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Education 1980- High school diplomas in scientific studies. 1985 - Graduated in Biological Sciences (MSc), at the University of Messina, Faculty of Science. 1985-1987- Practice attendance at biological laboratory of the “Riuniti” hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy. 1987- Professional qualification with honours, to exercise the biology profession, Biology Faculty, Messina University, Sicily, Italy. 1987, 1988 - Fellowship with grant at the “Institute of Cybernetic, on signal transduction pathway. Arco Felice”, Naples. 1988- PhD in Food Science at the Policlinic “Federico II”, University of Naples. Studies and researches performed at the “Policlinic, Federico II University of Naples, Italy (output scientific papers, published in national journals). Professional position 1988- Researcher at the Department of Agrochemistry and Agrobiology of the Agricultural Faculty “Mediterranea” University of Reggio Calabria, Italy. Since 2001- Associate professor of Pedology, Biochemistry and Soil Ecology in the Agricultural Faculty of “Mediterranea” University of Reggio Calabria, Italy. Since 2010 –Full professor in Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry and Soil Ecology. Expertise and research interests Since 1988 my research investigates connections between soil chemistry, biochemistry and function in regulating ecosystem-level processes. Because I focus on quantifiable material common t
Wheat crop experiences high temperature stress during flowering and grain-filling stages, which is termed as “terminal heat stress”. Characterizing genotypes for adaptive traits could increase their selection for better performance under terminal heat stress. The present study evaluated the morpho-physiological traits of two spring wheat cultivars (Millet-11, Punjab-11) and two advanced lines (V-07096, V-10110) exposed to terminal heat stress under late sowing. Early maturing Millet-11 was used as heat-tolerant control. Late sowing reduced spike length (13%), number of grains per spike (10%), 1000-grain weight (13%) and biological yield (15–20%) compared to timely sowing. Nonetheless, higher number of productive tillers per plant (19–20%) and grain yield (9%) were recorded under late sowing. Advanced lines and genotype Punjab-11 had delayed maturity and better agronomic performance than early maturing heat-tolerant Millet-11. Advanced lines expressed reduced canopy temperature during grain filling and high leaf chlorophyll a (20%) and b (71–125%) contents during anthesis under late sowing. All wheat genotypes expressed improved stem water-soluble carbohydrates under terminal heat stress that were highest for heat-tolerant Millet-11 genotype during anthesis. Improved grain yield was associated with the highest chlorophyll contents showing stay green characteristics with maintenance of high photosynthetic rates and cooler canopies under late sowing. The results revealed that advanced lines and Punjab-11 with heat adaptive traits could be promising source for further use in the selection of heat-tolerant wheat genotypes.
Hafeez Rehman; Absaar Tariq; Imran Ashraf; Mukhtar Ahmed; Adele Muscolo; Shahzad Basra; Matthew Reynolds. Evaluation of Physiological and Morphological Traits for Improving Spring Wheat Adaptation to Terminal Heat Stress. Plants 2021, 10, 455 .
AMA StyleHafeez Rehman, Absaar Tariq, Imran Ashraf, Mukhtar Ahmed, Adele Muscolo, Shahzad Basra, Matthew Reynolds. Evaluation of Physiological and Morphological Traits for Improving Spring Wheat Adaptation to Terminal Heat Stress. Plants. 2021; 10 (3):455.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHafeez Rehman; Absaar Tariq; Imran Ashraf; Mukhtar Ahmed; Adele Muscolo; Shahzad Basra; Matthew Reynolds. 2021. "Evaluation of Physiological and Morphological Traits for Improving Spring Wheat Adaptation to Terminal Heat Stress." Plants 10, no. 3: 455.
In the last few decades, the use of environmental radionuclides, particularly caesium-137 (137Cs), represented one of the most valid methods for estimating soil erosion. However, the cost associated with the use of the equipment needed for radiometric analyses is still high and, for this reason, finding more easily measurable indicators can be useful. There is a strong correlation between 137Cs, organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N) and water soluble phenols (WSP) exists, indicating the latter parameters as possible early indicators of soil erosion. Based on the above assumptions, the main purpose of this work is to identify specific soil chemical parameters able to indicate early triggering of soil erosion. Specifically, several soil parameters such as pH, electric conductivity (EC), WSP, OC, N and C/N have been evaluated against 137Cs and on a comparative basis. In addition, since the rate of soil erosion depends on the degree of coverage and canopy structure, two different tree species (Pinus nigra laricio Poir. and Fagus sylvatica L.) have been considered in this contribution in which ten different scenarios of forest management have been analysed. The results show that the reduction in tree cover of managed sites triggers erosion and nutrient loss processes. It has been observed that the loss of 137Cs, compared to the control areas, is closely correlated with those of WSP, OC and N. These parameters (WSP, OC and N), more easily assessable, can be a valid tool to understand easily, triggering of erosive phenomena.
Federico Romeo; Paolo Porto; Carmelo Mallamaci; Adele Muscolo. The relationships between selected soil properties and caesium-137 identify organic carbon, nitrogen and water soluble phenols as indicators of soil erosion processes in different forest stands. Journal of Forestry Research 2021, 1 -10.
AMA StyleFederico Romeo, Paolo Porto, Carmelo Mallamaci, Adele Muscolo. The relationships between selected soil properties and caesium-137 identify organic carbon, nitrogen and water soluble phenols as indicators of soil erosion processes in different forest stands. Journal of Forestry Research. 2021; ():1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFederico Romeo; Paolo Porto; Carmelo Mallamaci; Adele Muscolo. 2021. "The relationships between selected soil properties and caesium-137 identify organic carbon, nitrogen and water soluble phenols as indicators of soil erosion processes in different forest stands." Journal of Forestry Research , no. : 1-10.
The effects of two digestates split up in liquid and solid fractions were investigated on tomato production. The objectives were (1) to verify if the two digestates different in composition differently affected the growth and the quality of tomato; (2) to assess the effectiveness of the two digestate fractions (liquid and solid) on tomato growth and quality characteristics of the harvested tomato fruit. In short, our results evidenced different effects between the two digestates and also between solid and liquid fractions, suggesting that the type of solid fraction (Uliva or Fattoria) rather than the concentration, or their interaction mainly influenced plant growth parameters. Conversely, the effectiveness of liquid fractions were mostly due to the concentrations rather than to the type of digestate. Results also evidenced positive effects of both digestates on the nutritional values of tomatoes, largely explained by the increase in various health-promoting compounds, including vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The contemporary increase in these different bio-compounds with a wide range of physiological properties and multi target actions confers to digestate treated tomato a nutraceutical benefit. The use of both fractions of both digestates as fertilizer may represent an effective strategy to obtain, even if in some cases at the expense of growth, high-quality fruit in a sustainable way from an economic and environmental point of view.
Maria Rosaria Panuccio; Carmelo Mallamaci; Emilio Attinà; Adele Muscolo. Using Digestate as Fertilizer for a Sustainable Tomato Cultivation. Sustainability 2021, 13, 1574 .
AMA StyleMaria Rosaria Panuccio, Carmelo Mallamaci, Emilio Attinà, Adele Muscolo. Using Digestate as Fertilizer for a Sustainable Tomato Cultivation. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (3):1574.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Rosaria Panuccio; Carmelo Mallamaci; Emilio Attinà; Adele Muscolo. 2021. "Using Digestate as Fertilizer for a Sustainable Tomato Cultivation." Sustainability 13, no. 3: 1574.
Forest soil biodiversity, which drives natural ecosystem multifunctionality, can be altered by incorrect forestry management practices. Pinus laricio is the most representative and widespread conifer species in Calabria, South Italy, and appropriate management is needed to maintain Pinus laricio forest for its great economic and natural value. In Europe, thinning is considered the most effective silvicultural treatment to maintain/increase the ecological value of coniferous stands. In this study, moderate thinning (MT), intense thinning (HT), and clear cut (CC) treatments were used to manage Pinus laricio stands with the aim of identifying the thinning intensity that is less detrimental to soil biodiversity. The effects of the different thinning intensities were evaluated, in two contrasting seasons (summer and winter), on the abundance, and diversity of arthropods, fungi, and bacteria colonies as well as on selected soil properties (organic matter, humification index, bulk density, pH) related to soil habitability. Results evidenced that the abundance, species richness, and diversity of arthropods, as well as fungi, bacteria colonies, and soil properties, changed with the treatments and seasons. Under HT, the greatest biodiversity and the highest amounts of arthropods, fungi, and bacteria were found in both seasons. This study finds evidence for Connell’s intermediate disturbance hypothesis, highlighting that the greatest organic carbon content and humification index, as well as the lowest bulk density, found in HT reduced the likelihood of competitive exclusion between occurring species, thereby promoting high species richness and diversity. This study gives insights into ecological relationships between understory composition related to tree species abundance and soil community.
Adele Muscolo; Giovanna Settineri; Federico Romeo; Carmelo Mallamaci. Soil Biodiversity as Affected by Different Thinning Intensities in a Pinus laricio Stand of Calabrian Apennine, South Italy. Forests 2021, 12, 108 .
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Giovanna Settineri, Federico Romeo, Carmelo Mallamaci. Soil Biodiversity as Affected by Different Thinning Intensities in a Pinus laricio Stand of Calabrian Apennine, South Italy. Forests. 2021; 12 (1):108.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Giovanna Settineri; Federico Romeo; Carmelo Mallamaci. 2021. "Soil Biodiversity as Affected by Different Thinning Intensities in a Pinus laricio Stand of Calabrian Apennine, South Italy." Forests 12, no. 1: 108.
In order to valorize the use of digestate, the purposes of this study was to discriminate the fertilizing potential of solid and liquid fractions of digestate using two soils that differed for chemical characteristics, to expand the digestate use reducing its environmental impact. The two fractions did not contain toxic compounds and differed in chemical compositions. The two soils responded differently to the addition of the two-digestate fractions and the benefit depended mainly on soil characteristics rather than on quantity and quality of the organic material applied. In the soil with neutral pH, the highest intrinsic amount of organic matter, microbial biomass (MBC), fungi, bacteria and cation exchange capacity were observed; all these properties increased the most over time, in presence of both solid and liquid fractions. Differently, in the soil with alkaline pH and minor amount of intrinsic organic matter, MBC, fungi and bacteria, only few properties such as oxidative soil activity, bacteria colonies, and organic matter amount were improved by the addition of digestate fractions. The use of both fractions showed more agricultural advantages in respect to the relative risks, and the solid fraction was the most effective. Even if the effects of digestate on soil ecosystem can differ in extent, we can expect economic benefit deriving from the reduction of the costs for its disposal, agricultural benefit for their high supply of nutrients to the soil and environmental advantages for the decrement in the use of manufactured fertilizers.
Maria Rosaria Panuccio; Federico Romeo; Carmelo Mallamaci; Adele Muscolo. Digestate Application on Two Different Soils: Agricultural Benefit and Risk. Waste and Biomass Valorization 2021, 12, 4341 -4353.
AMA StyleMaria Rosaria Panuccio, Federico Romeo, Carmelo Mallamaci, Adele Muscolo. Digestate Application on Two Different Soils: Agricultural Benefit and Risk. Waste and Biomass Valorization. 2021; 12 (8):4341-4353.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Rosaria Panuccio; Federico Romeo; Carmelo Mallamaci; Adele Muscolo. 2021. "Digestate Application on Two Different Soils: Agricultural Benefit and Risk." Waste and Biomass Valorization 12, no. 8: 4341-4353.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a halophytic crop that shows resistance to multiple abiotic stresses, including salinity. In this study we investigated the salinity tolerance mechanisms of six contrasting quinoa cultivars belonging to the coastal region of Chile using agro-physiological parameters (plant height (PH), number of branches/plant (BN), number of panicles/plant (PN), panicle length (PL), biochemical traits (leaf C%, leaf N%, grain protein contents); harvest index and yield (seed yield and plant dry biomass (PDM) under three salinity levels (0, 10, and 20 d Sm−1 NaCl). The yield stability was evaluated through comparision of seed yield characteristics [(static environmental variance (S2) and dynamic Wricke’s ecovalence (W2)]. Results showed that significant variations existed in agro-morphological and yield attributes. With increasing salinity levels, yield contributing parameters (number of panicles and panicle length) decreased. Salt stress reduced the leaf carbon and nitrogen contents. Genotypes Q21, and AMES13761 showed higher seed yield (2.30 t ha−1), more productivity and stability at various salinities as compared to the other genotypes. Salinity reduced seed yield to 44.48% and 60% at lower (10 dS m−1) and higher salinity (20 dS m−1), respectively. Grain protein content was highest in NSL106398 and lowest in Q29 when treated with saline water. Seed yield was positively correlated with PH, TB, HI, and C%. Significant and negative correlations were observed between N%, protein contents and seed yield. PH showed significant positive correlation with APL, HI, C% and C:N ratio. HI displayed positive correlations with C%, N% and protein content., All measured plant traits, except for C:N ratio, responded to salt in a genotype-specific way. Our results indicate that the genotypes (Q21 and AMES13761) proved their suitability under sandy desert soils of Dubai, UAE as they exhibited higher seed yield while NSL106398 showed an higher seed protein content. The present research highlights the need to preserve quinoa biodiversity for a better seedling establishment, survival and stable yield in the sandy desertic UAE environment.
M. Iftikhar Hussain; Adele Muscolo; Mukhtar Ahmed; Muhammad Ahsan Asghar; Abdullah J. Al-Dakheel. Agro-morphological, Yield and Quality Traits and Interrelationship with Yield Stability in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Genotypes under Saline Marginal Environment. Plants 2020, 9, 1763 .
AMA StyleM. Iftikhar Hussain, Adele Muscolo, Mukhtar Ahmed, Muhammad Ahsan Asghar, Abdullah J. Al-Dakheel. Agro-morphological, Yield and Quality Traits and Interrelationship with Yield Stability in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Genotypes under Saline Marginal Environment. Plants. 2020; 9 (12):1763.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Iftikhar Hussain; Adele Muscolo; Mukhtar Ahmed; Muhammad Ahsan Asghar; Abdullah J. Al-Dakheel. 2020. "Agro-morphological, Yield and Quality Traits and Interrelationship with Yield Stability in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Genotypes under Saline Marginal Environment." Plants 9, no. 12: 1763.
Significant benefit of soil organic matter (SOM) to crop productivity is scientifically well documented. The main constituents and active fractions of SOM are humic substances (HS) and phenolic compounds. Since both these two components strongly impact plant–soil relationship, it is importantly from an ecological point of view to discriminate their biological effects and relating them to their composition. In this study we compared the biological effects of HS, and the soil water soluble phenols (SWSP) on growth, antioxidant activities, carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, and vitamins of Pinus laricio callus. Each extract was assessed for the content of low molecular weight organic acids, soluble carbohydrates, fatty acids, and phenolic acids. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopies were applied to study their molecular structure. The results showed that HS produced better callus growth compared to the control and SWSP. Carbohydrates decreased in presence of HS while proteins, vitamin C and E increased. In contrast, in callus treated with SWSP the amount of glucose and fructose increased as well as all the antioxidant activities. The data evidenced that HS rich in tartaric and fatty acids had beneficial effects on callus growth contrary to soil water-soluble phenols rich in aldehydes, and syringic, ferulic, and benzoic acids.
Adele Muscolo; Diego Pizzeghello; Ornella Francioso; Santiago Sanchez Cortes; Serenella Nardi. Effectiveness of Humic Substances and Phenolic Compounds in Regulating Plant-Biological Functionality. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1553 .
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Diego Pizzeghello, Ornella Francioso, Santiago Sanchez Cortes, Serenella Nardi. Effectiveness of Humic Substances and Phenolic Compounds in Regulating Plant-Biological Functionality. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (10):1553.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Diego Pizzeghello; Ornella Francioso; Santiago Sanchez Cortes; Serenella Nardi. 2020. "Effectiveness of Humic Substances and Phenolic Compounds in Regulating Plant-Biological Functionality." Agronomy 10, no. 10: 1553.
Phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of red sweet pepper cv Topepo grown in soil amended with different organic fertilizers were compared with that grown in unamended soil. Organic fertilizers are an environmentally friendly alternative to recovery infertile soils that resulted from the intensified agricultural practices in red Topepo production. The aim was to discriminate the effects of organic fertilizers one from each other on the quality of red Topepo to find out the better sustainable fertilization practice for its cultivation. Results showed that compost from vegetable residues (CV) enhanced the synthesis of total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, carotenoids, anthocyanins, as well as carbohydrates, antioxidant activities, and aroma profiling, compared to horse manure (HD), compost from olive pomace (CO), and control (CTR). The results indicated a specificity between the quality of red Topepo and compost composition, highlighting that vegetable residues increased the synthesis of secondary metabolites, enhancing sustainably, the nutraceutical, sensorial, and economic value of red Topepo. The fertilizer composition resulted largely responsible for the synthesis of bioactive compounds, flavor, and aroma of this fruit.
Adele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Carmelo Mallamaci; Sonia Carabetta; Rosa Di Sanzo; Mariateresa Russo. Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Selected Health Beneficial Bioactive Compounds and Aroma Profile of Red Topepo Sweet Pepper. Foods 2020, 9, 1323 .
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Teresa Papalia, Carmelo Mallamaci, Sonia Carabetta, Rosa Di Sanzo, Mariateresa Russo. Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Selected Health Beneficial Bioactive Compounds and Aroma Profile of Red Topepo Sweet Pepper. Foods. 2020; 9 (9):1323.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Carmelo Mallamaci; Sonia Carabetta; Rosa Di Sanzo; Mariateresa Russo. 2020. "Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Selected Health Beneficial Bioactive Compounds and Aroma Profile of Red Topepo Sweet Pepper." Foods 9, no. 9: 1323.
Soil has a pivotal role in keeping high the productivity of forest ecosystem but its physical and chemical properties are highly influenced by changes in forest species composition and forest management practices. Thinning is the most effective silvicultural practice used in Europe to increase the ecological and economic value of forest stands. The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate forestry practice to preserve soil fertility and biodiversity in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest in Calabria, southern Italy. The effects of innovative (T3) and traditional (T2) thinning on soil properties with respect to unmanaged forest (T1) were assessed by using biological indicators. Results showed that T2 had the highest dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the lowest water content (WC), organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) amount. The humification index was the highest in T2 as well as fungi, ergosterol, fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDA) and catalase (CAT). The highest values of NO3−, SO4−, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were found in the T2. QBS-ar was significantly higher in T2 and T3 than in the T1. In short, our results evidenced that organic matter, total nitrogen, C/N ratio and water content cannot be considered alone or in combination indices of quality to evaluate the effect of thinning on soils. Rather, is the data crossing of microbiota and ions with organic matter pools (stable and labile) that can give important and accurate information on how thinning can affects soil biological properties that are strictly correlated to soil fertility and quality.
Federico Romeo; Giovanna Settineri; Maria Sidari; Carmelo Mallamaci; Adele Muscolo. Responses of soil quality indicators to innovative and traditional thinning in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest. Forest Ecology and Management 2020, 465, 118106 .
AMA StyleFederico Romeo, Giovanna Settineri, Maria Sidari, Carmelo Mallamaci, Adele Muscolo. Responses of soil quality indicators to innovative and traditional thinning in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest. Forest Ecology and Management. 2020; 465 ():118106.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFederico Romeo; Giovanna Settineri; Maria Sidari; Carmelo Mallamaci; Adele Muscolo. 2020. "Responses of soil quality indicators to innovative and traditional thinning in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest." Forest Ecology and Management 465, no. : 118106.
Lentils are salt sensitive low cost, high-quality protein crop, cultivated in many part of the world. In this work lentils were cultivated using increased soil salinity conditions to evaluate the nutritive and bioactive compounds of the edible part of different lentil varieties. Growth and nutritive properties of each local variety were compared to its own control (lentils cultivated in no saline soil, <4 dS/m) and to the same local variety sold in the market. Salinity improved nutritive properties (proteins, minerals, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids, flavonoids and total phenols) and led to the synthesis of dimeric and trimeric cyanidins. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and ferrozine) of the edible seeds, all showed increases for all three varieties. In conclusion, these three lentil varieties can be cultivated, on marginal lands including semi-arid areas where soil salinity can reach 8 dS/m which is beneficial where water is scarce or has a high salinity. At the same time the functional properties of the final product may be improved. The resistant varieties might be used in breeding programs to develop salinity resistant lentil cultivars with high nutritive values.
Adele Muscolo; Antonella Calderaro; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Carmelo Mallamaci; Maria Rosaria Panuccio. Soil salinity improves nutritional and health promoting compounds in three varieties of lentil (Lens culinaris Med.). Food Bioscience 2020, 35, 100571 .
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Antonella Calderaro, Teresa Papalia, Giovanna Settineri, Carmelo Mallamaci, Maria Rosaria Panuccio. Soil salinity improves nutritional and health promoting compounds in three varieties of lentil (Lens culinaris Med.). Food Bioscience. 2020; 35 ():100571.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Antonella Calderaro; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Carmelo Mallamaci; Maria Rosaria Panuccio. 2020. "Soil salinity improves nutritional and health promoting compounds in three varieties of lentil (Lens culinaris Med.)." Food Bioscience 35, no. : 100571.
Background Red onion is popular in cuisines worldwide and is valued for its potential medicinal properties. Red onion is an important source of several phytonutrients as flavonoids, thiosulphinates and other Sulphur compounds, recognized as important elements of the diet. Nowadays there is the need of producing food enriched in health benefit compounds. In this study pads of Sulphur‐bentonite (SB) with the addition of orange residue (OR) or olive pomace (OP) were used to improve the quality of red onion. The experiment was conducted for 3 months in field, to evaluate the phytochemicals of differently amended red onion. Results treated plants were better in quality than controls. The antioxidant activity, detected as DPPH, ORAC and ABTS, was the highest in plants grown in presence of SB‐enriched with agricultural wastes and particularly with SB‐OR. Polyphenols, increased in all treated plants. The volatile fraction was clearly dominated by Sulphur compounds that are strictly related to the concentration of the aroma precursors S‐alkenyl cysteine sulfoxides. The greater amount of thiosulphinates in treated compared to untreated onion evidenced that SB pelletized with agricultural wastes can represent a new formulation of organic fertilizer able to improve the beneficial properties of onion. Our results highlighted that the best red onion quality was obtained by using SB‐OR pads. Conclusion the use of Sulphur‐bentonite bound with agricultural wastes represents a novel strategy to increase bio‐compounds with beneficial effects on human health, to enhance the medical and economic values of S‐loving crops with important consequences on bio and green economy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Adele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Carmelo Mallamaci; Maria R Panuccio. Sulfur bentonite‐organic‐based fertilizers as tool for improving bio‐compounds with antioxidant activities in red onion. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2019, 100, 785 -793.
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Teresa Papalia, Giovanna Settineri, Carmelo Mallamaci, Maria R Panuccio. Sulfur bentonite‐organic‐based fertilizers as tool for improving bio‐compounds with antioxidant activities in red onion. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2019; 100 (2):785-793.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Carmelo Mallamaci; Maria R Panuccio. 2019. "Sulfur bentonite‐organic‐based fertilizers as tool for improving bio‐compounds with antioxidant activities in red onion." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 100, no. 2: 785-793.
In this study, the effects of innovative and traditional thinning on soil properties with respect to unmanaged forest were assessed with the aim to individuate early warning indicators of soil erosion for identifying the most appropriate forestry practices to sustainably manage an Italian beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest. Soil organic carbon (OC), microbial biomass C (MBC), ergosterol (ERG), humification rate, water-soluble phenols (WSP), fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis, dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase activities (CAT), ultrasonic aggregate stability and 137Cs were detected to asses soil health and erosion magnitude. The aim was to correlate 137Cs, as a basic indicator of soil erosion rate, with soil aggregate stability and biological activity parameters. 137Cs results evidenced that both thinning treatments affected soil properties. The innovative treatment showed the highest impact. The amount of small-sized particles enhanced when the intensity of thinning increased. A strong decrease in soil OC was related to thinning. In the upper soil layer, OC was found positively correlated with MBC, FDA, WSP, ERG, C/N, N and also with 137Cs. Moderate to no correlations, in the subsurface layer, highlighted the immediate impact of management techniques on the surface layer and then on the underlying ones. In the subsurface layer, OC maintained its positive correlation only with MBC, WSP and 137Cs. 137Cs was correlated in both soil layers with OC, N and WSP. The overall results suggest that the latter parameters may be considered as indicators of soil erosion. More specifically, WSP can be used, even in the case of the absence of 137Cs in the sediment, to evidence changes in soil properties that could be the starting point of soil fertility loss.
Romeo Federico; Porto Paolo; Keiblinger Katharina; Mentler Axel; Muscolo Adele. Soil biological indicators and caesium-137 to estimate soil erosion in areas with different forest system management. European Journal of Forest Research 2019, 139, 67 -81.
AMA StyleRomeo Federico, Porto Paolo, Keiblinger Katharina, Mentler Axel, Muscolo Adele. Soil biological indicators and caesium-137 to estimate soil erosion in areas with different forest system management. European Journal of Forest Research. 2019; 139 (1):67-81.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRomeo Federico; Porto Paolo; Keiblinger Katharina; Mentler Axel; Muscolo Adele. 2019. "Soil biological indicators and caesium-137 to estimate soil erosion in areas with different forest system management." European Journal of Forest Research 139, no. 1: 67-81.
Brassica rupestris Raf. is a species native to South Italy, extremely rich in vitamins, fibers, and bioactive compounds with phytoterapic properties and may represent a resource for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Thus, our aim was to evaluate if and which soil properties affected the accumulation of secondary metabolites in B. rupestris. Knowledge of the causes of plant metabolism changes in a specific area may represent an important economic opportunity. We analyzed soils (physical and chemical parameters) in two different localities of B. rupestris growth and leaves (biocompounds and antioxidant activity) of B. rupestris grown over them to identify the soil factors that drove their phytochemical production and antioxidant power. Soil properties influenced the contents but not the types of the bioactive compounds in B. rupestris. No significant correlation was found between soil physical parameters and phytochemicals in Brassica leaves. Conversely, soil chemical and biochemical properties influenced the total antioxidant capacity and the synthesis of carotenoids and glucosinolates. Soil organic matter (SOM), dehydrogenase activity (DH), fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and humic acid/fulvic acid ratio (HA/FA) were the most important soil factors influencing the amount of phytochemicals in B. rupestris. A strict relationship between soil properties and metabolic profile of B. rupestris was found. The synthesis of specific classes of metabolites in B. rupestris is a direct response to soil biochemical conditions.
Adele Muscolo; Maria Sidari; Giovanna Settineri; Teresa Papalia; Carmelo Mallamaci; Emilio Attinà. Influence of Soil Properties on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Brassica rupestris Raf. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 2019, 19, 808 -815.
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Maria Sidari, Giovanna Settineri, Teresa Papalia, Carmelo Mallamaci, Emilio Attinà. Influence of Soil Properties on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Brassica rupestris Raf. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2019; 19 (4):808-815.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Maria Sidari; Giovanna Settineri; Teresa Papalia; Carmelo Mallamaci; Emilio Attinà. 2019. "Influence of Soil Properties on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Brassica rupestris Raf." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 19, no. 4: 808-815.
Girdling practice gained attention as a mean to increase crop yields particularly for alternate bearing plants. Data published for ligneous are controversial and mechanisms by which girdling regulates plant growth and photosynthesis for olive tree are still not well elucidated. The physiological modifications induced by shoots girdling, and their effects on the mobilization of assimilates, on the gas exchanges and on antioxidant activity were studied in olive leaves of Meski, Picholine, Chetoui and Koroneiki cultivars. From each ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ trees, six shoots were selected, 3 of them were girdled and 3 were used as control. Total carbohydrates, alcoholic (Mannitol) and soluble (Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose) sugars, photosynthesis parameters, total protein and antioxidant activities in leaves of ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ trees were analyzed. In girdled shoots a reduction of photosynthetic rate and a greater accumulation of both carbohydrates and antioxidant activities were observed. Girdling, breaking off the phloematic flow, caused a store of elaborated sap in leaves that inhibited the photosynthetic activity inducing an oxidative stress. Our results confirmed fluctuations in carbohydrates, gas exchanges and antioxidant activities as a direct consequence of girdling and of presence or absence of fruits, and showed clearly how each olive cultivar responds differently to girdling evidencing that the girdling effects are cultivar dependent.
Khouloud Annabi; Ibtissem Laaribi; Hassouna Gouta; Foued Laabidi; Beligh Mechri; Larbi Ajmi; Imen Zouari; Adele Muscolo; Maria Rosaria Panuccio; Mouna Aïachi Mezghani. Protein content, antioxidant activity, carbohydrates and photosynthesis in leaves of girdled stems of four olive cultivars. Scientia Horticulturae 2019, 256, 108551 .
AMA StyleKhouloud Annabi, Ibtissem Laaribi, Hassouna Gouta, Foued Laabidi, Beligh Mechri, Larbi Ajmi, Imen Zouari, Adele Muscolo, Maria Rosaria Panuccio, Mouna Aïachi Mezghani. Protein content, antioxidant activity, carbohydrates and photosynthesis in leaves of girdled stems of four olive cultivars. Scientia Horticulturae. 2019; 256 ():108551.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKhouloud Annabi; Ibtissem Laaribi; Hassouna Gouta; Foued Laabidi; Beligh Mechri; Larbi Ajmi; Imen Zouari; Adele Muscolo; Maria Rosaria Panuccio; Mouna Aïachi Mezghani. 2019. "Protein content, antioxidant activity, carbohydrates and photosynthesis in leaves of girdled stems of four olive cultivars." Scientia Horticulturae 256, no. : 108551.
Considering that diverse fire severities can affect soil properties differently, the aim of this study was to examine to what extent changes in soil properties caused by fire could condition seedling establishment. This new approach is for identifying a new fire cause-effect chain to qualify the impacts of fire on soils with the purpose of using fire as a tool in forest management to favour Pinus halepensis Mill. regeneration. The study area was a reforested P. halepensis area which had been crossed by fire for 78.8 ha, causing various degrees of damage. The forest was subdivided into three large areas according to the gravity of crown scorch, [low (LS), medium (MS) and high (HS) severity], on the basis of needle yellowing which usually occurs after exposure to direct flames. Results showed significant differences in soil properties with respect to fire severity. In the HS area, total nitrogen and carbon were considerably reduced while ash and phosphorus contents significantly increased. The changes in soil properties, in particular to nutrient levels, affected P. halepensis regeneration, mainly the first year after the fire. Greater regeneration occurred in areas affected by moderate fire severity in which the temperatures reached increased the mineralization of soil organic matter with the consequent release of nutrients available for seedling growth. Additionally, moderate fire severity suppressed the regeneration of grasses, reducing the interspecific competition. Heights of seedlings were inversely proportional to the density of grasses. Where the number was abundant (LS), the height was modest; conversely, where the number was low (HS), the greater hypsometric differentiation of pine seedlings was observed. These results suggest that moderate fire severity represents an environmental stress (hormesis) altering microscale conditions to increase pine germination and establishment. The exposure of P. halpensis to a moderate environmental factor that is damaging at higher intensities, induces an adaptive beneficial effect on seedling regeneration. This data can re-evaluate the assertion that coniferous burned areas, if left unmanaged, would remain unproductive for an indefinite period.
Federico Romeo; Pasquale Antonio Marziliano; María-Belén Turrión; Adele Muscolo. Short-term effects of different fire severities on soil properties and Pinus halepensis regeneration. Journal of Forestry Research 2019, 31, 1271 -1282.
AMA StyleFederico Romeo, Pasquale Antonio Marziliano, María-Belén Turrión, Adele Muscolo. Short-term effects of different fire severities on soil properties and Pinus halepensis regeneration. Journal of Forestry Research. 2019; 31 (4):1271-1282.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFederico Romeo; Pasquale Antonio Marziliano; María-Belén Turrión; Adele Muscolo. 2019. "Short-term effects of different fire severities on soil properties and Pinus halepensis regeneration." Journal of Forestry Research 31, no. 4: 1271-1282.
In Mediterranean countries the olive oil industry produces, yearly, a huge quantity of pollutant wastes in a short time that are phytotoxic for their high content of phenols and wax that affect soil and groundwater quality. With the use of biological processes, we can transform these wastes into fertilizers for a sustainable agriculture. We used three different methods anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion, and crude agricultural waste management system to produce organic fertilizers. The obtained compounds were chemically analysed to verify if their characteristics fell into the marketability limits permitted by the current Italian regulation. Their effects on soil were subsequently assessed. Results evidenced that all the by-products obtained were suitable as fertilizers. They were able to increase soil organic matter, microbial biomass, and nutrients with beneficial effects on soil fertility, but at different extent. The best effects were in the order: compost, olive pomace-sulphur-bentonite pelletized and digestate. Considering that the three different methodologies dispose different amounts of olive pomace (90% in aerobic digestion, 12% in anaerobic digestion and 5% in sulphur bentonite pelletized) in different time (4 months for compost, 1 month for anaerobic digestion and 1 day for sulphur-bentonite pelletized) and processing set-up, each method can be differently competitive for environment and/or agriculture. Aerobic digestion has economic advantage over other alternatives and has the greatest fertilizer effect even if the production time is longer than the other two. Digestate, coming from anaerobic digestion, reduces the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions it is rich in nutrients and can be obtained in a shorter time than compost. Olive pomace-sulphur-bentonite pelletized represents a crude waste management systems that reduce greenhouse gas emission in the atmosphere producing fertilizers able to generate, mainly in alkaline soils, a soluble zone of nutrients while minimizing leaching losses to the environment.
Adele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Federico Romeo; Carmelo Mallamaci. Three different methods for turning olive pomace in resource: Benefits of the end products for agricultural purpose. Science of The Total Environment 2019, 662, 1 -7.
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Teresa Papalia, Giovanna Settineri, Federico Romeo, Carmelo Mallamaci. Three different methods for turning olive pomace in resource: Benefits of the end products for agricultural purpose. Science of The Total Environment. 2019; 662 ():1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Federico Romeo; Carmelo Mallamaci. 2019. "Three different methods for turning olive pomace in resource: Benefits of the end products for agricultural purpose." Science of The Total Environment 662, no. : 1-7.
Salinity is an abiotic stress which seriously affects crop production over the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, with harmful effects on germination, growth and yield. Maize (Zea mays L.), cultivated in a wide spectrum of soil and climatic conditions, is the third most important cereal crop after rice and wheat, moderately sensitive to salt stress. A saline level more than 250 mM NaCl damages maize plants, causing severe wilting. In this study, the effects of hydro-priming (distilled water) and bio-priming (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia L. leaf extracts) on seed germination and seedling growth of maize, under 100 mM NaCl salinity were investigated. The factorial experiments were carried out in greenhouse under controlled condition (25 °C in 12/12 h day/night) based on a completely randomized design with three replicates. Results showed that both hydro- and bio-priming increased germination percentage and germination indexes in maize seeds. Rosmarinus extract was the most effective in inducing salt resistance in 30 days old seedlings, with beneficial effects in the strengthening of the antioxidant system and in the maintenance of a higher photosynthetic efficiency under salt stress condition.
Maria Rosaria Savina Panuccio; S. Chaabani; R. Roula; A. Muscolo. Bio-priming mitigates detrimental effects of salinity on maize improving antioxidant defense and preserving photosynthetic efficiency. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 2018, 132, 465 -474.
AMA StyleMaria Rosaria Savina Panuccio, S. Chaabani, R. Roula, A. Muscolo. Bio-priming mitigates detrimental effects of salinity on maize improving antioxidant defense and preserving photosynthetic efficiency. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 2018; 132 ():465-474.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Rosaria Savina Panuccio; S. Chaabani; R. Roula; A. Muscolo. 2018. "Bio-priming mitigates detrimental effects of salinity on maize improving antioxidant defense and preserving photosynthetic efficiency." Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 132, no. : 465-474.
Maria Rosaria Savina Panuccio; Teresa Papalia; Emilio Attinà; Angelo Giuffrè; Adele Muscolo. Use of digestate as an alternative to mineral fertilizer: effects on growth and crop quality. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 2018, 65, 700 -711.
AMA StyleMaria Rosaria Savina Panuccio, Teresa Papalia, Emilio Attinà, Angelo Giuffrè, Adele Muscolo. Use of digestate as an alternative to mineral fertilizer: effects on growth and crop quality. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science. 2018; 65 (5):700-711.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Rosaria Savina Panuccio; Teresa Papalia; Emilio Attinà; Angelo Giuffrè; Adele Muscolo. 2018. "Use of digestate as an alternative to mineral fertilizer: effects on growth and crop quality." Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 65, no. 5: 700-711.
Phenolic compounds, hydroquinone and cinnamic acid derivatives have been identified as major allelochemicals with known phytotoxicity from allelopathic plant Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. Several phenolic compounds such as ferulic acid (FA), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) and flavonoid (rutin, quercetin) constituents occur in the phyllodes and flowers of A. melanoxylon and have demonstrated inhibitory effects on germination and physiological characteristics of lettuce and perennial grasses. However, to date, little is known about the mechanisms of action of these secondary metabolites in broad-leaved weeds at ecophysiological level. The objective of this study was to determine the response of Rumex acetosa carbon isotope composition and other physiological parameters to the interaction of plant secondary metabolites (PSM) (FA and pHBA) stress and the usefulness of carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) as indicative of the functional performance of intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) at level of plant leaf. R. acetosa plant were grown under greenhouse condition and subjected to PSM stress (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM) for six days. Here, we show that FA and pHBA are potent inhibitors of Δ13C that varied from 21.0‰ to 22.9‰. Higher pHBA and FA supply enhanced/retard the Nleaf and increased the Cleaf while ratio of intercellular CO2 concentration from leaf to air (Ci/Ca) was significantly decreased as compared to control. Leaf water content and leaf osmotic potential were decreased following treatment with both PSM. The Ci/Ca decreased rapidly with higher concentration of FA and pHBA. However, iWUE increased at all allelochemical concentrations. At the whole plant level, both PSM showed pronounced growth-inhibitory effects on PBM and C and N concentration, root fresh/dry weight, leaf fresh/dry weight, and root, shoot length of C3 broad leaf weed R. acetosa. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) was correlated with the dry matter to transpiration ratio (transpiration efficiency) in this C3 species, but its heritability and relationship to R. acetosa growth are less clear. Our FA and pHBA compounds are the potent and selective carbon isotope composition (δ13C) inhibitors known to date. These results confirm the phytotoxicity of FA and pHBA on R. acetosa seedlings, the reduction of relative water content and the induction of carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) with lower plant biomass.
M. Iftikhar Hussain; Manuel J. Reigosa; Adele Muscolo. Carbon (δ13C) and Nitrogen (δ15N) Stable Isotope Composition Provide New Insights into Phenotypic Plasticity in Broad Leaf Weed Rumex acetosa under Allelochemical Stress. Molecules 2018, 23, 2449 .
AMA StyleM. Iftikhar Hussain, Manuel J. Reigosa, Adele Muscolo. Carbon (δ13C) and Nitrogen (δ15N) Stable Isotope Composition Provide New Insights into Phenotypic Plasticity in Broad Leaf Weed Rumex acetosa under Allelochemical Stress. Molecules. 2018; 23 (10):2449.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Iftikhar Hussain; Manuel J. Reigosa; Adele Muscolo. 2018. "Carbon (δ13C) and Nitrogen (δ15N) Stable Isotope Composition Provide New Insights into Phenotypic Plasticity in Broad Leaf Weed Rumex acetosa under Allelochemical Stress." Molecules 23, no. 10: 2449.
Waste composting is a process which is spreading worldwide to reduce waste disposal in landfill. The composting technical currents give little attention to the type and chemical composition of biomass that are mixed not considering that these can affect quality and maturity of the compost produced. In addition, during the composting process the amount of oxygen and temperature are generally only monitored but not set up. Our hypothesis is that composts, prepared from different organic wastes, can be chemically different with consequent different fertilizer properties. Stability and quality of composts are dependent on multivariate parameters such as raw material source, proportions used, composting procedure, and maturation time. Starting from this consideration a composting experiment was carried out to evaluate if were the raw materials (chemical composition, mixture and ratio), or the composting conditions and time, to influence the maturity or the quality of composts. We prepared four composts starting from different combinations and ratios of vegetable residues and/or olive pomace. After 120 days, the four composts were physically, chemically and biologically characterized to evaluate maturity degree, stability and quality of the products obtained under the same composting conditions and time. Their ability, as soil improver, was evaluated assessing soil chemical and biochemical properties 90 days after the compost addition. Here we show that the chemical composition of raw materials and the set up parameters of composting processes can have a different weight in influencing compost stability and quality. Our results evidenced that during the composting process all the composts had a similar percentage of C/N ratio reduction and all of them achieved an acceptable maturity degree. The composts produced by olive pomace showed the highest degree of maturity as demonstrated by T value and organic matter loss, both indices of compost stability. Conversely the composts coming from green vegetable residues were richest in nutrients and phenols and had the highest CSC all indices of better quality. In this work we identified two composts able to increase carbon stock, and water holding capacity parameters that positively influence soil structure, and two compost able to increase the amount of soil microbial biomass, their activity and soil biodiversity, improving soil biological fertility. These results highlighted that compost maturity doesn't mean compost quality, suggesting that compost maturity is mainly linked to composting setup parameters, while compost quality is mainly linked to chemical composition. FDA and DHA activities have been identified as markers for assessing the quality of amended soils.
Adele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Carmelo Mallamaci; Agnieska Jeske-Kaczanowska. Are raw materials or composting conditions and time that most influence the maturity and/or quality of composts? Comparison of obtained composts on soil properties. Journal of Cleaner Production 2018, 195, 93 -101.
AMA StyleAdele Muscolo, Teresa Papalia, Giovanna Settineri, Carmelo Mallamaci, Agnieska Jeske-Kaczanowska. Are raw materials or composting conditions and time that most influence the maturity and/or quality of composts? Comparison of obtained composts on soil properties. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018; 195 ():93-101.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Muscolo; Teresa Papalia; Giovanna Settineri; Carmelo Mallamaci; Agnieska Jeske-Kaczanowska. 2018. "Are raw materials or composting conditions and time that most influence the maturity and/or quality of composts? Comparison of obtained composts on soil properties." Journal of Cleaner Production 195, no. : 93-101.