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"Bram Steiner Award 2016 on soilless culture" for outstanding research on the update of nutrients from nutrient solution by plants for the article "A targeted management of the nutrient solution in a soilless tomato crop according to plant needs" (Signore A., Serio F., Santamaria P. - Frontiers in Plant Science). Selection criteria: an outstanding article, related to soilless culture, innovative, with new insights based on reliable data and published in a journal with a high scientific st
Bram Steiner Foundation for Soilless Culture
ASHS Outstanding Vegetable Publication Award winner for papers published in 2013. "Grafting Improves Tomato Salinity Tolerance through Sodium Partitioning within the Shoot" (Di Gioia F., Signore A., Serio F., Santamaria P. - HortScience)
ASHS
Pietro SANTAMARIA is a Full Professor. He teaches Vegetable crops for two master's degree courses, Soilless culture for bachelor programme "Agricultural Science and Technology", and Science communication and scientific publications at the PhD School in "Biodiversity, Agriculture and the Environment". He coordinated the integrated project "Biodiversity of the vegetables of Puglia (BiodiverSO, 2013-2018)". He’s author or co-author of more than 300 scientific publications including fourteen books (six monographs). He won two scientific awards: 2016: "Bram Steiner Award 2016 on soilless culture" for outstanding research on the update of nutrients from nutrient solution by plants for the article "A targeted management of the nutrient solution in a soilless tomato crop according to plant needs". 2014: "Vegetable Publication Award" for the article "Grafting Improves Tomato Salinity Tolerance through Sodium Partitioning within the Shoot".
Project Goal: Production and characterization of microgreeens (for EXPO Milan 2015)
Current Stage: Concluded with numerous scientific publications and a book.
Project Goal: Recovery, characterization and conservation of local varieties
Current Stage: Concluded, waiting for a new project.
One of the challenges for agriculture in the coming years will be producing more food avoiding reducing the nutritional values of fruits and vegetables, sources of nutraceutical compounds. It has been demonstrated that light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used as a supplementary light (SL) technology improve tomato yield in Mediterranean greenhouses, but few data have been reported about SL effects on fruit physio-chemical parameters. In this study, three tomato hybrid (F1) cultivars were grown for year-round production in a commercial semi-closed glasshouse in Southern Italy: red cherry type (“Sorentyno”), red plum type (“Solarino”), and yellow plum type (“Maggino”). From 120 to 243 days after transplant (DAT), Red/White/Blue LEDs were used as SL. The fruits harvested 180 DAT were analyzed and those obtained under LEDs had 3% more dry weight, 15% more total soluble solids, and 16% higher titratable acidity than fruits grown only under natural light. Generally, the antioxidant activity and the mineral profile of the fruits were not negatively influenced by SL. Lycopene content was unchanged and vitamin C content of “Sorentyno” even increased by 15% under LEDs. Overall, LEDs used as SL technology could be one of the tools used by agriculture in Mediterranean basin to produce more food maintaining high quality production.
Onofrio Palmitessa; Miriana Durante; Sofia Caretto; Francesco Milano; Massimiliano D'Imperio; Francesco Serio; Pietro Santamaria. Supplementary Light Differently Influences Physico-Chemical Parameters and Antioxidant Compounds of Tomato Fruits Hybrids. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 687 .
AMA StyleOnofrio Palmitessa, Miriana Durante, Sofia Caretto, Francesco Milano, Massimiliano D'Imperio, Francesco Serio, Pietro Santamaria. Supplementary Light Differently Influences Physico-Chemical Parameters and Antioxidant Compounds of Tomato Fruits Hybrids. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (5):687.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOnofrio Palmitessa; Miriana Durante; Sofia Caretto; Francesco Milano; Massimiliano D'Imperio; Francesco Serio; Pietro Santamaria. 2021. "Supplementary Light Differently Influences Physico-Chemical Parameters and Antioxidant Compounds of Tomato Fruits Hybrids." Antioxidants 10, no. 5: 687.
High-tech greenhouses and artificial light applications aim to improve food production, in line with one of the sustainable development goals of the UN Agenda 2030, namely, “zero hunger”. In the past, the incandescent lamps have been used for supplementary lighting (SL) at higher latitudes to increase greenhouse production during the dark season. Light-emitting diodes (LED) have been replacing gas discharge and incandescent lamps, and their development is expanding SL applications in different agricultural scenarios (e.g., urban farming, middle latitudes). In fact, recent research on LED applications in Mediterranean greenhouses have produced encouraging results. Since middle latitudes have a higher daily light integral (DLI) than higher latitudes in the dark season and climate conditions influence the installed power load of greenhouses, LED installation and management in Mediterranean greenhouses should be different and less expensive in terms of investment and energy consumption. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to outline the state of the art in LED applications and development, with a focus on latitude-related requirements. Tomato was used as a representative crop.
Onofrio Palmitessa; Marco Pantaleo; Pietro Santamaria. Applications and Development of LEDs as Supplementary Lighting for Tomato at Different Latitudes. Agronomy 2021, 11, 835 .
AMA StyleOnofrio Palmitessa, Marco Pantaleo, Pietro Santamaria. Applications and Development of LEDs as Supplementary Lighting for Tomato at Different Latitudes. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (5):835.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOnofrio Palmitessa; Marco Pantaleo; Pietro Santamaria. 2021. "Applications and Development of LEDs as Supplementary Lighting for Tomato at Different Latitudes." Agronomy 11, no. 5: 835.
Smooth golden fleece (Urospermum dalechampii (L.) F.W. Schmidt) and prickly golden fleece (Urospermum picroides (L.) Scop. ex F.W. Schmid) are two wild edible plants used in traditional cuisine and folk medicine. In this research, the domestication of both species was tested for the first time using a floating system and two plant densities (412 and 824 plants m−2) to evaluate yield and quality. Some quality traits were also compared in cultivated plants and wild ones gathered in grasslands. The results show that both species are suitable for cultivation, although prickly golden fleece showed highest total phenols (132 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight—f.w.) and total antioxidant activity (0.19 mg 100 g−1 f.w.). At low sowing density, smooth golden fleece showed a nitrate content of about 7200 mg kg−1 f.w., 38% higher than plants of the same species grown at high density and plants of prickly golden fleece. These results suggest that high density can be used to optimize yield in two harvests. By permitting modulation of nutrients and a product without soil residues, the floating system used in this study proved suitable for growing U. dalechhampii and U. picroides as new vegetables for the ready-to-eat production chain.
Matteo Anaclerio; Massimiliano Renna; Donato Venere; Lucrezia Sergio; Pietro Santamaria. Smooth Golden Fleece and Prickly Golden Fleece as Potential New Vegetables for the Ready-To-Eat Production Chain. Agriculture 2021, 11, 74 .
AMA StyleMatteo Anaclerio, Massimiliano Renna, Donato Venere, Lucrezia Sergio, Pietro Santamaria. Smooth Golden Fleece and Prickly Golden Fleece as Potential New Vegetables for the Ready-To-Eat Production Chain. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (1):74.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatteo Anaclerio; Massimiliano Renna; Donato Venere; Lucrezia Sergio; Pietro Santamaria. 2021. "Smooth Golden Fleece and Prickly Golden Fleece as Potential New Vegetables for the Ready-To-Eat Production Chain." Agriculture 11, no. 1: 74.
Ultraviolet (UV) is a component of solar radiation that can be divided into three types defined by waveband: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (<280 nm). UV light can influence the physiological responses of plants. Wavelength, intensity, and exposure have a great impact on plant growth and quality. Interaction between plants and UV light is regulated by photoreceptors such as UV Resistance Locus 8 (UVR8) that enables acclimation to UV-B stress. Although UV in high doses is known to damage quality and production parameters, some studies show that UV in low doses may stimulate biomass accumulation and the synthesis of healthy compounds that mainly absorb UV. UV exposure is known to induce variations in plant architecture, important in ornamental crops, increasing their economic value. Abiotic stress induced by UV exposure increases resistance to insects and pathogens, and reduce postharvest quality depletion. This review highlights the role that UV may play in plant growth, quality, photomorphogenesis, and abiotic/biotic stress resistance.
Danilo Loconsole; Pietro Santamaria. UV Lighting in Horticulture: A Sustainable Tool for Improving Production Quality and Food Safety. Horticulturae 2021, 7, 9 .
AMA StyleDanilo Loconsole, Pietro Santamaria. UV Lighting in Horticulture: A Sustainable Tool for Improving Production Quality and Food Safety. Horticulturae. 2021; 7 (1):9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDanilo Loconsole; Pietro Santamaria. 2021. "UV Lighting in Horticulture: A Sustainable Tool for Improving Production Quality and Food Safety." Horticulturae 7, no. 1: 9.
In the Mediterranean region, tomato plants are often cultivated in two short cycles per year to avoid the heat of summer and the low solar radiation of winter. Supplementary light (SL) makes it possible to cultivate during the dark season. In this experiment, a tomato F1 hybrid cultivar DRW7723 was cultivated in a greenhouse for a fall-winter cycle. After transplant, light emitting diode (LED) interlighting, with two light spectra (red + blue vs. red + blue + far-red) was applied as SL. Plant growth, yield, gas exchange, nutrient solution (NS) consumption, and fruit quality were analyzed. In general, the effects of adding far-red radiation were not visible on the parameters analyzed, although the yield was 27% higher in plants grown with SL than those grown without. Tomatoes had the same average fresh weight between SL treatments, but the plants grown with SL produced 16% more fruits than control. Fruit quality, gas exchange and NS uptake were not influenced by the addition of far-red light. Interlighting is, therefore, a valid technique to increase fruit production in winter but at our latitude the effects of adding far-red radiation are mitigated by available sunlight.
Onofrio Davide Palmitessa; Beniamino Leoni; Francesco Fabiano Montesano; Francesco Serio; Angelo Signore; Pietro Santamaria. Supplementary Far-Red Light Did Not Affect Tomato Plant Growth or Yield under Mediterranean Greenhouse Conditions. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1849 .
AMA StyleOnofrio Davide Palmitessa, Beniamino Leoni, Francesco Fabiano Montesano, Francesco Serio, Angelo Signore, Pietro Santamaria. Supplementary Far-Red Light Did Not Affect Tomato Plant Growth or Yield under Mediterranean Greenhouse Conditions. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (12):1849.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOnofrio Davide Palmitessa; Beniamino Leoni; Francesco Fabiano Montesano; Francesco Serio; Angelo Signore; Pietro Santamaria. 2020. "Supplementary Far-Red Light Did Not Affect Tomato Plant Growth or Yield under Mediterranean Greenhouse Conditions." Agronomy 10, no. 12: 1849.
In the EU Countries, only the propagation organs of varieties that are distinct, stable, and uniform and with an appropriate value for cultivation or use may be marketed. For this reason, since 1972 the European community has implemented the “Common catalogue of varieties of vegetable species”, which incorporates the relevant national registers and includes 58 species. In this review, we consider the complete edition of “Common catalogue of varieties of vegetable species” of 2018 (37th edition) and 2008 (27th edition), in order to assess the changes that have occurred to several Countries, to species (specific and intraspecific diversity) and to propagation/seed type (hybrid varieties, open-pollinated varieties, agamic propagation varieties and “conservation varieties”). The most important Country is always The Netherlands, which in the 2018 Common catalogue holds 8350 varieties (40.4 % of total). The species with the greater number of varieties are tomato (3675 varieties), pepper (2216) and lettuce (2114). In the last ten years, the number of hybrid varieties has increased from 9507 to 11,871, while the common varieties have increased from 7683 to 7,706. In this review, we discuss such data in relation to the innovation that the horticultural sector has registered in recent years.
Pietro Santamaria; Angelo Signore. How has the consistency of the Common catalogue of varieties of vegetable species changed in the last ten years? Scientia Horticulturae 2020, 277, 109805 .
AMA StylePietro Santamaria, Angelo Signore. How has the consistency of the Common catalogue of varieties of vegetable species changed in the last ten years? Scientia Horticulturae. 2020; 277 ():109805.
Chicago/Turabian StylePietro Santamaria; Angelo Signore. 2020. "How has the consistency of the Common catalogue of varieties of vegetable species changed in the last ten years?" Scientia Horticulturae 277, no. : 109805.
Supplemental light (SL) is a technique used to increase horticulture yield, especially in northern countries, where the Daily Light Integral (DLI) is a limiting factor during fall and winter, and which could also be used to obtain higher tomato yield at the Mediterranean latitude. In this study, three tomato hybrid (F1) cultivars were grown for year-round production in a commercial semi-closed glasshouse in Southern Italy: two of the cherry fruit-type (‘Juanita’ and ‘Sorentyno’) and one mini plum fruit-type (‘Solarino’). From 120 to 243 days after transplant, light-emitting diode (LED) toplights were used as SL, with a photoperiod of 18 h. The main climatic parameters inside and outside the glasshouse were recorded, and tomato plants’ development and yield were examined. Plants grown with LEDs had longer stems as compared to control treatment (9.53 vs. 8.79 m), a higher stem thickness and yielded more trusses. On average, the yield was 21.7% higher with LEDs. ‘Sorentyno’ was the cultivar with the highest cumulated productivity when it was grown under SL. However, the cultivar with best light use efficiency under LEDs was ‘Solarino’. Therefore, supplemental LED from mid-December until March enhanced tomato growth and yield, opening a favorable scenario for large-scale application of this technology also in the Mediterranean area.
Onofrio Davide Palmitessa; Paolo Paciello; Pietro Santamaria. Supplemental LED Increases Tomato Yield in Mediterranean Semi-Closed Greenhouse. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1353 .
AMA StyleOnofrio Davide Palmitessa, Paolo Paciello, Pietro Santamaria. Supplemental LED Increases Tomato Yield in Mediterranean Semi-Closed Greenhouse. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (9):1353.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOnofrio Davide Palmitessa; Paolo Paciello; Pietro Santamaria. 2020. "Supplemental LED Increases Tomato Yield in Mediterranean Semi-Closed Greenhouse." Agronomy 10, no. 9: 1353.
Microgreens have immense potential for improving dietary patterns, but little information is available regarding their overall nutritional value. We evaluated the nutritional traits of three hydroponically grown Brassica microgreens by using a Nutrient Quality Score. Micro cauliflower, micro broccoli and micro broccoli raab were grown using nutrient solutions with three different NH4:NO3 molar ratios (5:95, 15:85, and 25:75). Protein, dietary fiber, β-carotene, α-tocopherol and mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Na) were analyzed. We developed the Nutrient Quality Score (NQS 11.1) on the basis of 11 desirable nutrients and 1 nutrient (sodium) to be limited. All Brassica microgreens are an excellent source of Vitamins A and E (more than 20% of the daily reference value—DRV), as well as a good source of calcium and manganese (10–19% of the DRV). Micro cauliflower showed a NQS 11.1 at 47% higher than micro broccoli raab and micro broccoli. Using NH4:NO3 25:75 molar ratio, the average score was 27% higher than other molar ratios. In all cases, the microgreens in the present study showed a higher NQS 11.1 than their mature counterpart (on the basis of data from the United States Department of Agriculture), highlighting that the score of micro cauliflower was about six-fold higher than mature cauliflower. In conclusion, the NQS 11.1 was useful for assessing the overall nutritional quality of the three Brassica microgreens, instead of simply quantifying nutrient content, in order to compare a single nutrient among different genotypes. Furthermore, the results highlight that the micro broccoli raab, micro broccoli and micro cauliflower in this study can be considered nutrient-rich vegetables that are able to improve dietary patterns more effectively than their mature counterparts.
Massimiliano Renna; Anna Maria Stellacci; Filomena Corbo; Pietro Santamaria. The Use of a Nutrient Quality Score is Effective to Assess the Overall Nutritional Value of Three Brassica Microgreens. Foods 2020, 9, 1226 .
AMA StyleMassimiliano Renna, Anna Maria Stellacci, Filomena Corbo, Pietro Santamaria. The Use of a Nutrient Quality Score is Effective to Assess the Overall Nutritional Value of Three Brassica Microgreens. Foods. 2020; 9 (9):1226.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimiliano Renna; Anna Maria Stellacci; Filomena Corbo; Pietro Santamaria. 2020. "The Use of a Nutrient Quality Score is Effective to Assess the Overall Nutritional Value of Three Brassica Microgreens." Foods 9, no. 9: 1226.
Microgreens are gaining more and more interest, but little information is available on the effects of the chemical composition of the nutrient solution on the microgreen yield. In this study, three Brassica genotypes (B. oleracea var. italica, B. oleracea var. botrytis, and Brassica rapa L. subsp. sylvestris L. Janch. var. esculenta Hort) were fertigated with three modified strength Hoagland nutrient solutions (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 strength) or with three modified half-strength Hoagland nutrient solutions with three different NH4:NO3 molar ratios (5:95, 15:85, and 25:75). Microgreen yields and content of inorganic ions, dietary fiber, proteins, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene were evaluated. Micro cauliflower showed the highest yield, as well as a higher content of mineral elements and α-tocopherol (10.4 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight (FW)) than other genotypes. The use of nutrient solution at half strength gave both a high yield (0.23 g cm−2) and a desirable seedling height. By changing the NH4:NO3 molar ratio in the nutrient solution, no differences were found on yield and growing parameters, although the highest β-carotene content (6.3 mg 100 g−1 FW) was found by using a NH4:NO3 molar ratio of 25:75. The lowest nitrate content (on average 6.8 g 100 g−1 dry weight) was found in micro broccoli and micro broccoli raab by using a nutrient solution with NH4:NO3 molar ratios of 25:75 and 5:95, respectively. Micro cauliflower fertigated with a NH4:NO3 molar ratio of 25:75 showed the highest dry matter (9.8 g 100 g−1 FW) and protein content (4.2 g 100 g−1 FW).
Onofrio Davide Palmitessa; Massimiliano Renna; Pasquale Crupi; Angelo Lovece; Filomena Corbo; Pietro Santamaria. Yield and Quality Characteristics of Brassica Microgreens as Affected by the NH4:NO3 Molar Ratio and Strength of the Nutrient Solution. Foods 2020, 9, 677 .
AMA StyleOnofrio Davide Palmitessa, Massimiliano Renna, Pasquale Crupi, Angelo Lovece, Filomena Corbo, Pietro Santamaria. Yield and Quality Characteristics of Brassica Microgreens as Affected by the NH4:NO3 Molar Ratio and Strength of the Nutrient Solution. Foods. 2020; 9 (5):677.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOnofrio Davide Palmitessa; Massimiliano Renna; Pasquale Crupi; Angelo Lovece; Filomena Corbo; Pietro Santamaria. 2020. "Yield and Quality Characteristics of Brassica Microgreens as Affected by the NH4:NO3 Molar Ratio and Strength of the Nutrient Solution." Foods 9, no. 5: 677.
Barattiere, belonging to the Cucumis melo L. species, is a local variety of Puglia (Southern Italy), which is consumed as a vegetable at the immature stage, like cucumber. In this study, three Barattiere populations (‘Monopoli’, ‘Carovigno’ and ‘Fasano’) were evaluated for the main quality traits. All genotypes showed a very light green-yellow colour of flesh, without any difference regarding chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Carovigno’s Barattiere showed the highest values of dry weight (6.8 g 100 g−1 fresh weight - FW), sugars (45 g kg−1 FW), and sweetness index (7.3), while Monopoli’s Barattiere showed the lowest total phenols content (21 mg kg−1 FW). Fasano’s Barattiere showed the highest content of Zn and Cu (2.3 and 0.3 mg kg−1 FW, respectively), while ‘Monopoli’ showed the highest Ba content (0.3 mg kg−1 FW) and the lowest Mg content (94 mg kg−1 FW). No differences between populations were found concerning the content of Ca, K, Na, B, Mn, and Fe. In conclusion, the quality profile of Barattiere makes this local genotype interesting for its traits, and also suggests its consumption by people with specific dietary requirements.
Massimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Maria Gonnella; Angelo Parente; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Serio. Barattiere: An Italian Local Variety of Cucumis melo L. with Quality Traits between Melon and Cucumber. Plants 2020, 9, 578 .
AMA StyleMassimiliano Renna, Massimiliano D’Imperio, Maria Gonnella, Angelo Parente, Pietro Santamaria, Francesco Serio. Barattiere: An Italian Local Variety of Cucumis melo L. with Quality Traits between Melon and Cucumber. Plants. 2020; 9 (5):578.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Maria Gonnella; Angelo Parente; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Serio. 2020. "Barattiere: An Italian Local Variety of Cucumis melo L. with Quality Traits between Melon and Cucumber." Plants 9, no. 5: 578.
Microgreens are gaining increasing interest as a potential functional food due to their relevant contents of micronutrients and bioactive compounds, including carotenoids. Nevertheless, the analysis of carotenoids is inherently difficult, due to their thermal and chemical susceptibility, as well as to their varying polarity. From this point of view, extraction is the most critical step, compared to chromatographic separation and detection. Thus, the reliability of data on carotenoids should be guaranteed by a constant focus on analytical issues, with appropriate adaptations to each sample matrix. In this research, a specific extraction procedure for the analysis of carotenoids in microgreens was developed. Solvent composition, extraction time, solvent/sample ratio, and repeated extractions were evaluated. The obtained protocol showed recovery of 97.2%, limits of quantitation of 5.2 μg·g−1 for lutein and 15.9 μg·g−1 for β-carotene, as well as intra-day mean repeatability of 5.7% and inter-day mean repeatability of 4.7%.
Vito Michele Paradiso; Maria Castellino; Massimiliano Renna; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Caponio. Setup of an Extraction Method for the Analysis of Carotenoids in Microgreens. Foods 2020, 9, 459 .
AMA StyleVito Michele Paradiso, Maria Castellino, Massimiliano Renna, Pietro Santamaria, Francesco Caponio. Setup of an Extraction Method for the Analysis of Carotenoids in Microgreens. Foods. 2020; 9 (4):459.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVito Michele Paradiso; Maria Castellino; Massimiliano Renna; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Caponio. 2020. "Setup of an Extraction Method for the Analysis of Carotenoids in Microgreens." Foods 9, no. 4: 459.
Faba bean hulls are a by-product, generated from the processing of beans and usually disposed of as waste, utilized in some recipes of Italian traditional cuisine. In this research, a quality evaluation of faba hulls in six genotypes (four local varieties—‘Cegliese’, ‘Iambola’, ‘San Francesco’ and ‘FV5′—and two commercial ones—‘Aguadulce supersimonia’ and ‘Extra-early purple’) of faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) for fresh consumption grown with two plant densities (4.16 and 2.08 plants m−2) was carried out. For all the measured parameters, the statistical analysis reveals that the interaction between plant density and genotype was not significant. On the other hand, independently of the genotype, the higher the plant’s density the higher was the pods’ yield per unit area, while the average percentage of hulls was of 75% with little differences between genotypes. All genotypes showed a low content of vicine (12.4 mg 100 g−1 FW), a well know favism-inducing factor, and a very high phenols content (between 443 and 646 mg 100 g−1 FW) and levo-dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-dopa—on average 170 mg 100 g−1 FW), used for the treatment of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease. In conclusion, this study highlights the good potential of faba hulls as unconventional vegetable, suggesting its use as a new functional food in the daily diet and also for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Massimiliano Renna; Francesca De Cillis; Beniamino Leoni; Ermelinda Acciardi; Pietro Santamaria. From by-Product to Unconventional Vegetable: Preliminary Evaluation of Fresh Fava Hulls Highlights Richness in L-Dopa and Low Content of Anti-Nutritional Factor. Foods 2020, 9, 159 .
AMA StyleMassimiliano Renna, Francesca De Cillis, Beniamino Leoni, Ermelinda Acciardi, Pietro Santamaria. From by-Product to Unconventional Vegetable: Preliminary Evaluation of Fresh Fava Hulls Highlights Richness in L-Dopa and Low Content of Anti-Nutritional Factor. Foods. 2020; 9 (2):159.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimiliano Renna; Francesca De Cillis; Beniamino Leoni; Ermelinda Acciardi; Pietro Santamaria. 2020. "From by-Product to Unconventional Vegetable: Preliminary Evaluation of Fresh Fava Hulls Highlights Richness in L-Dopa and Low Content of Anti-Nutritional Factor." Foods 9, no. 2: 159.
Living mulch gives many benefits to agro-ecosystems such as erosion control, nitrogen fixation and nutrient recycling, increasing of organic matter, weed and pest control, and increasing of soil organism. The experiment, carried out in Puglia, Southern Italy on transplanted broccoli raab (cv. Grossa fasanese), evaluated four soil management systems (SMSs): Trifolium subterraneum and T. repens used as living mulch, undisturbed weedy, and conventional tillage. For each SMS, four rates of nitrogen and phosphorous (NP0, NP1, NP2, and NP3) were supplied, using an organic fertilizer. The following data were collected: weed infestation, leaf chlorophyll in the plants (as SPAD units), weight, diameter, and colour of the inflorescences, anion and Mg, Fe, Na, K, Ca content. Fertilization showed prominent effects on most of parameters evaluated. The Sufficient Index of broccoli raab plants was higher in fertilized plots. With the increasing of fertilization rates, weight of primary inflorescences and the marketable yield linearly increased, confirming the great influence of nitrogen fertilization on the yield of Brassicaceae vegetables and highlighting the importance of combining living mulch and fertilization. By increasing fertilization rates, some elements, such as Mg and Fe, increased, whereas a decrease of Na, K, and Ca was observed. The nitrate content in the inflorescences was different only between the fertilized and unfertilized plots, although it was very low. In NP2 and NP3 a greener colour was found. Living mulch did not clearly affect quality and yield of broccoli raab but was effective in weed control. Results show the positive effects of living mulch and organic fertilization in the sustainable production of broccoli raab.
Mariano Fracchiolla; Massimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Cesare Lasorella; Pietro Santamaria; Eugenio Cazzato. Living Mulch and Organic Fertilization to Improve Weed Management, Yield and Quality of Broccoli Raab in Organic Farming. Plants 2020, 9, 177 .
AMA StyleMariano Fracchiolla, Massimiliano Renna, Massimiliano D’Imperio, Cesare Lasorella, Pietro Santamaria, Eugenio Cazzato. Living Mulch and Organic Fertilization to Improve Weed Management, Yield and Quality of Broccoli Raab in Organic Farming. Plants. 2020; 9 (2):177.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMariano Fracchiolla; Massimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Cesare Lasorella; Pietro Santamaria; Eugenio Cazzato. 2020. "Living Mulch and Organic Fertilization to Improve Weed Management, Yield and Quality of Broccoli Raab in Organic Farming." Plants 9, no. 2: 177.
Legumes crops play significant roles both in human diets and agriculture, and contribute to sustainable farming. In this study, we evaluated both some quality traits and yield of four landraces (Cegliese, Iambola, San Francesco, and FV5) of faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) for fresh consumption in order to assess and distinguish the landraces also in comparison with two commercial varieties (Aguadulce supersimonia and Extra-early purple) by using a crop system without irrigation. Independently of the genotype, we obtained the same pods yield (1794 g m−2) without affecting the seed size. All genotypes can be considered a good source of vitamin C, although Extra-early purple and San Francesco reveal the highest content (703 and 646 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight—FW, respectively). Cegliese showed the highest L-dopa content (10.14 mg 100 g−1 FW), suggesting its use as a natural rich source of L-dopa (dopamine precursor used for Parkinson’s disease treatment) instead of using synthesized L-dopa. In conclusion, this study highlight interesting quality traits of faba bean when consumed as fresh vegetables, suggesting its positive role on human health and the possibility of its production by using local horticultural systems that are skilled in optimizing resource utilization.
Francesca De Cillis; Beniamino Leoni; Maria Massaro; Massimiliano Renna; Pietro Santamaria. Yield and Quality of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L. var. major) Genotypes as a Vegetable for Fresh Consumption: A Comparison between Italian Landraces and Commercial Varieties. Agriculture 2019, 9, 253 .
AMA StyleFrancesca De Cillis, Beniamino Leoni, Maria Massaro, Massimiliano Renna, Pietro Santamaria. Yield and Quality of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L. var. major) Genotypes as a Vegetable for Fresh Consumption: A Comparison between Italian Landraces and Commercial Varieties. Agriculture. 2019; 9 (12):253.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca De Cillis; Beniamino Leoni; Maria Massaro; Massimiliano Renna; Pietro Santamaria. 2019. "Yield and Quality of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L. var. major) Genotypes as a Vegetable for Fresh Consumption: A Comparison between Italian Landraces and Commercial Varieties." Agriculture 9, no. 12: 253.
Puglia (Southern Italy), particularly rich in tomato agro-biodiversity, can be considered a typical region of the semi-arid Mediterranean environments. In this study, three local varieties of tomato (Manduria, Giallo di Crispiano and Regina) were characterized by using morphological descriptors according to international standards. Chemical (isoprenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenols, sugars and mineral content) and agronomic assessment were carried out to highlight the specific traits of these local varieties well adapted to a semi-arid environment. Data of morphological traits according to the “International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants” (UPOV) guideline evidenced a clear distinctness among all three landraces, especially as regards fruits. Results also highlighted that a great part of variation in chemical traits was almost exclusively due to genotypes, while in a few cases observed differences resulted from the interaction between genotype and harvest time. The results of the present study may represent the first step toward the recognition of “conservation variety” status for Regina, Giallo di Crispiano and Manduria tomato landraces. At the same time, both quality traits and agronomic performance of these tomato genotypes suggest the possibility of their cultivation in other semi-arid environments also considering their quality traits, in view of a sustainable production.
Massimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Maria Gonnella; Miriana Durante; Angelo Parente; Giovanni Mita; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Serio. Morphological and Chemical Profile of Three Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Landraces of A Semi-Arid Mediterranean Environment. Plants 2019, 8, 273 .
AMA StyleMassimiliano Renna, Massimiliano D’Imperio, Maria Gonnella, Miriana Durante, Angelo Parente, Giovanni Mita, Pietro Santamaria, Francesco Serio. Morphological and Chemical Profile of Three Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Landraces of A Semi-Arid Mediterranean Environment. Plants. 2019; 8 (8):273.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Maria Gonnella; Miriana Durante; Angelo Parente; Giovanni Mita; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Serio. 2019. "Morphological and Chemical Profile of Three Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Landraces of A Semi-Arid Mediterranean Environment." Plants 8, no. 8: 273.
The data contained in this article are strictly related to our previous article titled “A Targeted Management of the Nutrient Solution in a Soilless Tomato Crop According to Plant Needs” (Signore, A. et al. 2016). The detailed datasets regards the amount of dry matter (Table 1), the nutrient solution consumption (Table 2) and the mineral composition of plant tissues (Tables 3–7) in a soil-less tomato crop. The information contained in this article are necessary since, unlike the northern European countries, such data are generally missing for the crops in the Mediterranean environment. By correlating the parameters reported above, we were able to provide a more precise management of the nutrient solution, by providing the correct nutrient concentration into the nutrient solution in function of (i) the volume of water absorbed, (ii) the growth rate and (iii) the nutrient concentration in tomato plant. Finally, the more precise management of the nutrient solution allowed discharging a lesser amount of water and nutrients into the environment, improving the sustainability of the crop.
Angelo Signore; Francesco Serio; Pietro Santamaria. Growth Analysis and Nutrient Solution Management of a Soil-Less Tomato Crop in a Mediterranean Environment. Data 2019, 4, 38 .
AMA StyleAngelo Signore, Francesco Serio, Pietro Santamaria. Growth Analysis and Nutrient Solution Management of a Soil-Less Tomato Crop in a Mediterranean Environment. Data. 2019; 4 (1):38.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelo Signore; Francesco Serio; Pietro Santamaria. 2019. "Growth Analysis and Nutrient Solution Management of a Soil-Less Tomato Crop in a Mediterranean Environment." Data 4, no. 1: 38.
Biodiversity is the natural heritage of the planet and is one of the key factors of sustainable development, due to its importance not only for the environmental aspects of sustainability but also for the social and economic ones. The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality research papers addressing recent progress and perspectives while focusing on different aspects related to the biodiversity of vegetable crops. Original, high-quality contributions that have not yet been published, or that are not currently under review by other journals, have been gathered. A broad range of aspects such as genetic, crop production, environments, customs and traditions were covered. All contributions are of significant relevance and could stimulate further research in this area.
Massimiliano Renna; Angelo Signore; Francesco F. Montesano; Maria Gonnella; Pietro Santamaria. Biodiversity of Vegetable Crops, A Living Heritage. Agriculture 2019, 9, 47 .
AMA StyleMassimiliano Renna, Angelo Signore, Francesco F. Montesano, Maria Gonnella, Pietro Santamaria. Biodiversity of Vegetable Crops, A Living Heritage. Agriculture. 2019; 9 (3):47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimiliano Renna; Angelo Signore; Francesco F. Montesano; Maria Gonnella; Pietro Santamaria. 2019. "Biodiversity of Vegetable Crops, A Living Heritage." Agriculture 9, no. 3: 47.
The use of iodine-biofortified vegetables may be a health alternative instead of iodine-biofortified salt for preventing iodine (I) deficiency and related human disorders. In this study, four Brassica genotypes (broccoli raab, curly kale, mizuna, red mustard) were hydroponically grown with three I-IO3− rates (0, 0.75 and 1.5 mg/L) to produce iodine-biofortified vegetables. Crop performances and quality traits were analyzed; iodine content was measured on raw, boiled, and steamed vegetables. The highest I rate generally increased I content in all Brassica genotypes, without plants toxicity effects in terms of reduced growth or morphological symptoms. After 21 day-iodine biofortification, the highest I content (49.5 µg/100 g Fresh Weight (FW)) was reached in broccoli raab shoots, while after 43 day-iodine biofortification, genotype differences were flattened and the highest I content (66 µg/100 g FW, on average) was obtained using 1.5 mg I-IO3/L. Nitrate content (ranging from 1800 to 4575 mg/kg FW) was generally higher with 0.75 mg I-IO3/L, although it depended on genotypes. Generally, boiling reduced iodine content, while steaming increased or left it unchanged, depending on genotypes. Applying low levels of I proved to be suitable, since it could contribute to the partial intake of the recommended dose of 150 µg/day: A serving size of 100 g may supply on average 24% of the recommended dose. Cooking method should be chosen in order to preserve and/or enhance the final I amount.
Maria Gonnella; Massimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Serio. Iodine Biofortification of Four Brassica Genotypes is Effective Already at Low Rates of Potassium Iodate. Nutrients 2019, 11, 451 .
AMA StyleMaria Gonnella, Massimiliano Renna, Massimiliano D’Imperio, Pietro Santamaria, Francesco Serio. Iodine Biofortification of Four Brassica Genotypes is Effective Already at Low Rates of Potassium Iodate. Nutrients. 2019; 11 (2):451.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Gonnella; Massimiliano Renna; Massimiliano D’Imperio; Pietro Santamaria; Francesco Serio. 2019. "Iodine Biofortification of Four Brassica Genotypes is Effective Already at Low Rates of Potassium Iodate." Nutrients 11, no. 2: 451.