Andrea Bertacchi

Germination requirements in a population of Typha latifolia

Abstract The physio-ecological requirements of germination and early achene growth of a population of Typha latifolia L. were studied. The effects of constant (10, 20 and 30°C) or alternating ( 10 20° , 20 30° and 10 30° C ) temperatures, photoperiod ( 12 12 , 8 16 , 6 18 , 4 20 , 2 22 and 0 24 h day/night), after-ripening time and culture medium salinity (NaCl) on germination were assessed. Results showed that germination required light and alternating temperatures (optimal results at 20 30° C with 12 12 h photo-thermoperiod). In these conditions the germination trend showed no appreciable variation during the first year of achene after-ripening. The presence of more than 0.1 M NaCl in the culture medium caused a significant reduction in the percentage of seeds germinating, and inhibited further seedling growth. Typha latifolia can, therefore, be considered a helio-thermophilic and glycophilic species, at least during early growth stages.

Diachronic analysis (1954–2010) of transformations of the dune habitat in a stretch of the Northern Tyrrhenian Coast (Italy)

The aim of this work is the diachronic analysis, over the past 60 years, of the vegetation changes in dune environments of a stretch of Tuscan coast. Aerial photos of the years 1954 and 2010 were compared using photointerpretation and GIS software, and phytosociological surveys in the field were carried out. In addition to the spatial dynamics of the identified phytocoenoses, we have analyzed the different degrees of anthropogenic alteration of the examined area by the development of a synthetic index already used in neighboring contexts. The results showed with respect to the past, a deep morphological transformation of the dune system, and a consequent high spatial contraction and fragmentation of psammophilous plant communities. Today, indexed values of anthropogenic alteration, although particularly high especially when compared historically, are mitigated by the marginal and punctiform permanence, in few of those dune areas spared from urban infrastructure, of the main psammophilous plant associations typical of Tyrrhenian coasts.

Plant macroremains from the Roman harbour of Pisa (Italy)

Abstract Results relating to the identification of macroscopic plant remains (leaves, fruits, seeds) discovered during the archaeological excavation of the Roman harbour of Pisa, in Tuscany, Italy are reported. The plant samples include the cultivated species Prunus spp., Corylus, Olea, Vicia, Juglans and the nemoral wild species Salix spp., Quercus spp., Fagus, Ulmus, Alnus. The remains of cultivated plants — fragments of fruits and seeds — were perhaps part of the boats cargo or stores for the crews meals. In the case of the wild taxa, the simultaneous presence of fruit and leaves, suggests that the remains recovered came from the forest vegetation bordering the area of excavation and the adjacent higher grounds, thus delineating a new vegetation landscape for the ager pisanus.

Morphology and germination of yellow and brown caryopses of Aegilops geniculata Roth (Gramineae) population from Italy

Abstract The germination percentage of Aegilops geniculata Roth caryopses was studied on four Italian populations (Pisa, Manfredonia, Catania and Simbirizzi). Observation of the germination trend was carried out at constant temperatures of 10°, 20° and 30°C, from maturation up to 60 days after harvesting. Spike, spikelet and caryopsis phenotypic characteristics were also studied. The populations of Pisa, Manfredonia and Simbirizzi presented two different types of caryopses: yellow caryopses - larger, heavier and composing roughly 60% of total—and brown caryopses—smaller and lighter in weight. The Catania population formed an exception in that brown caryopses were virtually absent (5%). This Sicilian accession also showed the largest spikelet size. Yellow caryopses germinated more rapidly than the dark ones, which were shown to be endowed with longer relative dormancy, above all at 10° and 30° C. Such a phenomenon allows the two types of caryopses to have a different germination ecology, thus providing A. ...

Foredune psammophilous communities and coastal erosion in a stretch of the Ligurian sea (Tuscany, Italy)

Italy sandy coasts are characterised by a great diversity of habitats and, at the same time, many of these coastal stretches are in erosive condition. Therefore, it is important to understand, in areas where marine erosion is particularly strong, which are the most vulnerable and most threatened habitats. The paper sets out data from the survey of foredune habitats (annual vegetation of drift lines, embryonic dunes, mediterranean white dunes, sensu Directive 92/43/EEC) in the San Rossore Estate sandy coast (Northern Tuscany, Italy) strongly subjected to erosion. The surveys, in addition to updating the information collected, aim to point out the arrangement of these habitats in relation to coastal retrogradation and foredune erosion, in order to identify appropriate management tools for mitigating disturbance factors. The surveys, conducted in the field and by photo-interpretation, revealed the presence of foredune plant communities hardly referable, from the phytosociological point of view, to known associations of neighboring coasts. The Cakile maritima plant communities of annual vegetation of drift lines, the Elymus farctus/Othantus maritimus phytocoenosis of embryonic dune and the Ammophila arenaria/Euphorbia paralias communities of white dunes, are markedly altered in their floristic composition; the coverage and distribution of the different plant communities are in a highly differentiated manner according to erosion gradients. The understanding of dynamics of alteration of psammophilous plant communities in relation to coastal erosion may suggest potential aid in the management actions aimed at containing the transformations or and/or useful for the restoration of the same habitats.

Rewetting in Mediterranean reclaimed peaty soils and its potential for phyto-treatment use

A pilot experimental field combining rewetting of reclaimed peaty soils and water phyto-treatment was set up in the Massaciuccoli Lake basin (Tuscany, Italy) to reduce the water eutrophication and peat degradation caused by almost a century of drainage-based agricultural use. In this paper, we investigated the restoration process occurring consequently to the conversion of a drained area in a natural wetland system (NWS) (the partial top soil removal, the realization of a perimeter levee to contain the waters, the rewetting with the drainage waters coming from the of surrounding cultivated areas) and the capability of the spontaneous vegetation to catch nutrients acting as a vegetation filter. To follow the restoration process over time (2012-2016), we used a mixed approach merging phytosociological surveys with ortophotos taken by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). During the last year of observation (2016), we performed destructive sampling on the most widespread plant communities in the area (Phragmites australis and Myriophyllum aquaticum community) to quantify the biomass production and the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus. Stands of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. yielded more than Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. (4.94xa0kg m-2 vs 1.08xa0kg m-2). M.xa0aquaticum showed higher nutrient contents (2.04% of N and 0.35% of P), however P.xa0australis was able to take up more nutrients within the NWS because of its larger cover and productivity. In the perspective of maximizing the plant development and consequently the amount of nutrients extracted from treated waters, the authors suggest 4-5 year-long-harvesting turns, better occurring in spring-summer.

Dune habitats of the Migliarino – San Rossore – Massaciuccoli Regional Park (Tuscany – Italy)

ABSTRACT Here we present a map of dune habitats (in accordance with Directive 92/43/EEC, MD 20 January 1999) developed from a long-term survey of dune vegetation in the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Regional Park, northern Tuscany, Italy. The 1:7500 map covers a total area of about 394u2005ha, was created in the geographical information system environment for print and digital versions. The aim of this work, in addition to outlining the current vegetation landscape in the printable map, is to monitor changes in dune habitats on the digital version. Phenomena such as coastal erosion and human pressure can be monitored in order to identify appropriate management tools for mitigating or eliminating disturbance factors. The shape and spatial coverage of habitats, identified by previous vegetation surveys in the field, were drawn on the basis of orthophotos using MapInfo®. The study reveals numerous highly significant habitats in terms of conservation, which are often significantly altered in terms of their distribution and surface area due to human activities and coastal erosion.

The Protection Of Biodiversity in Tuscany

The work focuses on the RE.NA.TO Project that proposes guidelines for the preservation of both faunal and floral elements as well as plant communities at high risk of extinction in the Tuscany region. The main goal of the project is to create a Catalogue in which all the information on current and future natural history data will be collected by means of descriptive files and distribution maps including geo-referred GIS data. 472 plants and 84 plant community types were identified as at the greatest danger. In addition, 88 habitats in which these plants and communities are likely to occur were located. The data collected, thanks to this project, will allow a detailed survey of biodiversity in the area and better management of the regional territory.