Nitrogen (N) fertilization is a crucial agricultural practice for boosting production traits in vegetables. However, N synthetic fertilizers—commonly adopted by farmers—have several counterproductive effects on the environment and on humans. The research was performed to assess the combined influence of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) (Azospirillum brasilense DSM 1690, A. brasilense DSM 2298 and Pseudomonas sp. DSM 25356) and various N fertilization doses (0, 30, 60 or 120 kg ha⁻¹) on growth, yield, quality and nitrogen indices of lettuce in protected cultivation. Plant height, root collar diameter, number of leaves and fresh weight were enhanced by A. brasilense DSM 2298 inoculation and N at 30 or 60 kg ha⁻¹. Overall, soluble solids content (SSC), ascorbic acid, total phenolics, carotenoids, total chlorophyll and total sugars were augmented by the combined effect of A. brasilense strains and 30, 60 or 120 kg N ha⁻¹. Furthermore, PGBP inoculation improved potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in leaf tissues. PGPB inoculation increased N leaf concentration; however, it hastened N indices. These results suggest that the PGPB tested can be considered an eco-friendly tool to improve lettuce yield, particularly when combined with N at 30 or 60 kg ha⁻¹.

In the line of pursuing better energy efficiency in human activities that would result in a more sustainable utilization of resources, the building sector plays a relevant role, being responsible for almost 40% of both energy consumption and the release of pollutant substances in the atmosphere. For this purpose, techniques aimed at improving the energy performances of buildings’ envelopes are of paramount importance. Among them, green roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their capability of reducing the (electric) energy needs for (summer) climatization of buildings, hence also positively affecting the indoor comfort levels for the occupants. Clearly, reliable tools for the modelling of these envelope components are needed, requiring the availability of suitable field data. Starting with the results of a case study designed to estimate how the adoption of green roofs on a Sicilian building could positively affect its energy performance, this paper shows the impact of this technology on indoor comfort and energy consumption, as well as on the reduction of direct and indirect CO₂ emissions related to the climatization of the building. Specifically, the ceiling surface temperatures of some rooms located underneath six different types of green roofs were monitored. Subsequently, the obtained data were used as input for one of the most widely used simulation models, i.e., EnergyPlus, to evaluate the indoor comfort levels and the achievable energy demand savings of the building involved. From these field analyses, green roofs were shown to contribute to the mitigation of the indoor air temperatures, thus producing an improvement of the comfort conditions, especially in summer conditions, despite some worsening during transition periods seeming to arise.

Sicily, Southern Italy, has important genetic resources for azarole (Crataegus azarolus). The region hosts both spontaneous wild populations and various forms of the genus, some of which belong to well-defined specific or intraspecific taxa, while others are hybrids of unclear origin. Not all wild forms can be considered related to C. azarolus, but those included in the sect. Azaroli and thus C. aronia (= C. azarolus var. aronia), which is widespread in western Sicily, certainly can. All these populations are morphologically distinct but coexist in the same area. This preliminary genetic study aims to establish the genetic relationships between wild populations of Crataegus taxa and azarole (C. azarolus). Furthermore, the research addresses the lack of clear taxonomic information regarding the different phenotypes found in Sicily, including both recognized taxa and those still critically underreported. The study is based on SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) molecular markers, isolated from other Rosaceae species. The findings indicate that at least two groups affiliated with C. azarolus, yet distinct, are present in Sicilian populations. These results could have significant implications for systematics and taxonomy, as well as for conservation and the valorization of plant biodiversity.

Over the past few decades, legume-based intercropping has emerged as a strategic agronomic practice to enhance the sustainability and resilience of agro-ecosystems, thanks to its ability to perform biological nitrogen fixation and store soil organic carbon. The present study, given the growing recognition of agroecological practices, aims to analyze through a global bibliometric analysis the research conducted between 1986 and 2025 on legume–non-legume intercropping, with particular emphasis on its ecological and agronomic benefits. The investigation, carried out according to the PRISMA protocol on the Scopus database, selected 167 original English-language articles, excluding reviews, conference proceedings, modeling studies, and meta-analyses. China and India are identified as the most productive countries. Co-occurrence and bibliographic coupling analyses highlight thematic clusters centered on soil fertility, microbial communities, productivity, and the mitigation of environmental impact. Furthermore, management practices such as integrated rotations, cover crops, and agroforestry systems amplify the benefits in terms of carbon accumulation and resilience to adverse climate conditions. The distribution of publications by journal highlights the centrality of journals such as Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment and Plant and Soil. Overall, the data confirm the crucial role of intercropping as a pillar of the agroecological transition, underscoring the need for policies and research programs capable of amplifying its global adoption. The findings of this study may guide future interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policy decisions aimed at optimizing the design of resilient intercropping systems, tailored to address the challenges posed by climate change and the growing demands of global food security.