, respectively) and they were characterised by a good moisture content (~ 49%) and starch (~ 50 g 100 g−1 dw). The traditional thermal-drying processes affected the carbohydrate content of dried chestnut showing a higher sucrose and lower starch content as compared to raw fruits. Traditional thermal-drying processes negatively influenced also total phenol content (TP) and total antioxidant activity: flours from all cultivars contained lower amounts of TP than raw fruit except for ‘Morona’ in which these compounds remained unchanged. This study provides new useful information about the evaluation of nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics of Tuscany local chestnuts and the effects of a traditional thermal-drying processing method, helping consumers and producers to valorise these “forest products”.

ACS Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Costanza Ceccanti; Alba N. Mininni; Luca Marchetti; Rossano Massai; Lucia Guidi; Damiano Remorini. Nutritional and nutraceutical properties of raw and traditionally obtained flour from chestnut fruit grown in Tuscany. European Food Research and Technology 2020, 246, 1867 -1876.

AMA Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Costanza Ceccanti, Alba N. Mininni, Luca Marchetti, Rossano Massai, Lucia Guidi, Damiano Remorini. Nutritional and nutraceutical properties of raw and traditionally obtained flour from chestnut fruit grown in Tuscany. European Food Research and Technology. 2020; 246 (9):1867-1876.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Costanza Ceccanti; Alba N. Mininni; Luca Marchetti; Rossano Massai; Lucia Guidi; Damiano Remorini. 2020. "Nutritional and nutraceutical properties of raw and traditionally obtained flour from chestnut fruit grown in Tuscany." European Food Research and Technology 246, no. 9: 1867-1876.

Journal article
Published: 11 June 2020 in Photosynthetica
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Photosynthetica covers wide range of photosynthesis research or research including photosynthetic parameters of both experimental and theoretical nature.

ACS Style

E. Piccolo; M. Landi; T. Giordani; G. Lorenzini; F. Malorgio; Rossano Massai; C. Nali; E. Pellegrini; Giovanni Rallo; D. Remorini; P. Vernieri; L. Guidi. Can anthocyanin presence ameliorate the photosynthetic performance of Prunus saplings subjected to polyethylene glycol-simulated water stress? Photosynthetica 2020, 58, 799 -807.

AMA Style

E. Piccolo, M. Landi, T. Giordani, G. Lorenzini, F. Malorgio, Rossano Massai, C. Nali, E. Pellegrini, Giovanni Rallo, D. Remorini, P. Vernieri, L. Guidi. Can anthocyanin presence ameliorate the photosynthetic performance of Prunus saplings subjected to polyethylene glycol-simulated water stress? Photosynthetica. 2020; 58 (3):799-807.

Chicago/Turabian Style

E. Piccolo; M. Landi; T. Giordani; G. Lorenzini; F. Malorgio; Rossano Massai; C. Nali; E. Pellegrini; Giovanni Rallo; D. Remorini; P. Vernieri; L. Guidi. 2020. "Can anthocyanin presence ameliorate the photosynthetic performance of Prunus saplings subjected to polyethylene glycol-simulated water stress?" Photosynthetica 58, no. 3: 799-807.

Journal article
Published: 21 February 2020 in Plant Science
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The feedback regulation of photosynthesis depends on the cooperation of multiple signals, including sugars. Herein, the effect of shoot girdling was monitored on a daily basis for three days in green- and red-leafed Prunus cerasifera plants (GLP and RLP, respectively). The effect of anthocyanin presence was investigated in terms of photosynthesis, sugar metabolism and photoprotection. Net photosynthesis (A390) and stomatal conductance were reduced on the first day at 12:00 only in the girdled GLP (29 and 33 %, respectively). Moreover, the girdled GLP displayed at 12:00 higher sucrose, glucose and fructose concentrations than control leaves. Conversely, girdled RLP showed the first reduction of A390 at 18:00, with no significant differences at 12:00 in sucrose and glucose concentrations. The increased biosynthesis of anthocyanins that was only detected in girdled RLP contributed to lowering the accumulation of hexoses. Overall, these results revealed a sugar-buffering role exerted by anthocyanins that positively influence the feedback regulation of photosynthesis. Moreover, non-photochemical quenching, namely pNPQ, revealed the ability of anthocyanins to photoprotect photosystem II from supernumerary photons reaching the chloroplast, whose function was compromised by girdling. The present study provides a starting point to understand the possible link between photosynthesis regulation through sugar signalling and anthocyanin upregulation.

ACS Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini; Lucia Guidi. Girled-induced anthocyanin accumulation in red-leafed Prunus cerasifera: Effect on photosynthesis, photoprotection and sugar metabolism. Plant Science 2020, 294, 110456 .

AMA Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini, Lucia Guidi. Girled-induced anthocyanin accumulation in red-leafed Prunus cerasifera: Effect on photosynthesis, photoprotection and sugar metabolism. Plant Science. 2020; 294 ():110456.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini; Lucia Guidi. 2020. "Girled-induced anthocyanin accumulation in red-leafed Prunus cerasifera: Effect on photosynthesis, photoprotection and sugar metabolism." Plant Science 294, no. : 110456.

Journal article
Published: 06 February 2020 in Scientific Reports
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The final stage of leaf ontogenesis is represented by senescence, a highly regulated process driven by a sequential cellular breakdown involving, as the first step, chloroplast dismantling with consequent reduction of photosynthetic efficiency. Different processes, such as pigment accumulation, could protect the vulnerable photosynthetic apparatus of senescent leaves. Although several studies have produced transcriptomic data on foliar senescence, just few works have attempted to explain differences in red and green leaves throughout ontogenesis. In this work, a transcriptomic approach was used on green and red leaves of Prunus cerasifera to unveil molecular differences from leaf maturity to senescence. Our analysis revealed a higher gene regulation in red leaves compared to green ones, during leaf transition. Most of the observed DEGs were shared and involved in transcription factor activities, senescing processes and cell wall remodelling. Significant differences were detected in cellular functions: genes related to photosystem I and II were highly down-regulated in the green genotype, whereas transcripts involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, such as UDP glucose-flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) were exclusively up-regulated in red leaves. In addition, cellular functions involved in stress response (glutathione-S-transferase, Pathogen-Related) and sugar metabolism, such as three threalose-6-phosphate synthases, were activated in senescent red leaves. In conclusion, data suggests that P. cerasifera red genotypes can regulate a set of genes and molecular mechanisms that cope with senescence, promoting more advantages during leaf ontogenesis than compared to the green ones.

ACS Style

Alberto Vangelisti; Lucia Guidi; Andrea Cavallini; Lucia Natali; Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Giacomo Lorenzini; Fernando Malorgio; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Elisa Pellegrini; Giovanni Rallo; Damiano Remorini; Paolo Vernieri; Tommaso Giordani. Red versus green leaves: transcriptomic comparison of foliar senescence between two Prunus cerasifera genotypes. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1959 -11.

AMA Style

Alberto Vangelisti, Lucia Guidi, Andrea Cavallini, Lucia Natali, Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Fernando Malorgio, Rossano Massai, Cristina Nali, Elisa Pellegrini, Giovanni Rallo, Damiano Remorini, Paolo Vernieri, Tommaso Giordani. Red versus green leaves: transcriptomic comparison of foliar senescence between two Prunus cerasifera genotypes. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1959-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alberto Vangelisti; Lucia Guidi; Andrea Cavallini; Lucia Natali; Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Giacomo Lorenzini; Fernando Malorgio; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Elisa Pellegrini; Giovanni Rallo; Damiano Remorini; Paolo Vernieri; Tommaso Giordani. 2020. "Red versus green leaves: transcriptomic comparison of foliar senescence between two Prunus cerasifera genotypes." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1959-11.

Journal article
Published: 14 May 2019 in Scientia Horticulturae
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Many physiological parameters were compared to identify the most sensitive and reliable indicator of grapevine water status. One-year-old potted grapevines (Vitis vinifera L., cvs. ‘Sangiovese’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’) were studied under two irrigation treatments: 100% and 0% of daily water consumption. Measurements of pre-dawn (PD) and midday (MD) leaf water potential (Ψw), MD stem water potential (ΨS), leaf temperature (T°L) and stomatal conductance (gS) were taken throughout twenty days and analyzed in conjunction with climatic data, relative cumulative sap flow (RCSF) and the maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) of the vine stock. Physiological indicators showed substantial differences in sensitivity. The first indication of changes in vine water status was the increase of MDS and the decrease of gS. MDS and RCSF revealed significant differences between the two irrigation treatments even when PDΨw, up to now widely accepted as the benchmark of water status indicators, did not show any significant variation. Measurements of water potential showed ΨS to be a better indicator of vine water status than Ψw and T°L. In conclusion, we classified the tested indicators according to a descending order of their early detection capability: gS = MDS > RCSF > PDΨw = MDΨS > T°L > MDΨw.

ACS Style

L. Tuccio; Ermes Lo Piccolo; R. Battelli; S. Matteoli; Rossano Massai; G. Scalabrelli; D. Remorini. Physiological indicators to assess water status in potted grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Scientia Horticulturae 2019, 255, 8 -13.

AMA Style

L. Tuccio, Ermes Lo Piccolo, R. Battelli, S. Matteoli, Rossano Massai, G. Scalabrelli, D. Remorini. Physiological indicators to assess water status in potted grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Scientia Horticulturae. 2019; 255 ():8-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

L. Tuccio; Ermes Lo Piccolo; R. Battelli; S. Matteoli; Rossano Massai; G. Scalabrelli; D. Remorini. 2019. "Physiological indicators to assess water status in potted grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)." Scientia Horticulturae 255, no. : 8-13.

Journal article
Published: 13 May 2019 in Food Chemistry
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Ancient apple cultivars are known for their organoleptic properties over a small geographic area, but little is known of their nutraceutical properties, which might be useful in large-scale breeding programmes. Nine ancient apple cultivars from Tuscany (Italy) were characterized for their organoleptic properties, phenolic profiles, and antioxidant activities. These cultivars had high polyphenol concentrations (principally flavanols and phenolic acids) and high total antioxidant capacities compared with most commercial apple cultivars. Fruits from the cultivars ‘San Michele’ and ‘Del Debbio’ showed a good compromise between fruit size and solid soluble content, and might be suitable for fresh consumption, while fruit from ‘Benito’, ‘Della Piastra’, ‘Lugliese Grisanti’, ‘Del Sangue’ and ‘Ruggine’ had high polyphenol contents and excellent antioxidant capacities, and may be suitable for breeding programmes. ‘Ruggine’ fruit could also be used for sweet juices with good nutraceutical properties due to their high soluble solid content and high flavanol concentration.

ACS Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini; Giuseppe Conte; Lucia Guidi. Ancient apple cultivars from Garfagnana (Tuscany, Italy): A potential source for ‘nutrafruit’ production. Food Chemistry 2019, 294, 518 -525.

AMA Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini, Giuseppe Conte, Lucia Guidi. Ancient apple cultivars from Garfagnana (Tuscany, Italy): A potential source for ‘nutrafruit’ production. Food Chemistry. 2019; 294 ():518-525.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini; Giuseppe Conte; Lucia Guidi. 2019. "Ancient apple cultivars from Garfagnana (Tuscany, Italy): A potential source for ‘nutrafruit’ production." Food Chemistry 294, no. : 518-525.

Journal article
Published: 07 May 2019 in Molecules
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Ancient apple cultivars usually have higher nutraceutical value than commercial ones, but in most cases their variability in pomological traits does not allow us to discriminate among them. Fruit of two Tuscany ancient apple cultivars, 'Casciana' and 'Rotella', picked from eight different orchards (four for each cultivar) were analyzed for their pomological traits, organoleptic qualities, polyphenolic profile and antiradical activity. The effectiveness of a polyphenol-based cluster analysis was compared to molecular markers (internal transcribed spacers, ITS1 and ITS2) to unequivocally discern the two apples. 'Casciana' and 'Rotella' fruit had a higher nutraceutical value than some commercial cultivars, in terms of phenolic abundance, profile and total antiradical activity. Although pedo-climatic conditions of different orchards influenced the phenolic profile of both apples, the polyphenolic discriminant analysis clearly separated the two cultivars, principally due to higher amounts of procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3 and p-coumaroylquinic acid in 'Casciana' than in 'Rotella' fruit. These three polyphenols can be used proficiently as biochemical markers for distinguishing the two apples when pomological traits cannot. Conversely, ITS1 and ITS2 polymorphism did not allow us to distinguish 'Casciana' from 'Rotella' fruit. Overall, the use of polyphenolic fingerprint might represent a valid tool to ensure the traceability of products with a high economic value.

ACS Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Ambra Viviani; Lucia Guidi; Damiano Remorini; Rossano Massai; Rodolfo Bernardi; Marco Landi. Discerning between Two Tuscany (Italy) Ancient Apple cultivars, 'Rotella' and 'Casciana', through Polyphenolic Fingerprint and Molecular Markers. Molecules 2019, 24, 1758 .

AMA Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo, Ambra Viviani, Lucia Guidi, Damiano Remorini, Rossano Massai, Rodolfo Bernardi, Marco Landi. Discerning between Two Tuscany (Italy) Ancient Apple cultivars, 'Rotella' and 'Casciana', through Polyphenolic Fingerprint and Molecular Markers. Molecules. 2019; 24 (9):1758.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Ambra Viviani; Lucia Guidi; Damiano Remorini; Rossano Massai; Rodolfo Bernardi; Marco Landi. 2019. "Discerning between Two Tuscany (Italy) Ancient Apple cultivars, 'Rotella' and 'Casciana', through Polyphenolic Fingerprint and Molecular Markers." Molecules 24, no. 9: 1758.

Journal article
Published: 04 December 2018 in Science of The Total Environment
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There is a lack of knowledge about the possibility that plants facing abiotic stressors, such as drought, have an altered perception of a pulse of O3 and incur in alterations of their signalling network. This poses some concerns as to whether defensive strategy to cope episodic O3 peaks in healthy plants may fail under stress. In this study, a set of saplings of two Mediterranean deciduous species, Quercus cerris and Q. pubescens, was subjected to water withholding (20% of daily evapotranspiration for 15 days) while another set was kept well-watered. Saplings were then subjected to a pulse of O3 (200 nl l−1 for 5 h) or maintained in filtered air. Q. pubescens had a more severe decline of photosynthesis and leaf PDΨw (about −65% and 5-fold lower than in well-watered ones) and events of cell death were observed under drought when compared to Q. cerris, which is supportive for a higher sensitivity to drought exhibited by this species. When O3 was applied after drought, patterns of signalling compounds were altered in both species. Only in Q. pubescens, the typical O3-induced accumulation of apoplastic reactive oxygen species, which is the first necessary step for the activation of signalling cascade, was completely lost. In Q. cerris the most frequent changes encompassed the weakening of peaks of key signalling molecules (ethylene and salicylic acid), whereas in Q. pubescens both delayed (salicylic and jasmonic acid) or weakened (ethylene and salicylic acid) peaks were observed. This is translated to a higher ability of Q. cerris to maintain a prompt activation of defensive reaction to counteract oxidative damage due to the pollutant. Our results reveal the complexity of the signalling network in plants facing multiple stresses and highlight the need to further investigate possible alteration of defensive mechanism of tree species to predict their behavior.

ACS Style

Marco Landi; Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Elisa Pellegrini; Damiano Remorini; Mariagrazia Tonelli; Alice Trivellini; Cristina Nali; Lucia Guidi; Rossano Massai; Paolo Vernieri; Giacomo Lorenzini. When “thirsty” means “less able to activate the signalling wave trigged by a pulse of ozone”: A case of study in two Mediterranean deciduous oak species with different drought sensitivity. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 657, 379 -390.

AMA Style

Marco Landi, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Elisa Pellegrini, Damiano Remorini, Mariagrazia Tonelli, Alice Trivellini, Cristina Nali, Lucia Guidi, Rossano Massai, Paolo Vernieri, Giacomo Lorenzini. When “thirsty” means “less able to activate the signalling wave trigged by a pulse of ozone”: A case of study in two Mediterranean deciduous oak species with different drought sensitivity. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 657 ():379-390.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marco Landi; Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Elisa Pellegrini; Damiano Remorini; Mariagrazia Tonelli; Alice Trivellini; Cristina Nali; Lucia Guidi; Rossano Massai; Paolo Vernieri; Giacomo Lorenzini. 2018. "When “thirsty” means “less able to activate the signalling wave trigged by a pulse of ozone”: A case of study in two Mediterranean deciduous oak species with different drought sensitivity." Science of The Total Environment 657, no. : 379-390.

Journal article
Published: 06 October 2018 in Scientia Horticulturae
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Current climate change negatively impacts on key seasonal biological processes of perennial plants causing erratic productions and, consequently, significant yield reductions. Being flowering time of fruit crops one of the most widely used indicators for climate change studies, the present research aimed to assess, over a long-term period (1973–2016), the climatic trend and its influence on blooming date and intensity of 40 apricot cultivars (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in central Italy. Over the autumn-spring seasons, the main climatic parameters (temperature, rainfall) were acquired, and calculation of chill accumulation according to the Chilling Units model (CU) was performed. Results showed significant trends in warming of autumn-winter monthly minimum and average temperatures, particularly since the 1990s. During the critical period for overcoming of flower bud endodormancy, a dramatic loss of CUs was recorded. Most of the examined cultivars, belonging to Italian and foreign germplasm and opportunely selected for different flowering time, showed important blooming delays and blooming intensity decreases. In particular, the early-blooming cultivars showed the highest average shift of around 12 days and a loss in blooming intensity score which fell to levels of around 50% with respect to previous periods. The CUs, negatively correlated with blooming time and positively correlated with blooming intensity, seem to be crucial for apricot floral biology. The irregular autumn-winter cold rate of recent years may mean that substantial impacts can be expected in the future with possible geographic shifts of the apricot cultivation areas towards more potentially suitable areas located in the northern Italian and European regions, with considerable socioeconomic inference.

ACS Style

Susanna Bartolini; Rossano Massai; Calogero Iacona; Rolando Guerriero; Raffaella Viti. Forty-year investigations on apricot blooming: Evidences of climate change effects. Scientia Horticulturae 2018, 244, 399 -405.

AMA Style

Susanna Bartolini, Rossano Massai, Calogero Iacona, Rolando Guerriero, Raffaella Viti. Forty-year investigations on apricot blooming: Evidences of climate change effects. Scientia Horticulturae. 2018; 244 ():399-405.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Susanna Bartolini; Rossano Massai; Calogero Iacona; Rolando Guerriero; Raffaella Viti. 2018. "Forty-year investigations on apricot blooming: Evidences of climate change effects." Scientia Horticulturae 244, no. : 399-405.

Original research article
Published: 02 July 2018 in Frontiers in Plant Science
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Anthocyanic morphs are generally less efficient in terms of carbon gain, but, in turn, are more photoprotected than anthocyanin-less ones. To date, mature leaves of different morphs or leaves at different developmental stages within the same species have generally been compared, whereas there is a lack of knowledge regarding different stages of development of red vs. green leaves. Leaves (1-, 7-, and 13-week-old) of red- (RLP) and green-leafed (GLP) Prunus in terms of photosynthetic rate, carbon metabolism and photoprotective mechanisms were compared to test whether anthocyanin-equipped leaves perform better than anthocyanin-less leaves and whether photoprotection is the primary role of epidermally-located anthocyanins, using for the first time a recently-developed parameter of chlorophyll fluorescence (qPd). GLP leaves had a higher photosynthetic rate in 1- and 7-week-old leaves, but RLP leaves performed better at an early stage of senescence and had a longer leaf lifespan. Anthocyanins contributed to leaf photoprotection throughout the leaf development, but were tightly coordinated with carotenoids. Besides photoprotecting, we propose that epidermal anthocyanins may be principally synthetized to maintain an efficient carbon-sink strength in young and senescent leaves, thus extending the RLP leaf lifespan.

ACS Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Elisa Pellegrini; Giovanni Agati; Cristiana Giordano; Tommaso Giordani; Giacomo Lorenzini; Fernando Malorgio; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Giovanni Rallo; Damiano Remorini; Paolo Vernieri; Lucia Guidi. Multiple Consequences Induced by Epidermally-Located Anthocyanins in Young, Mature and Senescent Leaves of Prunus. Frontiers in Plant Science 2018, 9, 917 .

AMA Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Elisa Pellegrini, Giovanni Agati, Cristiana Giordano, Tommaso Giordani, Giacomo Lorenzini, Fernando Malorgio, Rossano Massai, Cristina Nali, Giovanni Rallo, Damiano Remorini, Paolo Vernieri, Lucia Guidi. Multiple Consequences Induced by Epidermally-Located Anthocyanins in Young, Mature and Senescent Leaves of Prunus. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2018; 9 ():917.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermes Lo Piccolo; Marco Landi; Elisa Pellegrini; Giovanni Agati; Cristiana Giordano; Tommaso Giordani; Giacomo Lorenzini; Fernando Malorgio; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Giovanni Rallo; Damiano Remorini; Paolo Vernieri; Lucia Guidi. 2018. "Multiple Consequences Induced by Epidermally-Located Anthocyanins in Young, Mature and Senescent Leaves of Prunus." Frontiers in Plant Science 9, no. : 917.

Original research article
Published: 15 June 2017 in Frontiers in Plant Science
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Understanding the interactions between drought and acute ozone (O3) stress in terms of signalling molecules and cell death would improve the predictions of plant responses to climate change. The aim was to investigate whether drought stress influences the responses of plants to acute episodes of O3 exposure. In this study, the behaviour of 84 Mediterranean evergreen Quercus ilex plants was evaluated in terms of cross-talk responses among signalling molecules. Half of the sample was subjected to drought (20% of the effective daily evapotranspiration, for 15 days) and was later exposed to an acute O3 exposure (200 nL L-1 for 5 h). First, our results indicate that in well-water conditions, O3 induced a signalling pathway specific to O3-sensitive behaviour. Second, different trends and consequently different roles of phytohormones and signalling molecules (ethylene, ET; abscisic acid, ABA; salycilic acid, SA and jasmonic acid, JA) were observed in relation to water stress and O3. A spatial and functional correlation between these signalling moleculeswas observed in modulating O3-induced responses in well-watered plants. In contrast, in drought-stressed plants, these compounds were not involved either in O3-induced signalling mechanisms or in leaf senescence (a response observed in water-stressed plants before the O3-exposure). Third, these differences were ascribable to the fact that in drought conditions, most defence processes induced by O3 were compromised and/or altered. Our results highlight how Q. ilex plants suffering from water deprivation respond differently to an acute O3 episode compared to well-watered plants, and suggest new effect to be considered in plant responses to environmental changes. This poses the serious question as to whether or not multiple high-magnitude O3 events (as predicted) can change these cross-talk responses, thus opening it up possible further investigations.

ACS Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Elisa Pellegrini; Lucia Guidi; Marco Landi; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini; Mariagrazia Tonelli; Alice Trivellini; Paolo Vernieri; Cristina Nali. Losing the Warning Signal: Drought Compromises the Cross-Talk of Signaling Molecules in Quercus ilex Exposed to Ozone. Frontiers in Plant Science 2017, 8, 1 .

AMA Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Elisa Pellegrini, Lucia Guidi, Marco Landi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini, Mariagrazia Tonelli, Alice Trivellini, Paolo Vernieri, Cristina Nali. Losing the Warning Signal: Drought Compromises the Cross-Talk of Signaling Molecules in Quercus ilex Exposed to Ozone. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2017; 8 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Elisa Pellegrini; Lucia Guidi; Marco Landi; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini; Mariagrazia Tonelli; Alice Trivellini; Paolo Vernieri; Cristina Nali. 2017. "Losing the Warning Signal: Drought Compromises the Cross-Talk of Signaling Molecules in Quercus ilex Exposed to Ozone." Frontiers in Plant Science 8, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 14 June 2017 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research
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The predicted effects of global change (GC) will be exacerbated in the more densely populated cities of the future, especially in the Mediterranean basin where some environmental cues, such as drought and tropospheric ozone (O3) pollution, already mine seriously plant survival. Physiological and biochemical responses of a Mediterranean, evergreen, isohydric plant species (Quercus ilex) were compared to those of a sympatric, deciduous, anisohydric species (Q. pubescens) under severe drought (20% of the effective daily evapotranspiration) and/or chronic O3 exposure (80 ppb for 5 h day−1 for 28 consecutive days) to test which one was more successful in those highly limiting conditions. Results show that (i) the lower reduction of total leaf biomass of Q. ilex as compared to Q. pubescens when subjected to drought and drought × O3 (on average −59 vs −70%, respectively); (ii) the steeper decline of photosynthesis found in Q. pubescens under drought (−87 vs −81%) and drought × O3 (−69 vs −59%, respectively); (iii) the increments of malondialdehyde (MDA) by-products found only in drought-stressed Q. pubescens; (iv) the impact of O3, found only in Q. pubescens leaves and MDA, can be considered the best probes of the superiority of Q. ilex to counteract the effect of mild-severe drought and O3 stress. Also, an antagonistic effect was found when drought and O3 were applied simultaneously, as usually happens during typical Mediterranean summers. Our dataset suggests that on future, the urban greening should be wisely pondered on the ability of trees to cope the most impacting factors of GC, and in particular their simultaneity.

ACS Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Damiano Remorini; Elisa Pellegrini; Lucia Guidi; Cristina Nali; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Marco Landi. Living in a Mediterranean city in 2050: broadleaf or evergreen ‘citizens’? Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2017, 25, 8161 -8173.

AMA Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Damiano Remorini, Elisa Pellegrini, Lucia Guidi, Cristina Nali, Giacomo Lorenzini, Rossano Massai, Marco Landi. Living in a Mediterranean city in 2050: broadleaf or evergreen ‘citizens’? Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2017; 25 (9):8161-8173.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Damiano Remorini; Elisa Pellegrini; Lucia Guidi; Cristina Nali; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Marco Landi. 2017. "Living in a Mediterranean city in 2050: broadleaf or evergreen ‘citizens’?" Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25, no. 9: 8161-8173.

Journal article
Published: 29 April 2017 in Forests
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Global climate change represents a moving target for plant acclimation and/or adaptation, especially in the Mediterranean basin. In this study, the interactions of severe drought (20% of the effective daily evapotranspiration) and O3 fumigation (80 ppb, 5 h day−1, for 28 consecutive days) on (i) photosynthetic performance, (ii) cell membrane stability, (iii) hydric relations, (iv) accumulation of compatible solutes, and (v) lipophilic antioxidant compounds were investigated in young Quercus cerris plants. In addition to the typical drought-induced stomatal closure, imposition of water withholding dramatically influenced the profile of stress-associated metabolites, i.e., abscisic acid (ABA), proline, and lipophilic antioxidants. However, plants were not able to delay or prevent the negative effects of water deficit, the greatest impacting factor in this study. This translated into a steep decline of photosynthetic efficiency, leaf hydration, and membrane fluidity and permeability. When water stress was coupled with O3, plants orchestrated cross-talk among ABA, proline, and sugar in fully-expanded mature leaves, partially leading to a premature senescence.

ACS Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Damiano Remorini; Elisa Pellegrini; Lucia Guidi; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Marco Landi. Cross-Talk between Physiological and Metabolic Adjustments Adopted by Quercus cerris to Mitigate the Effects of Severe Drought and Realistic Future Ozone Concentrations. Forests 2017, 8, 148 .

AMA Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Damiano Remorini, Elisa Pellegrini, Lucia Guidi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Rossano Massai, Cristina Nali, Marco Landi. Cross-Talk between Physiological and Metabolic Adjustments Adopted by Quercus cerris to Mitigate the Effects of Severe Drought and Realistic Future Ozone Concentrations. Forests. 2017; 8 (5):148.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Damiano Remorini; Elisa Pellegrini; Lucia Guidi; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Marco Landi. 2017. "Cross-Talk between Physiological and Metabolic Adjustments Adopted by Quercus cerris to Mitigate the Effects of Severe Drought and Realistic Future Ozone Concentrations." Forests 8, no. 5: 148.

Journal article
Published: 26 October 2016 in Tree Physiology
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Ozone (O3) and salinity are usually tested as combined factors on plant performance. However, the response to a single episode of O3 in plants already stressed by an excess of NaCl as occurs in the natural environment has never been investigated, but is important given that it is commonly experienced in Mediterranean areas. Three-year-old Quercus ilex L. (holm oak) saplings were exposed to salinity (150 mM NaCl, 15 days), and the effect on photosynthesis, hydric relations and ion partitioning was evaluated (Experiment I). In Experiment II, salt-treated saplings were exposed to 80 nl l−1 of O3 for 5 h, which is a realistic dose in a Mediterranean environment. Gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence and antioxidant systems were characterized to test whether the salt-induced stomatal closure limited O3 uptake and stress or whether the pollutant represents an additional stressor for plants. Salt-dependent stomatal closure depressed the photosynthetic process (−71.6% of light-saturated rate of photosynthesis (A380)) and strongly enhanced the dissipation of energy via the xanthophyll cycle. However, salt-treated plants had higher values of net assimilation rate/stomatal conductance (A/gs) than the controls, which was attributable to a greater mesophyll conductance gm/gs and carboxylation efficiency (higher gm/maximal rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax)), thus suggesting no damage to chloroplasts. O3 did not exacerbate the effect of salinity on photosynthesis, however a general enhancement of the Halliwell-Asada cycle was necessary to counteract the O3-triggered oxidative stress. Despite the 79.4% gs reduction in salt-stressed plants, which strongly limited the O3 uptake, a single peak in the air pollutant led to an additional burden for the antioxidant system when plants had been previously subjected to salinity.

ACS Style

Lucia Guidi; Damiano Remorini; Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Tommaso Giordani; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Lucia Natali; Elisa Pellegrini; Alice Trivellini; Alberto Vangelisti; Paolo Vernieri; Marco Landi. The harsh life of an urban tree: the effect of a single pulse of ozone in salt-stressedQuercus ilexsaplings. Tree Physiology 2016, 37, 246 -260.

AMA Style

Lucia Guidi, Damiano Remorini, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Tommaso Giordani, Giacomo Lorenzini, Rossano Massai, Cristina Nali, Lucia Natali, Elisa Pellegrini, Alice Trivellini, Alberto Vangelisti, Paolo Vernieri, Marco Landi. The harsh life of an urban tree: the effect of a single pulse of ozone in salt-stressedQuercus ilexsaplings. Tree Physiology. 2016; 37 (2):246-260.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lucia Guidi; Damiano Remorini; Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Tommaso Giordani; Giacomo Lorenzini; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Lucia Natali; Elisa Pellegrini; Alice Trivellini; Alberto Vangelisti; Paolo Vernieri; Marco Landi. 2016. "The harsh life of an urban tree: the effect of a single pulse of ozone in salt-stressedQuercus ilexsaplings." Tree Physiology 37, no. 2: 246-260.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2016 in IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement
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A new frontier of nondestructive measurement exploitation is explored in this paper as concerns the food traceability and control arena. Presented is a method for nondestructive automated peach tree rootstock classification by means of high spectral resolution spectroscopy and multivariate signal processing. Many studies have shown that rootstock has significant impact on the quality and maturity of peach fruits. Rootstock knowledge not only enables fruit traceability but also helps in selecting the best storage condition and marketing channel. A novel automated method is presented to classify peach fruits with respect to their rootstock based on multivariate signal processing of fruit skin reflectance spectra, which are highly affected by physical and biochemical phenomena associated with fruit quality and maturity. The experimental results exploiting measurements of fruit skin reflectance spectra acquired in the visible and near infrared ranges with a high-resolution spectrometer show that automated rootstock classification by spectroscopic measurements and signal processing techniques is feasible and effective and has great potential in horticultural engineering.

ACS Style

Stefania Matteoli; Marco Diani; Giovanni Corsini; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini. Automated Classification of Peach Tree Rootstocks by Means of Spectroscopic Measurements and Signal Processing Techniques. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement 2016, 65, 724 -726.

AMA Style

Stefania Matteoli, Marco Diani, Giovanni Corsini, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini. Automated Classification of Peach Tree Rootstocks by Means of Spectroscopic Measurements and Signal Processing Techniques. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. 2016; 65 (3):724-726.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefania Matteoli; Marco Diani; Giovanni Corsini; Rossano Massai; Damiano Remorini. 2016. "Automated Classification of Peach Tree Rootstocks by Means of Spectroscopic Measurements and Signal Processing Techniques." IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement 65, no. 3: 724-726.

Journal article
Published: 06 January 2016 in Physiologia Plantarum
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Despite the huge biodiversity characterizing the Mediterranean environment, environmental constraints, such as high sunlight and high temperatures alongside with dry periods, makes plant survival hard. In addition, high irradiance leads to increasing ozone (O3 ) concentrations in ambient air. In this era of global warming, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms that allow native species to tolerate these environmental constraints and how such mechanisms interact. Three Mediterranean oak species (Quercus ilex, Q. pubescens and Q. cerris) with different features (drought tolerant, evergreen or deciduous species) were selected to assess their biometrical, physiological and biochemical responses under drought and/or O3 stress (80-100 nl l(-1) of O3 for 5 h d(-1) for 77 consecutive days). Leaf visible injury appeared only under drought stress (alone or combined with O3 ) in all three species. Drought × O3 induced strong reductions in leaf dry weight in Q. pubescens and Q. cerris (-70 and -75%, respectively). Alterations in physiological (i.e. decrease in maximum carboxylation rate) and biochemical parameters (i.e. increase in proline content and build-up of malondialdehyde by-products) occurred in all the three species, although drought represented the major determinant. Q. ilex and Q. pubescens, which co-occur in dry environments, were more tolerant to drought and drought × O3 . Quercus ilex was the species in which oxidative stress occurred only when drought was applied with O3 . High plasticity at a biochemical level (i.e. proline content) and evergreen habitus are likely on the basis of the higher tolerance of Q. ilex

ACS Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Damiano Remorini; Elisa Pellegrini; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Lucia Guidi; Giacomo Lorenzini. Variations in physiological and biochemical traits of oak seedlings grown under drought and ozone stress. Physiologia Plantarum 2016, 157, 69 -84.

AMA Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Damiano Remorini, Elisa Pellegrini, Marco Landi, Rossano Massai, Cristina Nali, Lucia Guidi, Giacomo Lorenzini. Variations in physiological and biochemical traits of oak seedlings grown under drought and ozone stress. Physiologia Plantarum. 2016; 157 (1):69-84.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Damiano Remorini; Elisa Pellegrini; Marco Landi; Rossano Massai; Cristina Nali; Lucia Guidi; Giacomo Lorenzini. 2016. "Variations in physiological and biochemical traits of oak seedlings grown under drought and ozone stress." Physiologia Plantarum 157, no. 1: 69-84.

Journal article
Published: 04 September 2015 in Journal of Food Processing and Preservation
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In this work, we tested the hypothesis that ascorbic acid (AA) reduces browning of fresh-cut apples (Red Delicious, RD, and Granny Smith, GS), and we investigated the impact of AA on phenylpropanoid metabolism of RD and GS. Apple slices were dipped in a solution of 100 mg/L of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and ClO2 + 3% AA and stored at 4C for 96 h. Flesh firmness, solid soluble content and browning index, total phenols and flavonoids, and the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were monitored upon storage (0, 48 and 96 h). Our results demonstrated that GS is less sensitive to browning and thus more suitable for minimally processed produce. Ascorbate reduces the browning index also in RD, a cultivar largely appreciated by consumers but more prone to browning. AA likely contrasts browning appearance by interacting with peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase and/or promoting the regeneration of phenols and flavonoids.Practical ApplicationsBrowning of fresh-cut apple is one of the main problems that limit the shelf life of this type of produce. Given that this produce is highly appreciated by consumers, different antibrowning treatments have been tested to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apple. We found that treatment with 100 mg/L of ClO2 + 3% of ascorbic acid significantly reduces the browning appearance in apple slices. Browning was also reduced in Red Delicious cultivar that is more prone than Granny Smith to this phenomenon, but that is highly appreciated by consumers.

ACS Style

Damiano Remorini; Marco Landi; Francesca Tardelli; Arianna Lugani; Rossano Massai; Giulia Graziani; Vincenzo Fogliano; Lucia Guidi. Effect of Chlorine Dioxide and Ascorbic Acid on Enzymatic Browning and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Red Delicious and Granny Smith Apples. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation 2015, 39, 2925 -2934.

AMA Style

Damiano Remorini, Marco Landi, Francesca Tardelli, Arianna Lugani, Rossano Massai, Giulia Graziani, Vincenzo Fogliano, Lucia Guidi. Effect of Chlorine Dioxide and Ascorbic Acid on Enzymatic Browning and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Red Delicious and Granny Smith Apples. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 2015; 39 (6):2925-2934.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Damiano Remorini; Marco Landi; Francesca Tardelli; Arianna Lugani; Rossano Massai; Giulia Graziani; Vincenzo Fogliano; Lucia Guidi. 2015. "Effect of Chlorine Dioxide and Ascorbic Acid on Enzymatic Browning and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Red Delicious and Granny Smith Apples." Journal of Food Processing and Preservation 39, no. 6: 2925-2934.

Journal article
Published: 05 June 2015 in IEEE Sensors Journal
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This paper presents an automated approach for peach fruit maturity grading that, by exploiting fiber-optic spectroscopy-based sensors and multivariate processing techniques, minimizes the operator intervention while reducing discharge and waste. The use of a spectroscopic sensor complies with the so-called nondestructive measurement method, which enables fast repeated measurements to be performed at the single fruit level while avoiding fruit damage and loss. Maturity grading is accomplished by retrieving estimates of the fruit flesh firmness by means of multivariate retrieval techniques applied to the reflectance spectra acquired with the spectrometer and by processing the retrieved values within the framework of a maturity fuzzy classifier. A decision support system is developed to provide the user with maturity category decision and associated reliability. Experimental results show that the approach is effective for automated maturity grading of peach fruits affected by a high degree of variability. This paper lays the foundations for the realization of easy-to-use sustainable automated maturity grading systems.

ACS Style

Stefania Matteoli; Marco Diani; Rossano Massai; Giovanni Corsini; Damiano Remorini. A Spectroscopy-based Approach for Automated Non-Destructive Maturity Grading of Peach Fruits. IEEE Sensors Journal 2015, 15, 1 -1.

AMA Style

Stefania Matteoli, Marco Diani, Rossano Massai, Giovanni Corsini, Damiano Remorini. A Spectroscopy-based Approach for Automated Non-Destructive Maturity Grading of Peach Fruits. IEEE Sensors Journal. 2015; 15 (10):1-1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefania Matteoli; Marco Diani; Rossano Massai; Giovanni Corsini; Damiano Remorini. 2015. "A Spectroscopy-based Approach for Automated Non-Destructive Maturity Grading of Peach Fruits." IEEE Sensors Journal 15, no. 10: 1-1.