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BACKGROUND Lolium rigidum is the weed of greatest economic impact in Australia due to its formidable capacity to evolve herbicide resistance. In this study, 579 field-sampled L. rigidum populations were tested for resistance to 21 herbicides applied at the recommended rate. Nine herbicide treatments were binary mixtures. RESULTS A total of 15 876 individual resistance tests were conducted by screening two million seeds at the recommended label rate. The overall frequency of resistant populations was 31%, 14%, 71%, 6% and 0% in response to the post-emergence herbicide treatments clethodim, clethodim + butroxydim, imazamox + imazapyr, glyphosate and paraquat, respectively. The resistance frequency to stand-alone pre-emergence wheat-selective herbicides ranged from 10% to 34%. Conversely, the levels of resistance to pre-emergence mixtures or stand-alone propyzamide were significantly lower, ranging from 6% to 0%. In winter, the responses to glyphosate, paraquat, cinmethylin, prosulfocarb, pyroxasulfone and trifluralin were reassessed, with 7%, 0%, 0%, 21%, 21% and 28% as the respective resistance frequencies. South Australia and Victoria are identified as epicenters for L. rigidum population resistance to pyroxasulfone, whereas populations in New South Wales have the greatest resistance to glyphosate and in Western Australia to clethodim. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, resistance levels to stand-alone herbicides and binary mixtures are geographically ranked across the Australian continent by benchmark statistical analysis of resistance frequencies and distribution. The extension of these results will raise awareness of rapidly emerging patterns of herbicide resistance, encouraging the adoption of cost-effective modes of action and integration of diverse strategies for weed resistance management.
Roberto Busi; Hugh J. Beckie; Andy Bates; Tim Boyes; Chris Davey; Barry Haskins; Simon Mock; Peter Newman; Aimone Porri; Andrea Onofri. Herbicide resistance across the Australian continent. Pest Management Science 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleRoberto Busi, Hugh J. Beckie, Andy Bates, Tim Boyes, Chris Davey, Barry Haskins, Simon Mock, Peter Newman, Aimone Porri, Andrea Onofri. Herbicide resistance across the Australian continent. Pest Management Science. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoberto Busi; Hugh J. Beckie; Andy Bates; Tim Boyes; Chris Davey; Barry Haskins; Simon Mock; Peter Newman; Aimone Porri; Andrea Onofri. 2021. "Herbicide resistance across the Australian continent." Pest Management Science , no. : 1.
Game meat production strongly differs from that of other meats, as peculiar factors present in the field and in the steps prior to transfer to a game-handling establishment can influence the hygiene of the carcasses and, therefore, of the meat. The effects of such factors were considered in hunted wild boars based on the main hygienic criteria adopted in meat processing. Environmental, animal, and hunting conditions were studied during two selective hunting seasons in Central Italy. A total of 120 hunted wild boar carcasses were sampled after the skinning process and analyzed for aerobic colony count, Enterobacteriaceae count, and Salmonella spp. isolation. The calculated mean values for aerobic colony and Enterobacteriaceae counts were 3.66 and 2.05 CFU/cm2, respectively, in line with the limits set for the meat of other ungulates by EU legislation. Salmonella spp. showed a prevalence of 2.5% (IC 95%: 1.72–3.27%). Statistical analysis of the data performed with the AIC criterion showed that the main parameter to consider for improving the hygienic level of carcasses is to reduce the time in the refrigerator before skinning, followed by hunting on cold days (<10 °C) without rain, hunting animals <60 kg, and reducing the time between shooting and evisceration.
David Ranucci; Rossana Roila; Andrea Onofri; Fausto Cambiotti; Sara Primavilla; Dino Miraglia; Egon Andoni; Alessandro Di Cerbo; Raffaella Branciari. Improving Hunted Wild Boar Carcass Hygiene: Roles of Different Factors Involved in the Harvest Phase. Foods 2021, 10, 1548 .
AMA StyleDavid Ranucci, Rossana Roila, Andrea Onofri, Fausto Cambiotti, Sara Primavilla, Dino Miraglia, Egon Andoni, Alessandro Di Cerbo, Raffaella Branciari. Improving Hunted Wild Boar Carcass Hygiene: Roles of Different Factors Involved in the Harvest Phase. Foods. 2021; 10 (7):1548.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Ranucci; Rossana Roila; Andrea Onofri; Fausto Cambiotti; Sara Primavilla; Dino Miraglia; Egon Andoni; Alessandro Di Cerbo; Raffaella Branciari. 2021. "Improving Hunted Wild Boar Carcass Hygiene: Roles of Different Factors Involved in the Harvest Phase." Foods 10, no. 7: 1548.
Grafting is a valuable tool for managing problems of tomato soil-borne pathogens and pests, but often generates unpredictable effects on crop yield and product quality. To observe these rootstocks-induced changes, experimental designs including many rootstock-scion combinations are required. To this end, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on 63 graft combinations, involving seven cherry tomato scions grouped in large, medium and small-fruited, and eight rootstocks with different genetic backgrounds (crosses between Solanum lycopersicum and S. habrochaites or S. peruvianum or S. pimpinellifolium, plus an intraspecific hybrid), using ungrafted controls. The response of the graft partners was firstly analyzed individually using the environmental variance (σ2E), then by grouping them by classes. When analyzed individually, the scion genotype influenced fruit L*, b*, shape index, total soluble solids (TSS) and its ratio with tritatable acidity (TSS/TA), whereas plant growth and yield were unpredictable. After clustering the graft partners, some of these responses were attributable to the imposed classes. The S. habrochaites-derived hybrids maximized plant biomass, unlike the S. pimpinellifolium ones. Both classes reduced fruit biomass in small- and medium-fruited scions (by 11 and 14%, respectively). The S. habrochaites and S. peruvianum hybrids reduced a* and TSS, whereas promoted TA. L-ascorbic acid was reduced by grafting (from −23 to −45%), in the S. pimpinellifolium group too, indicating, even in low vigor rootstocks, a dilution effect worsening this nutraceutical trait of tomatoes.
Rosario Paolo Mauro; Michele Agnello; Andrea Onofri; Cherubino Leonardi; Francesco Giuffrida. Scion and Rootstock Differently Influence Growth, Yield and Quality Characteristics of Cherry Tomato. Plants 2020, 9, 1725 .
AMA StyleRosario Paolo Mauro, Michele Agnello, Andrea Onofri, Cherubino Leonardi, Francesco Giuffrida. Scion and Rootstock Differently Influence Growth, Yield and Quality Characteristics of Cherry Tomato. Plants. 2020; 9 (12):1725.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosario Paolo Mauro; Michele Agnello; Andrea Onofri; Cherubino Leonardi; Francesco Giuffrida. 2020. "Scion and Rootstock Differently Influence Growth, Yield and Quality Characteristics of Cherry Tomato." Plants 9, no. 12: 1725.
Key message A new R-software procedure for fixed/random Diallel models was developed. We eased the diallel schemes approach by considering them as specific cases with different parameterisations of a general linear model. Abstract Diallel experiments are based on a set of possible crosses between some homozygous (inbred) lines. For these experiments, six main diallel models are available in literature, to quantify genetic effects, such as general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), reciprocal (maternal) effects and heterosis. Those models tend to be presented as separate entities, to be fitted by using specialised software. In this manuscript, we reinforce the idea that diallel models should be better regarded as specific cases (different parameterisations) of a general linear model and might be fitted with general purpose software facilities, as used for all other types of linear models. We start from the estimation of fixed genetical effects within the R environment and try to bridge the gap between diallel models, linear models and ordinary least squares estimation (OLS). First, we review the main diallel models in literature. Second, we build a set of tools to enable geneticists, plant/animal breeders and students to fit diallel models by using the most widely known R functions for OLS fitting, i.e. the ‘lm()’ function and related methods. Here, we give three examples to show how diallel models can be built by using the typical process of GLMs and fitted, inspected and processed as all other types of linear models in R. Finally, we give a fourth example to show how our tools can be also used to fit random/mixed effect diallel models in the Bayesian framework.
Andrea Onofri; Niccolò Terzaroli; Luigi Russi. Linear models for diallel crosses: a review with R functions. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 2020, 134, 585 -601.
AMA StyleAndrea Onofri, Niccolò Terzaroli, Luigi Russi. Linear models for diallel crosses: a review with R functions. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 2020; 134 (2):585-601.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Onofri; Niccolò Terzaroli; Luigi Russi. 2020. "Linear models for diallel crosses: a review with R functions." Theoretical and Applied Genetics 134, no. 2: 585-601.
Most legumes are well-known for the physical dormancy of their seeds; hence, the implementation of appropriate scarification techniques is essential for introducing new legume crops within agricultural systems. This study investigated morpho-anatomical traits and dormancy-breaking requirements in two taxa of the genus Bituminaria: the widespread B. bituminosa and the point endemic B. basaltica. As the species under investigation show monospermic indehiscent legumes, pods were used in this research. We performed pod trait measurements, light microscopy observations on the seed coat anatomical structure, and germination tests after mechanical, thermal, and chemical scarification treatments for seed dormancy breaking. Moreover, germination performance at different pod maturity stages and storage times was tested. Differences in morpho-anatomical traits were found, with B. basaltica having a thicker palisade cell layer and B. bituminosa showing larger pods. All of the scarification treatments proved to be able to break physical dormancy, with mechanical and chemical scarification being the most effective methods in both species. Nevertheless, dormancy-breaking treatments performed better in B. bituminosa. Seeds at early pod maturity stages showed higher germination capacity in both species. Overall, this research provided background knowledge on seed collection time, storage strategy, and effective pre-sowing treatment, which might contribute to enhance propagation and use of Bituminaria species for multiple purposes. Under this perspective, the future characterization of additional Bituminaria genetic resources from other Mediterranean populations will have remarkable importance.
Francesca Carruggio; Andrea Onofri; Carmen Impelluso; Gianpietro Giusso Del Galdo; Giovanni Scopece; Antonia Cristaudo. Seed Dormancy Breaking and Germination in Bituminaria basaltica and B. bituminosa (Fabaceae). Plants 2020, 9, 1110 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Carruggio, Andrea Onofri, Carmen Impelluso, Gianpietro Giusso Del Galdo, Giovanni Scopece, Antonia Cristaudo. Seed Dormancy Breaking and Germination in Bituminaria basaltica and B. bituminosa (Fabaceae). Plants. 2020; 9 (9):1110.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Carruggio; Andrea Onofri; Carmen Impelluso; Gianpietro Giusso Del Galdo; Giovanni Scopece; Antonia Cristaudo. 2020. "Seed Dormancy Breaking and Germination in Bituminaria basaltica and B. bituminosa (Fabaceae)." Plants 9, no. 9: 1110.
The population of wild animals is increasing, and control strategies based on selective hunting are among the major options adopted. The game meat obtained is therefore available for controlled and certified valuable chains. The understanding of carcass contamination and the factors affecting it is therefore crucial to ensure meat safety and prolonged shelf-life. The carcass hygiene of 64 hunted wild male roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) was evaluated in relation to factors potentially affecting it. Aerobic colony and Enterobacteriaceae counts, as well as Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes detection, were performed. The interaction of the microbial determination with age and weight of the animals, the climate conditions, the shooting procedure, the time between the killing and the evisceration as well as the time of storage of the carcasses in refrigerated conditions before skinning, were evaluated. Neither Salmonella spp. nor Listeria monocytogenes were detected on the carcasses and the average loads detected were 3.39 ± 1.06 UFC/cm2 and 2.27± 1.11 UFC/cm2 for the aerobic colony count and Enterobacteriaceae count, respectively. The loads detected are similar to those reported by UE legislation for slaughtered species. The time of storage before skinning, the environmental temperature during hunting and the time between shooting and evisceration, associated with animal weight, affect the carcass hygiene and must be taken into careful consideration by hunters as food business operators.
Raffaella Branciari; Andrea Onofri; Fausto Cambiotti; David Ranucci. Effects of Animal, Climatic, Hunting and Handling Conditions on the Hygienic Characteristics of Hunted Roe Doer (Caprelous capreolus L.). Foods 2020, 9, 1076 .
AMA StyleRaffaella Branciari, Andrea Onofri, Fausto Cambiotti, David Ranucci. Effects of Animal, Climatic, Hunting and Handling Conditions on the Hygienic Characteristics of Hunted Roe Doer (Caprelous capreolus L.). Foods. 2020; 9 (8):1076.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaella Branciari; Andrea Onofri; Fausto Cambiotti; David Ranucci. 2020. "Effects of Animal, Climatic, Hunting and Handling Conditions on the Hygienic Characteristics of Hunted Roe Doer (Caprelous capreolus L.)." Foods 9, no. 8: 1076.
Bermudagrass is becoming increasingly popular in the Mediterranean transition zone of Europe for establishing new sports and recreational turfgrasses. In these regions, the quality and winter hardiness of bermudagrass turf is influenced by the establishment. It has been demonstrated that an early establishment of bermudagrass results in a longer growing season with a greater stolon and rhizome production, which favors cold hardiness and a quicker green up after the first winter. Dormant seeding is reported to be beneficial for an early establishment. However, the response to early seeding depends on local environmental conditions. A field study was conducted in northeastern Italy during spring 2018 and 2019. Four bermudagrass cultivars (“Transcontinental”, “Jackpot”, “SR9554”, and “La Paloma”) were compared under three seeding times from March to May to evaluate whether early spring seeding allows anticipating the establishment of bermudagrass compared with late spring seeding which generally benefits of better temperatures for germination and growth. The number of days from seeding to the emergence and from seeding to the full establishment were determined, and the number of seedlings was counted in each plot. Late March seeding assured the earliest establishment. This result could be due to the quick lateral spreading of seedlings as the emergence occurred about 15 days later in the late March seeding compared with April and May seedings. Results also displayed that the speed of establishment was positively related to the number of emerged seedlings. “Transcontinental”, “Jackpot”, and “SR9554” performed similarly, whereas “Jackpot” showed a slower establishment.
Maurizio Giolo; Cristina Pornaro; Andrea Onofri; Stefano Macolino. Seeding Time Affects Bermudagrass Establishment in the Transition Zone Environment. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1151 .
AMA StyleMaurizio Giolo, Cristina Pornaro, Andrea Onofri, Stefano Macolino. Seeding Time Affects Bermudagrass Establishment in the Transition Zone Environment. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (8):1151.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaurizio Giolo; Cristina Pornaro; Andrea Onofri; Stefano Macolino. 2020. "Seeding Time Affects Bermudagrass Establishment in the Transition Zone Environment." Agronomy 10, no. 8: 1151.
Martina Sebastianelli; Silvia Pavone; Claudio Forte; Stefano Mezzasoma; Maurizio Bordoni; Andrea Onofri; Anna Fatto; Elisabetta Manuali. Preliminar histological study of the thymus in regularly slaughtered Chianina beef cattle to improve methods for the detection of illicit treatments. 2020, 56, 137 -140.
AMA StyleMartina Sebastianelli, Silvia Pavone, Claudio Forte, Stefano Mezzasoma, Maurizio Bordoni, Andrea Onofri, Anna Fatto, Elisabetta Manuali. Preliminar histological study of the thymus in regularly slaughtered Chianina beef cattle to improve methods for the detection of illicit treatments. . 2020; 56 (2):137-140.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Sebastianelli; Silvia Pavone; Claudio Forte; Stefano Mezzasoma; Maurizio Bordoni; Andrea Onofri; Anna Fatto; Elisabetta Manuali. 2020. "Preliminar histological study of the thymus in regularly slaughtered Chianina beef cattle to improve methods for the detection of illicit treatments." 56, no. 2: 137-140.
BACKGROUND Resistance to the dinitroaniline herbicide trifluralin in Lolium rigidum (annual ryegrass) is often mediated by the enhanced capacity to metabolise the herbicide to less toxic polar conjugates and/or by functionally recessive target‐site mutations in α‐tubulin. RESULTS In two L. rigidum populations possessing enhanced trifluralin metabolism, resistance was largely reversed by recurrent selection with the thiocarbamate herbicide prosulfocarb (i.e. plant survival was 2‐ to >20‐fold lower). Their ability to metabolise trifluralin was significantly decreased (by approximately 2.3‐fold) following recurrent prosulfocarb selection, to levels comparable to those observed in susceptible plants or when trifluralin metabolism was inhibited by treatment with the insecticide phorate. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that trait(s) enabling efficient trifluralin metabolism in L. rigidum are purged from the population under prosulfocarb recurrent selection. The level of trifluralin metabolism in vitro and its inhibition caused by phorate action on trifluralin‐metabolising enzyme(s) is equivalent to the effect produced by prosulfocarb selection. The hypothetical link between the two phenomena is that the putative monooxygenase(s) conferring trifluralin metabolic resistance also mediate the activation of prosulfocarb to its toxic sulfoxide. Thus, we speculate that survival to prosulfocarb via a lack of metabolic herbicide activation, and survival to trifluralin conferred by enhanced herbicide metabolism, are mutually exclusive. These findings not only open up a new research direction in terms of the interaction between different herbicide resistance mechanisms in L. rigidum , but also offer strategies for immediate management of the population dynamics of metabolism‐based resistance in the field. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Roberto Busi; Danica E Goggin; Andrea Onofri; Peter Boutsalis; Christopher Preston; Stephen B Powles; Hugh J Beckie. Loss of trifluralin metabolic resistance in Lolium rigidum plants exposed to prosulfocarb recurrent selection. Pest Management Science 2020, 76, 3926 -3934.
AMA StyleRoberto Busi, Danica E Goggin, Andrea Onofri, Peter Boutsalis, Christopher Preston, Stephen B Powles, Hugh J Beckie. Loss of trifluralin metabolic resistance in Lolium rigidum plants exposed to prosulfocarb recurrent selection. Pest Management Science. 2020; 76 (12):3926-3934.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoberto Busi; Danica E Goggin; Andrea Onofri; Peter Boutsalis; Christopher Preston; Stephen B Powles; Hugh J Beckie. 2020. "Loss of trifluralin metabolic resistance in Lolium rigidum plants exposed to prosulfocarb recurrent selection." Pest Management Science 76, no. 12: 3926-3934.
BACKGROUND Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a complex disease of wheat and barley caused by several Fusarium species. In recent years, a variation in the composition of the FHB community has been observed in several wheat cultivation areas across the world. In detail, F. avenaceum and F. poae increased their frequencies, while, a lower F. graminearum and F. culmorum incidence was simultaneously observed. These shifts within the FHB complex might have been caused by different factors, including the selective pressure caused by fungicides used to control the disease in the field. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate, both in in vitro experiments and in field trials, the activity of commonly used fungicides of wheat (tebuconazole, metconazole, prothioconazole and prochloraz) towards the above mentioned four Fusarium species. RESULTS A preliminary in vitro assay revealed that low concentrations of all tested fungicides caused the incomplete reduction of fungal development. Furthermore, F. poae and F. avenaceum showed, at the same time, a lower sensitivity to all tested fungicides. In field trials, all fungicides showed an activity against the four Fusarium species. However, F. avenaceum exhibited a reduced sensitivity to metconazole. The lower efficacy of metconazole towards F. avenaceum was also confirmed by an additional in vitro experiment on several F. avenaceum and F. graminearum different strains. CONCLUSION The selective pressure exerted by the extensive use of certain fungicides may influence population dynamics of Fusarium species due to their different sensitivity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Francesco Tini; Giovanni Beccari; Andrea Onofri; Emiliano Ciavatta; Donald M. Gardiner; Lorenzo Covarelli. Fungicides may have differential efficacies towards the main causal agents of Fusarium head blight of wheat. Pest Management Science 2020, 76, 3738 -3748.
AMA StyleFrancesco Tini, Giovanni Beccari, Andrea Onofri, Emiliano Ciavatta, Donald M. Gardiner, Lorenzo Covarelli. Fungicides may have differential efficacies towards the main causal agents of Fusarium head blight of wheat. Pest Management Science. 2020; 76 (11):3738-3748.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Tini; Giovanni Beccari; Andrea Onofri; Emiliano Ciavatta; Donald M. Gardiner; Lorenzo Covarelli. 2020. "Fungicides may have differential efficacies towards the main causal agents of Fusarium head blight of wheat." Pest Management Science 76, no. 11: 3738-3748.
The low organic matter and nitrogen levels in the soils, as well as the high weed pressure, typical of Mediterranean agroecosystems, necessitate a valid and sustainable alternative management. The utilization of cover crops such as Trifolium subterraneum L. may represent an innovative and efficient option for low-input and organic agricultural systems. In a 3-year experiment, we evaluated the effect of T. subterraneum and spontaneous flora cover cropping, with or without burying dead mulch into the soil, on the quali-quantitative composition of the weed seed bank in an apricot orchard. Moreover, the bacteria Nitrosomonas europaea and Azotobacter vinelandii, involved in the soil N cycle, and the content of ammoniacal and nitric soil nitrogen were quantified. For the first time, we demonstrated that T. subterraneum cover cropping with the incorporation of dead mulches into the soil on the one hand reduced weed biodiversity and the seed bank size (− 70% compared to conventional management following the standard commercial practices), while, on the other hand, increased the amount of N. europaea (+ 109%), A. vinelandii (+ 145%), NH4+ (+ 137%) and NO3− (+ 478%) in the soil. This approach was therefore found to be a major improvement in low-input agriculture and organic farming, and it can be applied in Mediterranean orchards as an eco-friendly strategy with the aim of reducing synthetic herbicides for weed control and mineral nitrogen fertilizers as the sole source of nitrogen supply.
Aurelio Scavo; Alessia Restuccia; Sara Lombardo; Stefania Fontanazza; Cristina Abbate; Gaetano Pandino; Umberto Anastasi; Andrea Onofri; Giovanni Mauromicale. Improving soil health, weed management and nitrogen dynamics by Trifolium subterraneum cover cropping. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 2020, 40, 1 -12.
AMA StyleAurelio Scavo, Alessia Restuccia, Sara Lombardo, Stefania Fontanazza, Cristina Abbate, Gaetano Pandino, Umberto Anastasi, Andrea Onofri, Giovanni Mauromicale. Improving soil health, weed management and nitrogen dynamics by Trifolium subterraneum cover cropping. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. 2020; 40 (3):1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAurelio Scavo; Alessia Restuccia; Sara Lombardo; Stefania Fontanazza; Cristina Abbate; Gaetano Pandino; Umberto Anastasi; Andrea Onofri; Giovanni Mauromicale. 2020. "Improving soil health, weed management and nitrogen dynamics by Trifolium subterraneum cover cropping." Agronomy for Sustainable Development 40, no. 3: 1-12.
Investigating the in vitro fumonisin biosynthesis and the genetic structure of Fusarium verticillioides populations can provide important insights into the relationships between strains originating from various world regions. In this study, 90 F. verticillioides strains isolated from maize in five Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt and Iran) were analyzed to investigate their ability to in vitro biosynthesize fumonisin B1, fumonisin B2 and fumonisin B3 and to characterize their genetic profile. In general, 80% of the analyzed strains were able to biosynthesize fumonisins (range 0.03–69.84 μg/g). Populations from Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Iran showed a similar percentage of fumonisin producing strains (>90%); conversely, the Egyptian population showed a lower level of producing strains (46%). Significant differences in fumonisin biosynthesis were detected among strains isolated in the same country and among strains isolated from different countries. A portion of the divergent FUM1 gene and of intergenic regions FUM6-FUM7 and FUM7-FUM8 were sequenced to evaluate strain diversity among populations. A high level of genetic uniformity inside the populations analyzed was detected. Apparently, neither geographical origin nor fumonisin production ability were correlated to the genetic diversity of the strain set. However, four strains from Egypt differed from the remaining strains.
Giovanni Beccari; Łukasz Stępień; Andrea Onofri; Veronica M. T. Lattanzio; Biancamaria Ciasca; Sally I. Abd-El Fatah; Francesco Valente; Monika Urbaniak; Lorenzo Covarelli. In Vitro Fumonisin Biosynthesis and Genetic Structure of Fusarium verticillioides Strains from Five Mediterranean Countries. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 241 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Beccari, Łukasz Stępień, Andrea Onofri, Veronica M. T. Lattanzio, Biancamaria Ciasca, Sally I. Abd-El Fatah, Francesco Valente, Monika Urbaniak, Lorenzo Covarelli. In Vitro Fumonisin Biosynthesis and Genetic Structure of Fusarium verticillioides Strains from Five Mediterranean Countries. Microorganisms. 2020; 8 (2):241.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Beccari; Łukasz Stępień; Andrea Onofri; Veronica M. T. Lattanzio; Biancamaria Ciasca; Sally I. Abd-El Fatah; Francesco Valente; Monika Urbaniak; Lorenzo Covarelli. 2020. "In Vitro Fumonisin Biosynthesis and Genetic Structure of Fusarium verticillioides Strains from Five Mediterranean Countries." Microorganisms 8, no. 2: 241.
In this study, durum wheat kernels harvested in three climatically different Italian cultivation areas (Emilia Romagna, Umbria and Sardinia) in 2015, were analyzed with a combination of different isolation methods to determine their fungal communities, with a focus on Fusarium head blight (FHB) complex composition, and to detect fungal secondary metabolites in the grains. The genus Alternaria was the main component of durum wheat mycobiota in all investigated regions, with the Central Italian cultivation area showing the highest incidence of this fungal genus and of its secondary metabolites. Fusarium was the second most prevalent genus of the fungal community in all cultivation environments, even if regional differences in species composition were detected. In particular, Northern areas showed the highest Fusarium incidence, followed by Central and then Southern cultivation areas. Focusing on the FHB complex, a predominance of Fusarium poae, in particular in Northern and Central cultivation areas, was found. Fusarium graminearum, in the analyzed year, was mainly detected in Emilia Romagna. Because of the highest Fusarium incidence, durum wheat harvested in the Northern cultivation area showed the highest presence of Fusarium secondary metabolites. These results show that durum wheat cultivated in Northern Italy may be subject to a higher FHB infection risk and to Fusarium mycotoxins accumulation.
Giovanni Beccari; Antonio Prodi; Maria Teresa Senatore; Virgilio Balmas; Francesco Tini; Andrea Onofri; Luca Pedini; Michael Sulyok; Luca Brocca; Lorenzo Covarelli. Cultivation Area Affects the Presence of Fungal Communities and Secondary Metabolites in Italian Durum Wheat Grains. Toxins 2020, 12, 97 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Beccari, Antonio Prodi, Maria Teresa Senatore, Virgilio Balmas, Francesco Tini, Andrea Onofri, Luca Pedini, Michael Sulyok, Luca Brocca, Lorenzo Covarelli. Cultivation Area Affects the Presence of Fungal Communities and Secondary Metabolites in Italian Durum Wheat Grains. Toxins. 2020; 12 (2):97.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Beccari; Antonio Prodi; Maria Teresa Senatore; Virgilio Balmas; Francesco Tini; Andrea Onofri; Luca Pedini; Michael Sulyok; Luca Brocca; Lorenzo Covarelli. 2020. "Cultivation Area Affects the Presence of Fungal Communities and Secondary Metabolites in Italian Durum Wheat Grains." Toxins 12, no. 2: 97.
In a 4-year study, the biannual crop rotation processing tomato–durum wheat was applied to three cropping systems: (i) an innovative organic coupled with no-tillage (ORG+) where an autumn-sown cover crop was terminated by roller-crimping and then followed by the direct transplantation of processing tomato onto the death-mulch cover; (ii) a traditional organic (ORG) with autumn-sown cover crop that was green manured and followed by processing tomato; and (iii) a conventional integrated low-input (INT) with bare soil during the fall–winter period prior to the processing tomato. N balance, yield and N leaching losses were determined. Innovative cropping techniques such as wheat–faba bean temporary intercropping and the direct transplantation of processing tomato into roll-crimped cover crop biomass were implemented in ORG+; the experiment was aimed at: (i) quantifying the N leaching losses; (ii) assessing the effect of N management on the yield and N utilization; and (iii) comparing the cropping system outputs (yield) in relation to extra-farm N sources (i.e., N coming from organic or synthetic fertilizers acquired from the market) and N losses. The effects of such innovations on important agroecological services such as yield and N recycling were assessed compared to those supplied by the other cropping systems. Independently from the soil management strategy (no till or inversion tillage), cover crops were found to be the key factor for increasing the internal N recycling of the agroecosystems and ORG+ needs a substantial improvement in terms of provisioning services (i.e., yield).
Giacomo Tosti; Paolo Benincasa; Michela Farneselli; Marcello Guiducci; Andrea Onofri; Francesco Tei. Processing Tomato–Durum Wheat Rotation under Integrated, Organic and Mulch-Based No-Tillage Organic Systems: Yield, N Balance and N Loss. Agronomy 2019, 9, 718 .
AMA StyleGiacomo Tosti, Paolo Benincasa, Michela Farneselli, Marcello Guiducci, Andrea Onofri, Francesco Tei. Processing Tomato–Durum Wheat Rotation under Integrated, Organic and Mulch-Based No-Tillage Organic Systems: Yield, N Balance and N Loss. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (11):718.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiacomo Tosti; Paolo Benincasa; Michela Farneselli; Marcello Guiducci; Andrea Onofri; Francesco Tei. 2019. "Processing Tomato–Durum Wheat Rotation under Integrated, Organic and Mulch-Based No-Tillage Organic Systems: Yield, N Balance and N Loss." Agronomy 9, no. 11: 718.
Understanding the dynamics of invasive species under global climate change requires knowledge about the effects of environmental factors on germination and emergence. We considered Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq., an invasive species that is quickly invading Southern European agricultural systems, and performed germination assays in growth chambers at eight constant temperatures with alternating light (2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 °C, with 12 h/12 h—light/dark), three alternating temperatures in alternating light (12/18, 17/23, and 22/28 °C, with 12 h/12 h—light/dark) and three fixed temperatures (15, 20, and 25 °C) in complete darkness. Furthermore, emergence assays were performed in pots considering four depths (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mm), three temperatures with alternating light (15, 20, and 25 °C) and un-treated or pre-treated seeds (water imbibition and light for two days). C. canadensis was able to germinate in a wide range of temperatures (from 5–10 °C to 30 °C). The highest germination capacity was observed at 15 °C (light/dark); no differences were observed at 17/23 and 22/28 °C with respect to 20 and 25 °C (light/dark), while germinations were significantly reduced at 12/18 °C. The lowest germination time was observed at 25 °C (light/dark) and it was significantly increased at 12/18 °C and in darkness. The highest emergence was from 0 mm depth; pre-treatment significantly increased the emergence from 2.5 mm and 5 mm depth, but not from 10 mm depth. Modeling germination rates as a function of temperature allowed us to determine Tb = 6.8 °C (base temperature) and Tc = 35.8 °C (ceiling temperature). In light of these results, the potential for C. canadensis to spread into new environments and possible new management methods are discussed.
Daniele Ottavini; Euro Pannacci; Andrea Onofri; Francesco Tei; Peter Kryger Jensen. Effects of Light, Temperature, and Soil Depth on the Germination and Emergence of Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. Agronomy 2019, 9, 533 .
AMA StyleDaniele Ottavini, Euro Pannacci, Andrea Onofri, Francesco Tei, Peter Kryger Jensen. Effects of Light, Temperature, and Soil Depth on the Germination and Emergence of Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (9):533.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniele Ottavini; Euro Pannacci; Andrea Onofri; Francesco Tei; Peter Kryger Jensen. 2019. "Effects of Light, Temperature, and Soil Depth on the Germination and Emergence of Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq." Agronomy 9, no. 9: 533.
Warm-season turfgrass species prevail in tropical and subtropical areas, but can also be grown in the transition zone. In this case, cold tolerance is a key aspect for germination and successful turfgrass establishment. The germination response to sub-optimal temperatures was investigated for Cynodon dactylon (cvs Jackpot, La Paloma, Transcontinental, Yukon, Riviera), Buchloe dactyloides (cv SWI 2000) and Paspalum vaginatum (cv Pure Dynasty). Four temperature regimes were applied, i.e., 20/30 °C, 15/25 °C, 10/20 °C and 5/15 °C, with a 12:12 h (light:dark) photoperiod. Germination assays were performed twice, with six replicates (Petri dishes) per treatment in each experiment, fifty seeds per dish. The final germinated percentages at last inspection time (FGP) were obtained for each Petri dish and processed by using a generalized linear mixed model (binomial error and logit link). Germination curves were fitted to each Petri dish by using time-to-event methods and germination rates (GR) for the 10th, 20th and 30th percentiles were derived and used to fit a linear thermal-time model. For all cultivars, FGP decreased with decreasing mean daily temperatures. Base temperatures (Tb) ranged between 11.4 °C and 17.0 °C, while the thermal time to obtain 30% germination ranged from 51.3 °C day for SWI 2000 to 144.0 °C day for Pure Dynasty. The estimated parameters were used to predict germination time in the field, considering the observed soil temperatures in Legnaro. The estimated date for the beginning of germination in the field would range from early April for SWI 2000 and Transcontinental to mid-May for Riviera. These results might be used as a practical support for planning spring sowing, which is crucial for successful turfgrass establishment, especially without irrigation.
Maurizio Giolo; Paolo Benincasa; Giuseppe Anastasi; Stefano Macolino; Andrea Onofri. Effects of Sub-Optimal Temperatures on Seed Germination of Three Warm-Season Turfgrasses with Perspectives of Cultivation in Transition Zone. Agronomy 2019, 9, 421 .
AMA StyleMaurizio Giolo, Paolo Benincasa, Giuseppe Anastasi, Stefano Macolino, Andrea Onofri. Effects of Sub-Optimal Temperatures on Seed Germination of Three Warm-Season Turfgrasses with Perspectives of Cultivation in Transition Zone. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (8):421.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaurizio Giolo; Paolo Benincasa; Giuseppe Anastasi; Stefano Macolino; Andrea Onofri. 2019. "Effects of Sub-Optimal Temperatures on Seed Germination of Three Warm-Season Turfgrasses with Perspectives of Cultivation in Transition Zone." Agronomy 9, no. 8: 421.
The cultivation of Tuber melanosporum Vittad., the black truffle, recently expanded all over the world. For successful truffle production, an important factor to consider is the mycorrhization level of the planted mycorrhized-seedlings. To assess the mycorrhization level of a truffle orchard it is necessary to develop a sampling strategy. Root sampling is time-consuming and a delicate operation because it is easy to disturb the ectomycorrhizal communities of the truffle-plants. A standardized and reproducible methodology for sampling mycorrhized roots in truffle orchards has not yet been developed. Consequently, we sampled five T. melanosporum truffle orchards located in Central Italy to determine: (1) the relationship between the number of sampled plants and the presence of T. melanosporum and other ectomycorrhizal Fungi; (2) the minimum number of trees (MNT) needed to achieve a reliable mycorrhization estimate and the minimum sampling ratio (MSR) as the percentage of MNT over the total number of trees present in the truffle orchard. Using a general linear model, we calculated MNT for T. melanosporum and other Fungi in two sampling campaigns in each truffle orchard. The mean values of the MNT ranged among 12–17 and 17–18, respectively, for T. melanosporum and for other Fungi. According to our findings we suggest that at least a MSR of 12% should be considered to have a fair estimate of the mycorrhization level of a truffle plantation.
Leonardo Baciarelli Falini; Giorgio Marozzi; Andrea Onofri; Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci; Emidio Albertini; Domizia Donnini. How many samples do you need to assess mycorrhization in Tuber melanosporum orchards? A methodology for a reliable estimation. Agroforestry Systems 2019, 94, 517 -525.
AMA StyleLeonardo Baciarelli Falini, Giorgio Marozzi, Andrea Onofri, Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci, Emidio Albertini, Domizia Donnini. How many samples do you need to assess mycorrhization in Tuber melanosporum orchards? A methodology for a reliable estimation. Agroforestry Systems. 2019; 94 (2):517-525.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeonardo Baciarelli Falini; Giorgio Marozzi; Andrea Onofri; Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci; Emidio Albertini; Domizia Donnini. 2019. "How many samples do you need to assess mycorrhization in Tuber melanosporum orchards? A methodology for a reliable estimation." Agroforestry Systems 94, no. 2: 517-525.
Metric data are usually assessed on a continuous scale with good precision, but sometimes agricultural researchers cannot obtain precise measurements of a variable. Values of such a variable cannot then be expressed as real numbers (e.g., 1.51 or 2.56), but often can be represented by intervals into which the values fall (e.g., from 1 to 2 or from 2 to 3). In this situation, statisticians talk about censoring and censored data, as opposed to missing data, where no information is available at all. Traditionally, in agriculture and biology, three methods have been used to analyse such data: (a) when intervals are narrow, some form of imputation (e.g., mid‐point imputation) is used to replace the interval and traditional methods for continuous data are employed (such as analyses of variance [ANOVA] and regression); (b) for time‐to‐event data, the cumulative proportions of individuals that experienced the event of interest are analysed, instead of the individual observed times‐to‐event; (c) when intervals are wide and many individuals are collected, non‐parametric methods of data analysis are favoured, where counts are considered instead of the individual observed value for each sample element. In this paper, we show that these methods may be suboptimal: The first one does not respect the process of data collection, the second leads to unreliable standard errors (SEs), while the third does not make full use of all the available information. As an alternative, methods of survival analysis for censored data can be useful, leading to reliable inferences and sound hypotheses testing. These methods are illustrated using three examples from plant and crop sciences.
Andrea Onofri; Hans-Peter Piepho; Marcin Kozak. Analysing censored data in agricultural research: A review with examples and software tips. Annals of Applied Biology 2018, 174, 3 -13.
AMA StyleAndrea Onofri, Hans-Peter Piepho, Marcin Kozak. Analysing censored data in agricultural research: A review with examples and software tips. Annals of Applied Biology. 2018; 174 (1):3-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Onofri; Hans-Peter Piepho; Marcin Kozak. 2018. "Analysing censored data in agricultural research: A review with examples and software tips." Annals of Applied Biology 174, no. 1: 3-13.
Time-to-event methods have been proposed in the agricultural sciences, as one of the most suitable options for the analysis of seed germination data. In contrast to traditional linear/nonlinear regression, time-to-event methods can easily account for all statistical peculiarities inherited in germination assays, such as censoring, and they can produce unbiased estimates of model parameters and their standard errors. So far, these methods have only been used in combination with empirical models of germination, which are lacking biological underpinnings. We bridge the gap between statistical requirements and biological understanding by developing a general method that formulates biologically-oriented hydro time (HT), thermal time (TT) and hydrothermal time (HTT) models into a time-to-event framework. HT, TT, and HTT models are widely used for describing seed germination and emergence of plants as affected by the environmental temperature and/or water potential. Owing to their simplicity and the direct biological interpretation of model parameters, these models have become one of the most common tools for both predicting germination as well as understanding the physiology of germination responses to environmental factors. However, these models are usually fitted by using nonlinear regression and, therefore, they fall short of statistical rigor when inference about model parameters is of interest. In this study, we develop HT-to-event, TT-to-event and HTT-to-event models and provide a readily available implementation relying on the package “drc” in the R statistical environment. Examples of usage are also provided and we highlight the possible advantages of this procedure, such as efficiency and flexibility.
Andrea Onofri; Paolo Benincasa; Mohsen B. Mesgaran; Christian Ritz. Hydrothermal-time-to-event models for seed germination. European Journal of Agronomy 2018, 101, 129 -139.
AMA StyleAndrea Onofri, Paolo Benincasa, Mohsen B. Mesgaran, Christian Ritz. Hydrothermal-time-to-event models for seed germination. European Journal of Agronomy. 2018; 101 ():129-139.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Onofri; Paolo Benincasa; Mohsen B. Mesgaran; Christian Ritz. 2018. "Hydrothermal-time-to-event models for seed germination." European Journal of Agronomy 101, no. : 129-139.
A 2-year field experiment was carried out in Central Italy on processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv PS1296). The aim was to assess the effects of various N sources and methods of distribution on crop growth and yield, as well as on the potential risks of nitrate leaching. Processing tomato was fertilized by using (i) green manuring with several cover crops (vetch and barley alone and in several mixtures), (ii) broadcast organic fertilizers (poultry manure and by-product of leather factory), (iii) fertigation with organic fertilizer (by-product of leather factory) and (iv) fertigation with a mineral N fertilizer. N accumulation and C/N ratio were measured in the cover crops at killing date. Tomato growth and N accumulation were determined fortnightly. The concentration of NO3-N in the soil solution was measured by a suction lysimeter at 0.9 m N supply from pure barley or from mixtures with high proportion of barley (i.e. 50% or higher) were inadequate for tomato growth. Pure vetch ensured an optimal N status to the succeeding crop, but led to nitrate leaching. The mixture vetch 75%+ barley 25% ensured an adequate amount of N for tomato, while reducing the NO3-N concentration in soil solution. Poultry manure and by-product of leather factory at low N rate (i.e. 100 kg N ha−1) were both inadequate to fulfil tomato requirements. At the same N rate, fertigation with the organic fertilizers gave the same good efficacy of fertigation with the mineral fertilizer, ensuring higher environmental sustainability. The integrated use of fall-winter cover crops and fertigation could represent a sound strategy for conservative horticulture.
Michela Farneselli; Giacomo Tosti; Andrea Onofri; Paolo Benincasa; Marcello Guiducci; Euro Pannacci; Francesco Tei. Effects of N sources and management strategies on crop growth, yield and potential N leaching in processing tomato. European Journal of Agronomy 2018, 98, 46 -54.
AMA StyleMichela Farneselli, Giacomo Tosti, Andrea Onofri, Paolo Benincasa, Marcello Guiducci, Euro Pannacci, Francesco Tei. Effects of N sources and management strategies on crop growth, yield and potential N leaching in processing tomato. European Journal of Agronomy. 2018; 98 ():46-54.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichela Farneselli; Giacomo Tosti; Andrea Onofri; Paolo Benincasa; Marcello Guiducci; Euro Pannacci; Francesco Tei. 2018. "Effects of N sources and management strategies on crop growth, yield and potential N leaching in processing tomato." European Journal of Agronomy 98, no. : 46-54.