Laura Maleci

Further Investigations on the Karyotype of Several 40 Chromosome Dwarf Bearded Irises (I. Chamaeiris Bertol. S.L.)

SUMMARYThe investigation of Iris chamaeiris Bertol. s.l. (Maugini and Bini Maleci 1973), is extended to other specimens from Morteto (Ponte a Moriano—Lucca).Following certain general observations, the karyotype of these plants is described in detail. Most of them show a normal karyotype, but two of them show an abnormal one. The two karyotypes observed in the specimens from Morteto are compared with each other and each of them is also compared with the previously studied karyotypes from M. Morello, M. Argentario and Quercianella-Le Forbici.The chromosomal instability of I. chamaeiris s.l. is revealed and justified both by the active vegetative reproduction and by the probable hybrid origin of these plants.

Karyotypes of Male-Fertile and Male-Sterile Iris Pallida Lam. Growing in Tuscany

SUMMARYIris pallida Lam. is widespread in Tuscany where it is mostly cultivated for commercial purposes. Most of the plants observed are male-sterile. Particular attention was given to the Irises cultivated in Caspri (Castelfranco di Sopra—Arezzo) where malesterile and male-fertile plants, as well as a third type called « dentaroli », all grow together. According to the local farmers, « dentaroli » are characterized by lack of flowers. Plants, mostly of the male-sterile type, from areas other than Caspri were examined.The karyotype presents 4 chromosome groups characterized by centromere position (Fig. 1). Male-fertile individuals and « dentaroli » types possess the same normal karyotype. Malesterile specimens instead possess a heteromorphous pair 4, where one chromosome has a regular submedian centromere, while the centromere of the other chromosome is in a median position. The large number of specimens observed, makes it likely that the heteromorphous pair 4 is characteristic of all male-sterile individ...

Investigations on the Karyotype of 40 Chromosome Dwarf Bearded Irises (Third Contribution)

SUMMARYThe study of 40 chromosome dwarf bearded Irises, reported in previous papers, has now been extended to the localities of Monte Marcello, Pozzuolo, San Giuliano Terme, Gabbro, Braccagni, Alberese, La Marsiliana along the banks of the river Albegna and La Marsiliana-Pietricci. A common karyotype, showing slight differences, according to the clones examined and generally referring to the satellites, has been evidenced by means of karyological investigation. In addition to this a brief morphological analysis of the specimens has been carried out at flowering in the Hortum Botanicum Florentinum. The data recorded in Table I show that it is impossible to distinguish different entities in the group of the Irises studied, through karyological analysis. This seems to be confirmed by the few morphological data. More detailed morphological analysis and possibly an investigation on the behaviour of the hybrids, would seem at the moment to be the only way to solve this problem.

Mine Waste: Assessment of Environmental Contamination and Restoration

Abstract Ore exploitation constitutes an environmental concern, since both exhausted deposits and active mine sites leave on the land a huge amount of mine waste, with environmental damage and a potential threat to living organisms and human health. The increasing environmental consciousness of the general population has compelled public administrators to set down effective legislation. One of the most important issues is remediation of contaminated sites. Costs related to remediation, however, are very high. In areas affected by high contamination, such as mine waste, direct and indirect health hazards require urgent restoration, regardless of the remediation technology selected for the site, in order to eliminate or reduce the environmental hazard and contribute to the valorization of green areas otherwise not usable. Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that holds great potential in cleaning up contaminants that: (1) are near the surface, (2) cover large surface areas, and (3) pose little imminent risk to the environment. Moreover, it is cost-effective in comparison to current technologies, and environmentally friendly. The abandoned mine sites represent actual natural laboratories for experimenting with new opportunities for restoration. Plants growing on mine waste are genetically metal-tolerant, and therefore may be utilized in phytoremediation of contaminated sites. Furthermore, the institution of natural parks in these areas could enhance their educational and scientific value, contributing to general population recreation.