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Dr. Antonio Montagnoli
Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy

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0 Biochar
0 Drought
0 Fire
0 Root architecture
0 Mechanical forces

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Fine root dynamics
Drought
Root architecture
Mechanical forces
Biochar
Fire

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Journal article
Published: 28 June 2021 in Plants
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The CoeLux® lighting system reproduces the true effect of natural sunlight entering through an opening in the ceiling, with a realistic sun perceived at an infinite distance surrounded by a clear blue sky. It has already been demonstrated that this new lighting system generates long-term positive effects on human beings; however, there are no investigations so far concerning the plant responses to CoeLux® lighting. To fill this gap, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana L. was grown at four different distances from the light source, corresponding to four different light intensities (120, 70, 30, 20 μmol m−2 s−1). High-pressure sodium lamps were used as control light. Plant phenology and morpho-physiological traits were monitored to assess for the first time the ability of plants to grow and develop under the light spectrum and intensity of the CoeLux® system. Plants grown at the lower light intensities showed a delayed life cycle and were significantly smaller than plants grown with more light. Furthermore, plants grown under the CoeLux® light type showed an additional deficit when compared to control plants. Overall, our results show that both the light spectrum and intensity of the CoeLux® system had a strong impact on A. thaliana growth performance.

ACS Style

Peter Beatrice; Mattia Terzaghi; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Scippa; Antonio Montagnoli. Morpho-Physiological Responses of Arabidopsis thaliana L. to the LED-Sourced CoeLux® System. Plants 2021, 10, 1310 .

AMA Style

Peter Beatrice, Mattia Terzaghi, Donato Chiatante, Gabriella Scippa, Antonio Montagnoli. Morpho-Physiological Responses of Arabidopsis thaliana L. to the LED-Sourced CoeLux® System. Plants. 2021; 10 (7):1310.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Peter Beatrice; Mattia Terzaghi; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Scippa; Antonio Montagnoli. 2021. "Morpho-Physiological Responses of Arabidopsis thaliana L. to the LED-Sourced CoeLux® System." Plants 10, no. 7: 1310.

Original research article
Published: 23 April 2021 in Frontiers in Plant Science
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Desertification of the semi-arid steppe of Mongolia is advancing very rapidly, motivating afforestation efforts. The “Green Belt” joint project (Government of Mongolia and Republic of Korea), which aims to mitigate soil degradation and develop agroforestry activities through the planting of a forest shelterbelt, is one such response. In these plantations, tree growth has been supported by different watering regimes (no watering, 2, 4, and 8 L h−1) and by two types of soil fertilization (NPK and Compost). The present paper analyses the effect of these techniques on soil chemistry and root biomass partitioning of Populus sibirica (Horth ex Tausch) and Ulmus pumila (L.) tree species. In July 2019, at the plantation site in Lun Soum, Tuv province (Mongolia), six trees were excavated by hand in each treatment, the root system was divided into taproot and five diameter classes (0–2; 2–5; 5–10; 10–20; > 20 mm), and the biomass was measured. Soil organic matter, macronutrients, and pH were also measured. The addition of fertilizers in the long-term did not enhance the soil chemical properties. The build-up of root biomass in both species correlated positively with increasing levels of the watering, while the application of fertilizers led to root growth suppression. For most of the root classes and both species, an irrigation level of 4 L h−1 was sufficient to yield the highest biomass and could be recommended for afforesting the semi-arid steppe of Mongolia. The root biomass of P. sibirica was more dependent on the watering regimes and of U. pumila was more negatively influenced by the application of fertilizers, indicating that U. pumila, due to the its lower water need, could be suitable for afforesting semi-arid environments. Our experiments suggest that afforestation practices in the semi-arid steppe of Mongolia should be supported by a prior analysis of plants' needs, soil type, dose, and type of fertilizers to be applied. Knowledge of the root response to the supporting techniques is necessary for choosing the best one for the plantation and, thus, to develop a sustainable and successful strategy to restore these degraded lands.

ACS Style

Batkhuu Nyam-Osor; Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Byung Bae Park; Mattia Terzaghi; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; John A. Stanturf; Donato Chiatante; Antonio Montagnoli. Root Biomass Distribution of Populus sibirica and Ulmus pumila Afforestation Stands Is Affected by Watering Regimes and Fertilization in the Mongolian Semi-arid Steppe. Frontiers in Plant Science 2021, 12, 1 .

AMA Style

Batkhuu Nyam-Osor, Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj, Byung Bae Park, Mattia Terzaghi, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, John A. Stanturf, Donato Chiatante, Antonio Montagnoli. Root Biomass Distribution of Populus sibirica and Ulmus pumila Afforestation Stands Is Affected by Watering Regimes and Fertilization in the Mongolian Semi-arid Steppe. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2021; 12 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Batkhuu Nyam-Osor; Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Byung Bae Park; Mattia Terzaghi; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; John A. Stanturf; Donato Chiatante; Antonio Montagnoli. 2021. "Root Biomass Distribution of Populus sibirica and Ulmus pumila Afforestation Stands Is Affected by Watering Regimes and Fertilization in the Mongolian Semi-arid Steppe." Frontiers in Plant Science 12, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 26 January 2021 in Forests
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Research Highlights: Fine roots play an important role in plant growth as well as in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Gaining a wider knowledge of their dynamics under forest gap opening would improve our understanding of soil carbon input and below-ground carbon stock accumulation. Single-tree selection is increasingly recognized as an alternative regime of selection cutting sustaining biodiversity and carbon stock, along with timber production, among ecosystem functions. However, the fine root response in terms of morphological and chemical composition to the resulting harvest-created gaps remains unclear. Background and Objectives: This paper investigates the effect in the medium term (i.e., 6 years after logging) of differently sized harvest-created gaps on fine root dynamics and chemical composition. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 differently sized gaps (86.05–350.7 m2) and the adjacent 20 m distant closed canopies (control) were selected in a temperate Fagus orientalis forest (Hyrcanian region, Iran). Eight soil cores were collected at the cardinal points of the gap edge, including four facing the gap area—the same at the adjacent intact forest. Results: For the selected edge trees, the different size of gaps, the core position, and the tree orientation did not affect the investigated morphological traits, except for the slightly higher specific root length (SRL) for the larger fine root fraction (1–2 mm) in the side facing the gap area. Differently, the investigated chemical traits such as N concentration and cellulose:lignin ratio significantly increased with increasing gap size, the opposite for C:N ratio and lignin. Moreover, N concentration and C:N significantly decreased and increased with the fine root diameter, respectively. Conclusions: This work highlighted that, in the medium term and within the adopted size range, artificial gap opening derived from single-tree selection practice affected the chemistry rather than the biomass and morphology of gap-facing fine roots of edge trees. The medium term of six years after gap creation might have been long enough for the recovery of the fine root standing biomass to the pre-harvest condition, particularly near the stem of edge trees. A clear size threshold did not come out; nevertheless, 300 m2 may be considered a possible cut-off determining a marked change in the responses of fine roots.

ACS Style

Alireza Amoli Kondori; Kambiz Abrari Vajari; Mohammad Feizian; Antonio Montagnoli; Antonino Di Iorio. Gap Size in Hyrcanian Forest Affects the Lignin and N Concentrations of the Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) Fine Roots but Does Not Change Their Morphological Traits in the Medium Term. Forests 2021, 12, 137 .

AMA Style

Alireza Amoli Kondori, Kambiz Abrari Vajari, Mohammad Feizian, Antonio Montagnoli, Antonino Di Iorio. Gap Size in Hyrcanian Forest Affects the Lignin and N Concentrations of the Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) Fine Roots but Does Not Change Their Morphological Traits in the Medium Term. Forests. 2021; 12 (2):137.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alireza Amoli Kondori; Kambiz Abrari Vajari; Mohammad Feizian; Antonio Montagnoli; Antonino Di Iorio. 2021. "Gap Size in Hyrcanian Forest Affects the Lignin and N Concentrations of the Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) Fine Roots but Does Not Change Their Morphological Traits in the Medium Term." Forests 12, no. 2: 137.

Journal article
Published: 03 November 2020 in Scientific Reports
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Despite the large amounts of data available on lateral root formation, little is known about their initiation from secondary structures. In the present work, we applied a bending treatment to Populus nigra (L.) woody taproots to induce the formation of new lateral roots. The development of lateral roots was monitored by stereomicroscopic examination of cross-sections. Tissues were sampled from the bending zone in the proximity of the vascular cambium before (time 0) and after the application of bending at three different time points (24, 48, and 72 h) and analyzed for the expression of P. nigra WOX homologs. The initiation of new lateral roots was observed to originate from the vascular cambium zone and was followed by primordium formation and root emergence. PnWOX4a, PnWOX4b, PnWOX5a, PnWOX5b, PnWOX11/12a, and PnWOX11/12b were shown to be expressed during the formation of new lateral roots at different developmental stages. The mechanical stress simulated by bending treatment was shown to activate the molecular mechanism leading to the expression of WOX genes, which are hypothesized to control SLR formation in the cambium zone of poplar taproot.

ACS Style

Barbara Baesso; Mattia Terzaghi; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Antonio Montagnoli. WOX genes expression during the formation of new lateral roots from secondary structures in Populus nigra (L.) taproot. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1 -6.

AMA Style

Barbara Baesso, Mattia Terzaghi, Donato Chiatante, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Antonio Montagnoli. WOX genes expression during the formation of new lateral roots from secondary structures in Populus nigra (L.) taproot. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1-6.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Barbara Baesso; Mattia Terzaghi; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Antonio Montagnoli. 2020. "WOX genes expression during the formation of new lateral roots from secondary structures in Populus nigra (L.) taproot." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1-6.

Journal article
Published: 10 August 2020 in Science of The Total Environment
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The present work analyzes the impact of biochar-induced modification of soil physico-chemical properties on intra-annual growth dynamics of pioneer and fibrous grapevine roots. A scanner inserted into a buried rhizobox with a transparent side facing the plant root system was used to acquire images of pioneer and fibrous roots of control and biochar-treated plants throughout the vegetative season. Images were analyzed with ImageJ software to measure root traits. Biochar treatment increased soil pH, nutrient concentration, and water content during the driest and warmest period, while bulk density was reduced. Analysis of both pioneer and fibrous root traits highlighted a single peak of growth during the vegetative season. Pioneer roots were thicker and grew faster than fibrous roots, which were longer and more numerous. Amelioration of physico-chemical properties of biochar-amended soil stimulated an earlier root lengthening, and a higher root number at the onset of the season, which resulted in a greater canopy development compared to control plants. Later, in summer, as a consequence of the higher water content of biochar-treated soil, plants modified their root architecture, lowering the number of fibrous roots probably because of the reduced need to exploit soil for water and nutrient uptake.

ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Silvia Baronti; Danieli Alberto; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Mattia Terzaghi. Pioneer and fibrous root seasonal dynamics of Vitis vinifera L. are affected by biochar application to a low fertility soil: A rhizobox approach. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 751, 141455 .

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Silvia Baronti, Danieli Alberto, Donato Chiatante, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Mattia Terzaghi. Pioneer and fibrous root seasonal dynamics of Vitis vinifera L. are affected by biochar application to a low fertility soil: A rhizobox approach. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 751 ():141455.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Silvia Baronti; Danieli Alberto; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Mattia Terzaghi. 2020. "Pioneer and fibrous root seasonal dynamics of Vitis vinifera L. are affected by biochar application to a low fertility soil: A rhizobox approach." Science of The Total Environment 751, no. : 141455.

Articles
Published: 02 July 2020 in Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology
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The environmental restoration of the semi-arid steppe of Mongolia is currently being addressed by creating new plantations able to protect the soil from the advancement of desertification and to improve the economy of the population living there. The success of these interventions relies on a high survival rate and good long-term growth performance of the transplanted trees. In the present work we analyzed stem height and root collar diameter (RCD) over 10 years for two native tree species (Populus sibirica and Ulmus pumila) grown with different water regimes and fertilizers. The investigated duration is sufficiently long to provide a reliable indication of the adaptation of these tree species to the steppe’s harsh environmental conditions. Results suggest that both species could be used for environmental restoration projects, although P. sibirica requires the support of additional irrigation to achieve the best growth performance. U. pumila, on the other hand, shows good growth performance even with rainfall as the only water source. However, the higher water use by P. sibirica trees seems to be compensated by a more rapid ground cover compared to U. pumila. The addition of fertilizers to the soil before transplantation does not improve the growth performance of either species.

ACS Style

Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Donato Chiatante; Khaulenbek Akhmadi; Janchivdorj Lunten; Batkhishig Ochirbat; Byung Bae Park; Gabriella S. Scippa; Antonio Montagnoli; Batkhuu Nyam-Osor. The effect of different watering regimes and fertilizer addition on the growth of tree species used to afforest the semi-arid steppe of Mongolia. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 2020, 155, 747 -758.

AMA Style

Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj, Donato Chiatante, Khaulenbek Akhmadi, Janchivdorj Lunten, Batkhishig Ochirbat, Byung Bae Park, Gabriella S. Scippa, Antonio Montagnoli, Batkhuu Nyam-Osor. The effect of different watering regimes and fertilizer addition on the growth of tree species used to afforest the semi-arid steppe of Mongolia. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology. 2020; 155 (4):747-758.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Donato Chiatante; Khaulenbek Akhmadi; Janchivdorj Lunten; Batkhishig Ochirbat; Byung Bae Park; Gabriella S. Scippa; Antonio Montagnoli; Batkhuu Nyam-Osor. 2020. "The effect of different watering regimes and fertilizer addition on the growth of tree species used to afforest the semi-arid steppe of Mongolia." Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 155, no. 4: 747-758.

Journal article
Published: 14 March 2020 in Agronomy
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Light quality and nutrient availability are the primary factors that influence plant growth and development. In a research context of improving indoor plant cultivation while lowering environmental impact practices, we investigated the effect of different light spectra, three provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and one by a fluorescent lamp, on the morpho-physiology of Pisum sativum L. seedlings grown in the presence/absence of biochar. We found that all morpho-physiological traits are sensitive to changes in the red-to-far-red light (R:FR) ratio related to the light spectra used. In particular, seedlings that were grown with a LED type characterized by the lowest R:FR ratio (~2.7; AP67), showed good plant development, both above- and belowground, especially when biochar was present. Biochar alone did not affect the physiological traits, which were influenced by the interplay with lighting type. AP67 LED type had a negative impact only on leaf fluorescence emission in light conditions, which was further exacerbated by the addition of biochar to the growing media. However, we found that the combination of biochar with a specific optimal light spectrum may have a synergetic effect enhancing pea seedling physiological performances and fruit yield and fostering desired traits. This is a promising strategy for indoor plant production while respecting the environment.

ACS Style

Antonella Polzella; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; Silvia Baronti; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante; Antonio Montagnoli. Morpho-Physiological Responses of Pisum sativum L. to Different Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Spectra in Combination with Biochar Amendment. Agronomy 2020, 10, 398 .

AMA Style

Antonella Polzella, Mattia Terzaghi, Dalila Trupiano, Silvia Baronti, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Donato Chiatante, Antonio Montagnoli. Morpho-Physiological Responses of Pisum sativum L. to Different Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Spectra in Combination with Biochar Amendment. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (3):398.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonella Polzella; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; Silvia Baronti; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante; Antonio Montagnoli. 2020. "Morpho-Physiological Responses of Pisum sativum L. to Different Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Spectra in Combination with Biochar Amendment." Agronomy 10, no. 3: 398.

Journal article
Published: 02 February 2020 in Plants
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The coarse roots of Pinus ponderosa included in the cage are the ones most involved in tree stability. This study explored the variations in traits, such as volume, cross-sectional area, and radius length of cage roots, and used those data to develop a mathematical model to better understand the type of forces occurring for each shallow lateral root segment belonging to different quadrants of the three-dimensional (3D) root system architecture. The pattern and intensity of these forces were modelled along the root segment from the branching point to the cage edge. Data of root cage volume in the upper 30 cm of soil showed a higher value in the downslope and windward quadrant while, at a deeper soil depth (>30 cm), we found higher values in both upslope and leeward quadrants. The analysis of radius length and the cross-sectional area of the shallow lateral roots revealed the presence of a considerable degree of eccentricity of the annual rings at the branching point and at the cage edge. This eccentricity is due to the formation of compression wood, and the eccentricity changes from the top portion at the branching point to the bottom portion at the cage edge, which we hypothesize may be a response to the variation in mechanical forces occurring in the various zones of the cage. This hypothesis is supported by a mathematical model that shows how the pattern and intensity of different types of mechanical forces are present within the various quadrants of the same root system from the taproot to the cage edge.

ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Bruno Lasserre; Gabriella Sferra; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Mattia Terzaghi; R. Kasten Dumroese. Formation of Annual Ring Eccentricity in Coarse Roots within the Root Cage of Pinus ponderosa Growing on Slopes. Plants 2020, 9, 181 .

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Bruno Lasserre, Gabriella Sferra, Donato Chiatante, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Mattia Terzaghi, R. Kasten Dumroese. Formation of Annual Ring Eccentricity in Coarse Roots within the Root Cage of Pinus ponderosa Growing on Slopes. Plants. 2020; 9 (2):181.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Bruno Lasserre; Gabriella Sferra; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Mattia Terzaghi; R. Kasten Dumroese. 2020. "Formation of Annual Ring Eccentricity in Coarse Roots within the Root Cage of Pinus ponderosa Growing on Slopes." Plants 9, no. 2: 181.

Journal article
Published: 04 November 2019 in Dendrochronologia
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Our knowledge of the root system architecture of trees is still incomplete, especially concerning how biomass partitioning is regulated to achieve an optimal, but often unequal, distribution of resources. In addition, our comprehension of root system architecture development as a result of the adaptation process is limited because most studies lack a temporal approach. To add to our understanding, we excavated 32-year-old Pinus ponderosa trees from a steep, forested site in northern Idaho USA. The root systems were discretized by a low magnetic field digitizer and along with AMAPmod software we examined their root traits (i.e. order category, topology, growth direction length, and volume) in four quadrants: downslope, upslope, windward, and leeward. On one tree, we analyzed tree rings to compare the ages of lateral roots relative to their parental root, and to assess the occurrence of compression wood. We found that, from their onset, first-order lateral roots have similar patterns of ring eccentricity suggesting an innate ability to respond to different mechanical forces; more root system was allocated downslope and to the windward quadrant. In addition, we noted that shallow roots, which all presented compression wood, appear to be the most important component of anchorage. Finally, we observed that lateral roots can change growth direction in response to mechanical forces, as well as produce new lateral roots at any development stage and wherever along their axis. These findings suggest that trees adjust their root spatial deployment in response to environmental conditions, these roots form compression wood to dissipate mechanical forces, and new lateral roots can arise anywhere and at any time on the existing system in apparent response to mechanical forces.

ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella S. Scippa; Bruno Lasserre; R. Kasten Dumroese. Ongoing modifications to root system architecture of Pinus ponderosa growing on a sloped site revealed by tree-ring analysis. Dendrochronologia 2019, 58, 125650 .

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Mattia Terzaghi, Donato Chiatante, Gabriella S. Scippa, Bruno Lasserre, R. Kasten Dumroese. Ongoing modifications to root system architecture of Pinus ponderosa growing on a sloped site revealed by tree-ring analysis. Dendrochronologia. 2019; 58 ():125650.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Donato Chiatante; Gabriella S. Scippa; Bruno Lasserre; R. Kasten Dumroese. 2019. "Ongoing modifications to root system architecture of Pinus ponderosa growing on a sloped site revealed by tree-ring analysis." Dendrochronologia 58, no. : 125650.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2019 in Forest Ecology and Management
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ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; R. Kasten Dumroese; Mattia Terzaghi; Elisabetta Onelli; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Seasonality of fine root dynamics and activity of root and shoot vascular cambium in a Quercus ilex L. forest (Italy). Forest Ecology and Management 2019, 431, 26 -34.

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, R. Kasten Dumroese, Mattia Terzaghi, Elisabetta Onelli, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Seasonality of fine root dynamics and activity of root and shoot vascular cambium in a Quercus ilex L. forest (Italy). Forest Ecology and Management. 2019; 431 ():26-34.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; R. Kasten Dumroese; Mattia Terzaghi; Elisabetta Onelli; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2019. "Seasonality of fine root dynamics and activity of root and shoot vascular cambium in a Quercus ilex L. forest (Italy)." Forest Ecology and Management 431, no. : 26-34.

Research paper
Published: 24 July 2018 in Annals of Forest Science
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Compared to the traditional approach, applying micrometric image analysis to fine root samples of Fagus sylvatica with subsequent data treatment through principal component and cluster analysis yielded specific diameter sizes for fine root sub-classes having better resolution of the corresponding branching orders, and a more coherent relationship with the values of annual production and turnover rate. Fine root traits are poorly understood, impeding an accurate representation of terrestrial biogeochemical models. Traditionally used, arbitrary diameter thresholds lead to a misestimation of fine root traits such as branching order, environmental relationship, annual production, and turnover rate. Here, we present, as modification of the traditional method, an integrated approach to segregate, at high-resolution, fine root populations of Fagus sylvatica into new diameter sub-classes that better correspond with the traits mentioned above. Samples, collected with a sequential soil coring method, were subjected to a micrometric image analysis, and resultant data were treated with principal component and cluster analysis. Results showed that fine roots were distributed into diameter-size sub-classes (0–0.3 mm, 0.3–1 mm, and 1–2 mm) different from those determined by traditional methods (0–0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm, and 1–2 mm). New sub-classes provided a better resolution of the corresponding branching-orders, and the values of annual production and turnover rate were more coherent with diameter class and soil depth. Moreover, new sub-classes provided a more precise match with soil temperature than traditional methods. Our method may help to unveil fine root dynamics and development, reduce data analysis time, and make the diameter-based classification more precise and trustworthy even in the case of non-intact samples.

ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Barbara Giussani; Gabriella S. Scippa; Donato Chiatante. An integrated method for high-resolution definition of new diameter-based fine root sub-classes of Fagus sylvatica L. Annals of Forest Science 2018, 75, 76 .

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Mattia Terzaghi, Barbara Giussani, Gabriella S. Scippa, Donato Chiatante. An integrated method for high-resolution definition of new diameter-based fine root sub-classes of Fagus sylvatica L. Annals of Forest Science. 2018; 75 (3):76.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Barbara Giussani; Gabriella S. Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2018. "An integrated method for high-resolution definition of new diameter-based fine root sub-classes of Fagus sylvatica L." Annals of Forest Science 75, no. 3: 76.

Journal article
Published: 28 March 2018 in Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology
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ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli. Sustainable restoration of Mediterranean forests: analysis and perspective within the context of bio-based economy development under global changes. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 2018, 152, 501 -501.

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli. Sustainable restoration of Mediterranean forests: analysis and perspective within the context of bio-based economy development under global changes. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology. 2018; 152 (3):501-501.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli. 2018. "Sustainable restoration of Mediterranean forests: analysis and perspective within the context of bio-based economy development under global changes." Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 152, no. 3: 501-501.

Journal article
Published: 26 December 2016 in Reforesta
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ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Giacomo Magatti; Stefania Gabriella Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Conversion from coppice to high stand increase soil erosion in steep forestland of European beech. Reforesta 2016, 60 -75.

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Mattia Terzaghi, Giacomo Magatti, Stefania Gabriella Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Conversion from coppice to high stand increase soil erosion in steep forestland of European beech. Reforesta. 2016; (2):60-75.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Giacomo Magatti; Stefania Gabriella Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2016. "Conversion from coppice to high stand increase soil erosion in steep forestland of European beech." Reforesta , no. 2: 60-75.

Methods article
Published: 28 October 2016 in Frontiers in Plant Science
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A plant phenotyping approach was applied to evaluate growth rate of containerized tree seedlings during the precultivation phase following seed germination. A simple and affordable stereo optical system was used to collect stereoscopic RGB images of seedlings at regular intervals of time. Comparative analysis of these images by means of a newly developed software enabled us to calculate a) the increments of seedlings height and b) the percentage greenness of seedling leaves. Comparison of these parameters with destructive biomass measurements showed that the height traits can be used to estimate seedling growth for needle-leaved plant species whereas the greenness trait can be used for broad-leaved plant species. Despite the need to adjust for plant type, growth stage and light conditions this new, cheap, rapid, and sustainable phenotyping approach can be used to study large-scale phenome variations due to genome variability and interaction with environmental factors.

ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Nicoletta Fulgaro; Borys Stoew; Jan Wipenmyr; Dag Ilver; Cristina Rusu; Gabriella S. Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Non-destructive Phenotypic Analysis of Early Stage Tree Seedling Growth Using an Automated Stereovision Imaging Method. Frontiers in Plant Science 2016, 7, 1 .

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Mattia Terzaghi, Nicoletta Fulgaro, Borys Stoew, Jan Wipenmyr, Dag Ilver, Cristina Rusu, Gabriella S. Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Non-destructive Phenotypic Analysis of Early Stage Tree Seedling Growth Using an Automated Stereovision Imaging Method. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2016; 7 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Nicoletta Fulgaro; Borys Stoew; Jan Wipenmyr; Dag Ilver; Cristina Rusu; Gabriella S. Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2016. "Non-destructive Phenotypic Analysis of Early Stage Tree Seedling Growth Using an Automated Stereovision Imaging Method." Frontiers in Plant Science 7, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 05 June 2016 in Reforesta
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Increased summer drought and wildfires as a consequence of continuing climate change are expected to lead to disturbance of Mediterranean ecosystems. Seedlings recruitment is sensitive to both stresses and, therefore, any adaptation and restoration strategy devised to protect these forests should take into account a careful study on their effects on seedling development. As a substantial fraction of net primary productivity of forested ecosystems is channelled in the belowground compartments, the knowledge of how roots behave under stressful conditions becomes of primary importance to select the right management strategy to be implemented. This work tries to enlighten the events occurring in the fine root portion of the root system in young seedlings of three co-existing oak species (Quercus ilex, Quercus trojana and Quercus virgiliana) under controlled conditions. We have made a comparative analysis of the effect of these two stresses, alone or in combination, with the aim to evaluate the tolerance level of these seedlings and, therefore, to obtain an indication of their recruitment potential in the field. The parameters investigated were biomass and a number of morphological traits. Data obtained suggest that a decrease in diameter could be part of a tolerance strategy in all three oaks tested together with a reduction of root length. In addition, tolerance to water shortage could require a reduction of carbon allocated belowground, in particular in the very fine roots, which leads to an overall reduction of the root system dimension. Q. trojana seedlings seem to be the fastest in resuming growth after stress interruption but a good recovery was also found for the remaining two oak species. Although our study provides interesting information regarding a possible tolerance strategy taking place in the fine root compartment when seedlings of these three oak species undergo water stress and fire treatment, more information is needed before any suggestion can be made as to which species would be best suited to make these forests more resistant to global changes.

ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Barbara Baesso; Rosaria Santamaria; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Drought and fire stress influence seedling competition in oak forests: fine-root dynamics as indicator of adaptation strategies to climate change. Reforesta 2016, 1, 86 -105.

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Mattia Terzaghi, Barbara Baesso, Rosaria Santamaria, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Drought and fire stress influence seedling competition in oak forests: fine-root dynamics as indicator of adaptation strategies to climate change. Reforesta. 2016; 1 (1):86-105.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Barbara Baesso; Rosaria Santamaria; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2016. "Drought and fire stress influence seedling competition in oak forests: fine-root dynamics as indicator of adaptation strategies to climate change." Reforesta 1, no. 1: 86-105.

Regular paper
Published: 13 May 2015 in Journal of Plant Research
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To face summer drought and wildfire in Mediterranean-type ecosystems, plants adopt different strategies that involve considerable rearrangements of biomass allocation and physiological activity. This paper analyses morphological and physiological traits in seedlings of three oak species (Quercus ilex, Quercus trojana and Quercus virgiliana) co-occurring under natural conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate species-specific characteristics and the response of these oak seedlings to drought stress and fire treatment. Seedlings were kept in a growth chamber that mimicked natural environmental conditions. All three species showed a good degree of tolerance to drought and fire treatments. Differences in specific biomass allocation patterns and physiological traits resulted in phenotypic differences between species. In Q. ilex, drought tolerance depended upon adjustment of the allocation pattern. Q. trojana seedlings undergoing mild to severe drought presented a higher photosystem II (PSII) efficiency than control seedlings. Moreover, Q. trojana showed a very large root system, which corresponded to higher soil area exploitation, and bigger leaf midrib vascular bundles than the other two species. Morphological and physiological performances indicated Q. trojana as the most tolerant to drought and fire. These characteristics contribute to a high recruitment potential of Q. trojana seedlings, which might be the reason for the dominance of this species under natural conditions. Drought increase as a result of climate change is expected to favour Q. trojana, leading to an increase in its spatial distribution.

ACS Style

Donato Chiatante; R. Tognetti; G. S. Scippa; T. Congiu; B. Baesso; Mattia Terzaghi; A. Montagnoli. Interspecific variation in functional traits of oak seedlings (Quercus ilex, Quercus trojana, Quercus virgiliana) grown under artificial drought and fire conditions. Journal of Plant Research 2015, 128, 595 -611.

AMA Style

Donato Chiatante, R. Tognetti, G. S. Scippa, T. Congiu, B. Baesso, Mattia Terzaghi, A. Montagnoli. Interspecific variation in functional traits of oak seedlings (Quercus ilex, Quercus trojana, Quercus virgiliana) grown under artificial drought and fire conditions. Journal of Plant Research. 2015; 128 (4):595-611.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Donato Chiatante; R. Tognetti; G. S. Scippa; T. Congiu; B. Baesso; Mattia Terzaghi; A. Montagnoli. 2015. "Interspecific variation in functional traits of oak seedlings (Quercus ilex, Quercus trojana, Quercus virgiliana) grown under artificial drought and fire conditions." Journal of Plant Research 128, no. 4: 595-611.

Journal article
Published: 17 April 2015 in Forest Ecosystems
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Estimation of forest biomass on the regional and global scale is of great importance. Many studies have demonstrated that lidar is an accurate tool for estimating forest aboveground biomass. However, results vary with forest types, terrain conditions and the quality of the lidar data.

ACS Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Sara Fusco; Mattia Terzaghi; Alan Kirschbaum; Dirk Pflugmacher; Warren B Cohen; Gabriella S Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Estimating forest aboveground biomass by low density lidar data in mixed broad-leaved forests in the Italian Pre-Alps. Forest Ecosystems 2015, 2, 10 .

AMA Style

Antonio Montagnoli, Sara Fusco, Mattia Terzaghi, Alan Kirschbaum, Dirk Pflugmacher, Warren B Cohen, Gabriella S Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Estimating forest aboveground biomass by low density lidar data in mixed broad-leaved forests in the Italian Pre-Alps. Forest Ecosystems. 2015; 2 (1):10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Montagnoli; Sara Fusco; Mattia Terzaghi; Alan Kirschbaum; Dirk Pflugmacher; Warren B Cohen; Gabriella S Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2015. "Estimating forest aboveground biomass by low density lidar data in mixed broad-leaved forests in the Italian Pre-Alps." Forest Ecosystems 2, no. 1: 10.

Journal article
Published: 11 May 2014 in European Journal of Forest Research
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In tree species, fine-root growth is influenced by the interaction between environmental factors such as soil temperature (ST) and soil moisture. Evidences suggest that if soil moisture and nutrient availability are adequate, rates of root growth increase with increasing soil temperature up to an optimum and then decline at supraoptimal temperatures. These optimal conditions vary between different taxa, the native environment and the fine-root diameter sub-classes considered. We investigated the effects of seasonal changes of both ST and soil water content (SWC) on very fine (d < 0.5 mm) and fine-root (0.5 < d < 2 mm) mass (vFRM, FRM) and length (vFRL, FRL) in Italian Southern Alps beech forests (Fagus sylvatica L.). Root samples were collected by soil core method. Turnover rate was higher for the very fine (0.51) than for the fine (0.36) roots. vFRM, FRM, vFRL and FRL displayed a complex seasonal pattern peaking in summer when SWC was around 40 % and ST was around 14 °C. Above this temperature, under almost constant SWC, all above mentioned root traits decreased. vFRM, FRM, vFRL and FRL showed significant second-order polynomial relationship (p < 0.05) with SWC for both diameter classes, with the only exception of SRL. ST showed the same kind of relationship significant only with vFRM and vFRL, the latter within the 12-16 °C smaller range. Interpolation analysis between root mass and length for both diameter classes and investigated soil environmental characteristics (ST and SWC) showed a clear roundish delineation only for vFRM. In conclusion, these findings clarified the occurrence of a bimodal fine-root growth seasonal pattern for our beech forest. The optimal growth ST and SWC ranges were delineated only for very fine roots, giving further evidence on this root category as the more responsiveness to soil environmental changes. Furthermore, F. sylvatica seems to adopt an intensive strategy to cope with decreasing SWC. Finally, fine-root growth, mainly radial type, seems to be driven by SWC, whereas very fine-root growth, mainly longitudinal type, seems to be driven by ST

ACS Style

A. Montagnoli; A. Di Iorio; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; Gabriella Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Influence of soil temperature and water content on fine-root seasonal growth of European beech natural forest in Southern Alps, Italy. European Journal of Forest Research 2014, 133, 957 -968.

AMA Style

A. Montagnoli, A. Di Iorio, Mattia Terzaghi, Dalila Trupiano, Gabriella Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Influence of soil temperature and water content on fine-root seasonal growth of European beech natural forest in Southern Alps, Italy. European Journal of Forest Research. 2014; 133 (5):957-968.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Montagnoli; A. Di Iorio; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; Gabriella Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2014. "Influence of soil temperature and water content on fine-root seasonal growth of European beech natural forest in Southern Alps, Italy." European Journal of Forest Research 133, no. 5: 957-968.

Original research article
Published: 01 January 2013 in Frontiers in Plant Science
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Fine-root systems represent a very sensitive plant compartment to environmental changes. Gaining further knowledge about their dynamics would improve soil carbon input understanding. This paper investigates C and N concentrations in fine roots in relation to different stand characteristics resulting from conversion of coppiced forests to high forests. In order to evaluate possible interferences due to different vegetative stages of vegetation, fine-root sampling was repeated six times in each stand during the same 2008 growing season. Fine-root sampling was conducted within three different soil depths (0–10; 10–20; and 20–30 cm). Fine-root traits were measured by means of WinRHIZO software which enable us to separate them into three different diameter classes (0–0.5, 0.5–1.0 and 1.0–2.0 mm). The data collected indicate that N concentration was higher in converted stands than in the coppiced stand whereas C concentration was higher in the coppiced stand than in converted stands. Consequently the fine-root C:N ratio was significantly higher in coppiced than in converted stands and showed an inverse relationship with fine-root turnover rate, confirming a significant change of fine-root status after the conversion of a coppice to high forest.

ACS Style

Mattia Terzaghi; Antonio Montagnoli; Antonino Di Iorio; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Fine-root carbon and nitrogen concentration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Italy Prealps: possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest. Frontiers in Plant Science 2013, 4, 192 .

AMA Style

Mattia Terzaghi, Antonio Montagnoli, Antonino Di Iorio, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Fine-root carbon and nitrogen concentration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Italy Prealps: possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2013; 4 ():192.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mattia Terzaghi; Antonio Montagnoli; Antonino Di Iorio; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2013. "Fine-root carbon and nitrogen concentration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Italy Prealps: possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest." Frontiers in Plant Science 4, no. : 192.

Original articles
Published: 12 November 2012 in Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology
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The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of coppice conversion to high forest on the beech fine-root systems. We compared the seasonal pattern of live and dead fine-root mass (d < 2 mm), production and turnover in three beech stands that differed in management practices. Tree density was higher in the 40-year-old coppice stand than in the stands that were converted from coppice to high forest in 1994 and 2004, respectively. We found that a reduction in tree density reduced the total fine-root biomass (Coppice stand, 353.8 g m−2; Conversion 1994 stand, 203.6 g m−2; Conversion 2004 stand, 176.2 g m−2) which continued to be characterised by a bimodal pattern with two major peaks, one in spring and one in early fall. Conversion to high forest may also affect the fine-root soil depth distribution. Both fine-root production and turnover rate were sensitive to management practices. They were lower in the Coppice stand (production 131.5 g m−2 year−1; turnover rate 0.41 year−1) than in the converted stands (1994 Conversion stand: production 232 g m−2 year−1, turnover rate 1.06 year−1; 2004 Conversion stand: production 164.2 g m−2 year−1, turnover rate 0.79 year−1).

ACS Style

A. Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; A. Di Iorio; Gabriella Scippa; Donato Chiatante. Fine-root seasonal pattern, production and turnover rate of European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) stands in Italy Prealps: Possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 2012, 146, 1012 -1022.

AMA Style

A. Montagnoli, Mattia Terzaghi, A. Di Iorio, Gabriella Scippa, Donato Chiatante. Fine-root seasonal pattern, production and turnover rate of European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) stands in Italy Prealps: Possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest. Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology. 2012; 146 (4):1012-1022.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; A. Di Iorio; Gabriella Scippa; Donato Chiatante. 2012. "Fine-root seasonal pattern, production and turnover rate of European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) stands in Italy Prealps: Possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest." Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology 146, no. 4: 1012-1022.