Luigi Todaro

Leaf-water potential and soil-water depletion of walnut mulched with polyethylene and intercropped with alfalfa in central Italy

In Italy, new agroforestry cultural models could play an important role in the diffusion of plantation forestry timber species. We studied the stem growth rates and leaf water potentials (Ψ) of common walnut (Juglans regia L.), and gravimetric soil moisture (θDW) depletion during the third and fourth growing seasons in an agroforestry trial in central Italy. Since the establishment of experimental plots in 1992, walnut was intercropped with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), with or without polyethylene (PE) mulching along tree rows. By the end of the study period, the unmulched-intercropped walnut was almost 68% smaller in stem diameter and height than the sole-unmulched control, demonstrating walnut’s sensitivity to alfalfa competition. The competitive effect of alfalfa on walnut stem growth was effectively controlled/reduced by PE mulching. Stem growth rates of mulched-intercropped walnut were always lower than the control, but much higher (ca. 235% in stem diameter and height) than those of unmulched-intercropped walnut. The higher field performance of mulched-intercropped walnut compared to the un- mulched-intercropped treatment was associated with higher soil moisture and predawn and midday Ψ values during the summer’s driest periods. The presence of PE mulching was also associated with lower levels of soil moisture during the early and late growing season, but this did not negatively affect walnut Ψ and growth rates. These results suggest that in the climatic conditions of central Italy, competition for soil moisture between young common walnut trees and alfalfa can be substantially lowered, but not completely eliminated, by PE mulching.

Functional adjustments of xylem anatomy to climatic variability: insights from long-term Ilex aquifolium tree-ring series

The present study assessed the effects of climatic conditions on radial growth and functional anatomical traits, including ring width, vessel size, vessel frequency and derived variables, i.e., potential hydraulic conductivity and xylem vulnerability to cavitation in Ilex aquifolium L. trees using long-term tree-ring time series obtained at two climatically contrasting sites, one mesic site in Switzerland (CH) and one drought-prone site in Italy (ITA). Relationships were explored by examining different xylem traits, and point pattern analysis was applied to investigate vessel clustering. We also used generalized additive models and bootstrap correlation functions to describe temperature and precipitation effects. Results indicated modified radial growth and xylem anatomy in trees over the last century; in particular, vessel frequency increased markedly at both sites in recent years, and all xylem traits examined, with the exception of xylem cavitation vulnerability, were higher at the CH mesic compared with the ITA drought site. A significant vessel clustering was observed at the ITA site, which could contribute to an enhanced tolerance to drought-induced embolism. Flat and negative relationships between vessel size and ring width were observed, suggesting carbon was not allocated to radial growth under conditions which favored stem water conduction. Finally, in most cases results indicated that climatic conditions influenced functional anatomical traits more substantially than tree radial growth, suggesting a crucial role of functional xylem anatomy in plant acclimation to future climatic conditions.

Interpreting the Climatic Effects on Xylem Functional Traits in Two Mediterranean Oak Species: The Role of Extreme Climatic Events

In the Mediterranean region, the widely predicted rise in temperature, change in the precipitation pattern, and increase in the frequency of extreme climatic events are expected to alter the shape of ecological communities and to affect plant physiological processes that regulate ecosystem functioning. Although change in the mean values are important, there is increasing evidence that plant distribution, survival, and productivity respond to extremes rather than to the average climatic condition. The present study aims to assess the effects of both mean and extreme climatic conditions on radial growth and functional anatomical traits using long-term tree-ring time series of two co-existing Quercus spp. from a drought-prone site in Southern Italy. In particular, this is the first attempt to apply the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) technique and Bayesian modeling procedures to xylem traits data set, with the aim of (i) detecting non-linear long-term responses to climate and (ii) exploring relationships between climate extreme and xylem traits variability in terms of probability of occurrence. This study demonstrates the usefulness of long-term xylem trait chronologies as records of environmental conditions at annual resolution. Statistical analyses revealed that most of the variability in tree-ring width and specific hydraulic conductivity might be explained by cambial age. Additionally, results highlighted appreciable relationships between xylem traits and climate variability more than tree-ring width, supporting also the evidence that the plant hydraulic traits are closely linked to local climate extremes rather than average climatic conditions. We reported that the probability of extreme departure in specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks) rises at extreme values of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Therefore, changing frequency or intensity of extreme events might overcome the adaptive limits of vascular transport, resulting in substantial reduction of hydraulic functionality and, hence increased incidence of xylem dysfunctions.

Chemical characterization of Cedrus deodara wood extracts using water and molybdenum catalysts

The effect of the presence of some molybdenum catalysts on the amount of extractives in cedar wood has been studied. Autoclave treatment of cedar wood in the presence of some molybdenum catalysts can increase the amount of extracts. While autoclave treatment of cedar wood in water gave 2.85% extractives, the same treatment in the presence of H3PMo12O40 gave 7.51% extractives. In the presence of silica-supported MoO3, the amount of extractives was 5.50%. The extractives obtained using water were partially soluble in chloroform (40.7%). Only 27.6% of the extractives obtained using H3PMo12O40 was soluble in the same organic solvent. When cedar was treated with silica-supported MoO3, 56.4% of the extractives was soluble in chloroform. The extracts can be a source of fatty acids for biodiesel production and simple carbohydrates. The analysis of the chloroform-soluble fraction showed that the autoclave treatment of cedar wood gave 49.7% of a mixture of 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl hexadecanoate, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl octadecanoate, and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl octadecanoate. The extractives obtained in the presence of the polyoxometalate molybdenum derivative gave 95% of the same esters of fatty acids, while those obtained in the presence of silica supported MoO3 showed the presence of 93% of the same esters. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of water-soluble fraction showed the presence of some simple carbohydrates, mainly ribose, xylose, and arabinose.

Machinability of Minor Wooden Species before and after Modification with Thermo-Vacuum Technology

The influence of the thermal modification process on wood machinability was investigated with four minor species of low economic importance. A set of representative experimental samples was machined to the form of disks with sharp and dull tools. The resulting surface quality was visually evaluated by a team of experts according to the American standard procedure ASTM D-1666-87. The objective quantification of the surface quality was also done by means of a three dimensions (3D) surface scanner for the whole range of grain orientations. Visual assessment and 3D surface analysis showed a good agreement in terms of conclusions. The best quality of the wood surface was obtained when machining thermally modified samples. The positive effect of the material modification was apparent when cutting deodar cedar, black pine and black poplar in unfavorable conditions (i.e., against the grain). The difference was much smaller for an easy-machinability specie such as Italian alder. The use of dull tools resulted in the worst surface quality. Thermal modification has shown a very positive effect when machining with dull tools, leading to a relevant increment of the final surface smoothness.

Climatic signal from Pinus leucodermis axial resin ducts: a tree-ring time series approach

Developing long-term chronologies of tree-ring anatomical features to evaluate climatic relationships within species might serve as an annual proxy to explore and elucidate the climatic drivers affecting xylem differentiation. Pinus leucodermis response to climate was examined by analyzing vertical xylem resin ducts in wood growing at high elevation in the Apennines of peninsular Southern Italy. Early- and latewood tree-ring resin duct chronologies, spanning the 1804–2010 time period, were constructed. We analyzed the relationships between resin duct chronologies and climate over the last century using correlation and response function analyses. Overall, results showed that ring width and resin duct relationships differed between early- and latewood, which indicated conditions affecting growth were not associated with resin duct production. Results also revealed differential responses to climate between early- and latewood resin duct chronologies. A notable observation was a positive and stable relationship between latewood resin duct number chronology and July maximum temperature throughout the twentieth century. This result suggested resin ducts might be a suitable proxy to evaluate P. leucodermis response to climate in the study area.

Effect of heat treatment on wood chemical composition, extraction yield and quality of the extractives of some wood species by the use of molybdenum catalysts

The effect of heat treatment and the presence of some molybdenum catalysts on the amount of extractives in Populus nigra, Larix decidua, Paulownia tomentosa, Castanea sativa and Quercus frainetto wood were studied. There are an increase in the amount of lignin and extractives and a decrease in the amount of holocellulose following thermo-treatment, in the treatment temperature range. Autoclave treatment of wood with water in the presence of some molybdenum catalysts can increase the amount of extracts, but it reduces solubility. Soxhlet extraction of wood with ethanol/toluene mixture in the presence of H3PMo12O40 increases the amount of extractives and their solubility in chloroform, while in the presence of MoO3 only the solubility of extractives increases. GC–MS analysis of insoluble fraction showed the presence of myo-inositol and some simple carbohydrates, mainly ribose, xylose and glucose. GC–MS analysis of soluble fraction showed the presence of long-chain acids and fatty acid esters of 10–20 carbon atoms, mainly decanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid, which can be a source of fatty acids for biodiesel production.

Wettability and Color Change of Thermally Treated Poplar OSB after Accelerated Weathering Test

Oriented strand board (OSB) panels are widely marketed for several applications, from 13 building to packaging. The manufacturing of poplar OSB started recently in Northern Italy 14 representing a relevant innovation in the sector since this product is usually made of coniferous 15 wood. The thermal treatment is widely used for reducing the hygroscopicity of wood-based 16 products, nonetheless it influences the mechanical behavior and degrades the main components of 17 wood, which can affect their finishing. Therefore, it is important to know the properties of the 18 treated surfaces. To this purpose, in this study a lot of OSB panels, made of poplar wood, 15 mm 19 thick and with a density of 590 kg/m3, were thermally treated under vacuum conditions at 190 °C 20 for 2 h and then subjected to accelerated weathering. The changes in color and in wettability due to 21 treatment and accelerated weathering were studied. The thermal treatment determined a 22 significant darkening of the color; the accelerated weathering darkened the untreated surfaces and, 23 on the opposite, lightened the thermo-treated surfaces. The wettability decreased after thermal 24 treatment and increased after weathering, more evidently in treated panels. Overall, this study 25 improves the knowledge about the behavior of the surface of thermo-treated poplar OSB, which is 26 relevant for the industrial coating of this product. 27

Lignin and extractives degradation in poplar wood in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and molybdenum polyoxometalated compound

Lignin is an unwanted by-product in bioethanol production from a biomass. The treatment of poplar wood with hydrogen peroxide induces only a decreased amount of extractives and a small reduction in the amount of cellulose in the wood. When the reaction is performed in the presence of H3PMo12O40, besides the reduction of extractives, an effective decrease in the lignin amount (from 29 to 10%) was observed. A small reduction of the cellulose amount has been observed. When the reaction is performed in the presence of light, a reduction of the efficiency in lignin decomposition has been observed.

The Use of a Molybdenum Polyoxometalated Compound to Increase the Amount of Extractives from Wood Wastes

The treatment of wood wastes of Castanea sativa L., Quercus frainetto, Larix decidua, and Paulownia tomentosa S. in autoclave in the presence of micrometric crystals of H3PMo12O40 showed an impressive increase of the amount of extractives. The extractives were mainly constituted of insoluble compounds that were analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after acetylation. The GC-MS analysis of the chloroform soluble fraction of the extractives obtained from sativa showed the presence of methyl hexadecanoate and octadecanoic acid, that of the extractives of frainetto showed the presence of octadecanal and some long chain hydrocarbons. decidua extracts showed the presence of large amounts of sesamin, while the extractives of P tomentosa revealed the presence of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycimmanaldehyde, and relevant amounts of long chain hydrocarbons. The insoluble fraction showed the presence of relevant amounts of several carbohydrates and, in the case of C. sativa, of inositol.