Elisabetta Sgarbi

Phenol metabolism is differentially affected by ozone in two cell lines from grape (Vitis vinifera L.) leaf

Abstract Two differentially ozone-sensitive cell lines obtained from Vitis vinifera leaf explants, one richer in polyphenols and brown pigmented (Ph+) and the other phenol-poorer and pale (Ph−), were used as experimental tool for analyzing ozone (O 3 ) stress response. The study deals with the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathway induction by ozone stress. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5), stilbene synthase (STS, EC 2.3.1.95), chalcone synthase (CHS, EC 2.3.1.74) activities in particular were assayed in order to obtain additional information on the biochemical parameters involved in the early ozone response. A pool of phenolics was also examined in Ph+ and Ph− callus. These compounds appeared to decrease and only Ph+ callus seemed able to recover the metabolites considered. PAL activity increased in both cell lines during ozone fumigation, reaching the highest increase in Ph+. Ph− cell line seemed to be able to synthesize stilbene phytoalexin, measured as resveratrol, which showed maximum value at 24 h after ozone treatment. No evidence of involvement of CHS in the ozone response was recorded in either of the cell lines selected.

Gynostemium micromorphology and pollination in Epipactis microphylla (Orchidaceae)

Self-pollination conditions have been recorded frequently in local populations of the genus Epipactis, and structural modifications have sometimes been reported, supporting taxonomic recognition of new species. As part of a survey of gynostemium micromorphology of Italian Epipactis populations, we studied an Apennine population of Epipactis microphylla (Ehrh.) Sw. a species listed as autogamous but with residual allogamous characters. In this population we observed the tendency to perform pre-anthesis cleistogamy. However, self-pollination was not a consequence of modification in column morphology. Cryptic pollen germination occurred in anther thecae or in the clinandrium, bypassing any contact with the receptive stigma. Pollen germination started from the distal pool of the pollinium, close to the rostellum-viscidium, suggesting that the rostellum-viscidium may have a function in promoting pollen-tube growth. Germinated pollen was exposed at the anthesis.

In vitro asymbiotic germination and seedling development of Limodorum abortivum (Orchidaceae).

Abstract Germination tests were carried out using immature seeds of Limodorum abortivum and applying in vitro techniques. The results proved that BM1 culture medium is suitable to promote both germination and further growth stages. Details of the developmental pattern, and some micromorphological features, are described.

Differential Sensitivity to Ozone in Two Selected Cell Lines from Grape Leaf

Summary Two cell populations with different phenol-phenotypes were selected from leaf explants of the ozonesensitive Vitis vinifera L. cv. Lambrusco salamino. Experimental exposure of these cell lines to a 2 h fumigation with 300 ppb ozone caused a differential response. Peroxidative injuries, evaluated on the basis of malondialdehyde production and at the ultrastructural level, were induced in phenol-rich (Ph+) but not in phenol-poorer (Ph-) cells. Apoplastic ascorbate-peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), to which a prevailing role in apoplastic H202 scavenging has been attributed, was substantially stimulated in Ph- cells during ozone exposure; guaiacol-peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) reached maximum values 12 h later. Only guaiacol-peroxidase was rapidly induced in Ph+ cells, whereas ascorbate-peroxidase was inhibited to some extent. Phenol-poor cells thus proved able to promptly activate the biphasic extracellular peroxidase(s) defence system against ozone induced oxidative stress. On the contrary, the phenol-rich cell type appeared to be a very sensitive target of ozone toxicity; this suggests that the sensitivity displayed by the whole leaf of the grape cultivar used as explant source might be conditioned by the constitutive presence of a great number of such cells.

Review on the influence of biological deterioration on the surface properties of building materials: organisms, materials, and methods.

A strong attention is recently paid to surface properties of building materials as these allows controlling solar gains of the building envelope and overheating of buildings and urban areas. In this regard, deterioration phenomena due to biological aggression can quickly damage solar-reflecting roof surfaces and thus increase sharply solar gains, discomfort, air-conditioning costs and waterproofing degradation. The same deterioration problem has deleterious effect on cultural heritage, ruining its huge historic and artistic value. This work is aimed at providing an overview on the different organisms that affect the surface of most used building materials, to support the design of new building materials with long-lasting surface properties and to find a way to preserve cultural heritage. Artificial ageing is the long-term aim of this investigation, in which what in nature happens after months or years is compressed in a very short time by forcing the growth of microorganisms through a strict control on the different conditioning factors. Both natural and artificial ageing are eventually outlined in the last part of this work to provide a comprehensive idea of what is necessary to study in a complete way biological ageing protocols on building materials. Several characterization techniques are also introduced to analyse the influence of microorganisms on the surface of different building materials.

The Modena Botanic Garden: Plant Conservation and Habitat Management Strategies

The Botanic Garden of Modena (Northern Italy) was founded in 1758 by Duke Francesco III d’Este. Its original functions of “Hortus simplicium” evolved over more than two centuries of its academic history, until its present structure. Today, like the majority of the University Botanic Gardens in Italy, the Modena Botanic Garden is involved in several projects for plant conservation and ecosystem management that are compliant with the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Even if its original location in the centre of the town does not permit enlargement or structural modifications, it does, however, greatly help the education activities carried out in the Garden, while the conservation activities are developed outside the Garden by means of numerous co-operations with Parks, natural reserves and other administrative bodies or institutions. The Botanic Garden of Modena recently started various in situ/ex situ integrated conservation projects with Parks and other land-managing institutions. Even if such projects involve only a limited number of Endangered and/or Vulnerable species/populations, some interesting and noticeable results have been achieved. Plantlets (e.g. indigenous Orchidaceae) are often obtained by the way of non-conventional techniques such as in vitro culture. Co-operation with local Museums has provided interesting sources for future action: the collections that they preserve are mostly related to circumscribed local areas or well-defined periods, so they are the source of fundamental information about past situations. Investigation on flora and vegetation and the monitoring of plants and plant communities, carried out in protected areas, cooperating with the National Forestry Service, is a very important source of knowledge to improve conservation and verify the effectiveness of conservation actions.

The effect of PlantformTM bioreactor on micropropagation of Quercus robur in comparison to a conventional in vitro culture system on gelled medium, and assessment of the microenvironment influence on leaf structure

Abstract Quercus robur L. was micropropagated by axillary bud proliferation testing two different shoot culture systems: (i) on gelled medium in Microbox (plastic vessel with a strip for ventilation) and (ii) in liquid culture in PlantformTM bioreactor (a temporary immersion system). Two different conditions of temporary immersion were assessed: 12 min/8 h (Plantform 1) and 8 min/16 h (Plantform 2). The effect of the two culture systems was evaluated also during subsequent rooting phase, carried out on gelled medium. Finally, the influence of the different culture conditions on leaf structure was considered, taking also into consideration the micromorphological characters of young leaves from in-field-grown oaks. Nodal segments, excised from established in vitro shoots and cultured on modified Woody Plant Medium, showed a higher Relative Growth Rate in Plantform than in Microbox, but culture conditions provided in Plantform 1 favored shoot and leaf hyperhydricity. Shoots cultured in Microbox or Plantform 2 presented the same percentage of rooting after their transfer on gelled rooting medium. Leaves developed in the two different microenvironments had large stomata with elliptical shape, which indicates good functionality, and formed hairs, and epicuticolar waxes. These leaf features are considered to provide a good adaptability to ex vitro conditions.

Accelerated biological ageing of solar reflective and aesthetically relevant building materials

ABSTRACT The properties of building materials relevant to their thermal or aesthetical performance can be seriously influenced by the colonization of external surfaces by microorganisms. Deterioration phenomena due to biological aggression cause the loss of energy performance of solar reflective materials because of the decrease of solar reflectance. Bio-deterioration also affects cultural heritage, damaging the aesthetic appearance and thus the historic value. In order to investigate the consequences of biological aggression in short times, an accelerated test method based on a laboratory-reproducible set-up is proposed. Specific and controlled environmental conditions are chosen to accelerate as much as possible biological growth on building materials. In this regard, a reproducible bio-ageing protocol has been outlined and it allows a set of materials to reach an advanced bio-aged level in a short time (8 weeks or less). This test method is aimed to comparatively evaluate different materials under a given set of ageing conditions. Through surface, microstructural and chemical analysis, the evolution of the materials’ properties after ageing is investigated. Attention is also paid to bacterial and algal growth rate by analysing time-progressive images.