R. Gellini

Residual heavy metal (Cu and Cd) removal byIris Pseudacorus

The uptake of Cu and Cd by the roots ofIris pseudacorus and its transport to rhizome and leaves were examined using solutions containing 0.5 and 5.0 mg L−1 of Cu and Cd. Heavy metal accumulation was measured while replacing the metal absorbed by the plants with daily introduction to restore the initial concentrations. The heavy metal accumulation by Iris p. was 1.01 g Cu and 0.69 g Cd kg−1 of fresh plant at the end of the tests for the solutions of 5.0 mg L−1 metal concentration, respectively.

Monitoring in 1989 of Mediterranean tree condition and nutritional status in southern Tuscany, Italy

Abstract Previous investigation has shown evidence of damage to forest vegetation throughout Tuscany, especially in the coastal areas. In 1989 a specific survey was carried out in a 400 km2 region which has a number of major emission sources. Two hundred sampling plots were selected on a 1 km X 1 km grid; 5193 trees were assessed and 306 leaf samples and 198 soil samples were collected. Results show that: (1) evergreen species (both conifers and broadleaves) are the most affected: (2) damage seems more intense nearer to the emission sources where crown density is significantly reduced; (3) N, Ca, K and Cu contents in leaves are often at a critical level or deficient; (4) geographical distribution of Pb in the surface soil and Na in the leaves coincides in part with the more damaged zone.

Effects of acid fog and detergents on foliar leaching of cations

Relative rates of nutrient leaching from the epygeous apparatus of Quercus ilex L., Fagus sylvatica L., Acer opalus Mill., Euonymus japonicus L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. were examined after exposure to simulated acid fog. Copper, Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, and Pb were preferentially leached at low pH, whereas leaching rates of Na, K, and Cd did not appear to be pH-influenced. Addition of surfactant to the spray solutions showed a slight reduction of leaching for all elements investigated. Except for Mg, foliar nutrient levels were not influenced during our experiments.

Morphological and anatomical traits identifying the silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) from the Serra San Bruno provenance

Abstract Purpose of the study is to find a faster and simpler way to identify the silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) from Serra San Bruno (Catanzaro). A morphological and anatomical analysis comparing the Serra San Bruno provenance and the Vallombrosa provenance detected that the SSB provenance had a higher percentage of needles with pointed apex and with stomata on the adaxial side, a greater number of stomatal rows per band, a greater number of stomata per 1 mm segment and per mm2, a greater thickness of the mechanical tissue (epidermis and hypodermis) and the palisade parenchyma, and a smaller diameter of the resin ducts. Observations with the electron microscope confirm these differences and show up the greater xeromorphic adaptation of the SSB provenance. Since many PSSB traits are retained when the provenance is transplanted outside its natural area of distribution, they are probably genetic in origin.

Danni di nuovo tipo in Fagus sylvatica L. Osservazioni al SEM delle superfici fogliari

Abstract Damages of new type in Fagus sylvatica L. trees. SEM-observations of foliar surfaces. - Within researches on damages of new type (Neuartigen Waldschaden) that mark pathological aspects of «forest decline», we have made a set of observations by SEM and we have examinated structural changes of epidermis of Fagus sylvatica L. leaves from healthy and damaged trees in Vallombrosa forest (near Florence). Observations have been correlated with some environmental parameters. A part from these researches, we have exposed seedlings of Beech to simulated acid fogs (pH 2.5 and 3.0, with and without detergents). In this paper microdamages observed at SEM are described and compared with those naturally occurred.

Species of the genus Quercus in Italy: Characterization by means of leaf surface observation

Abstract We propose a study of the main species belonging to the genus Quercus in Italy, characterized and identified by means of leaf surface observation, with special attention devoted to waxes, trichomes and stomata. Comparing our results with the classification proposed by SCHWARZ (1984), we find that species belonging to Schwarzs subgenus Quercus are recognizable because their waxes are structured in vertical scales; the two other subgenera (Sclerophyllodrys and Cerris) present smooth wax structures, their distinctive feature being the shape of the stomatal rima, which is roundish in Sclerophyllodrys and elliptical in Cerris. The study characterizes Quercus pubescens Willd. and Quercus petraea Liebl. by analyzing some morphometric traits; but the authors feel that further research is needed on these critical taxonomic entities. Lastly, the study examines forms of was degeneration correlated to the phenomenon known as oak decline.

Incipient Forest Decline in the Province of Trento (Northern Italy). Preliminary Sem Observations and Consideration of Inorganic Components of Leaves and Roots

Abstract One year old needles of both healthy and damaged silver fir and Norway spruce from the area of Trento (Northern Italy) were observed by SEM. Needles of damaged trees show quite evident structural alterations of epidermis, expecially epicuticular waxes. Roots and needles of both fir and spruce are also tested for their metal content. Evidence is reported of an increasing concentration of Fe, Mg and Ca in roots of plants grown on alkali soil. Ca, and to a lesser extent Fe, Al and Pb, appears to be more present in old needles, whereas K and Mg exhibit higher amounts in young needles. Some indications are found between damage and the content of some metals such as Mg and Mn in needles.

InSOrgenZA E SViluppo Delle Radici AvventiZIe In Olea Europaea L.: ImportanZA Della STruttura Anatomica Agli Effetti Dello SViluppo Delle Radichette

Abstract Formation and development of adventitious roots in OLEA EUROPAEA L.: Significance of the anatomical structure for the development of radicles. — A histological and anatomical study on olive-tree cuttings has been carried out in order to follow the structural modifications occurring during their stay in the rooting bed, and the processes of formation and development of adventitious roots. In the practice, the cuttings commonly used for the propagation of olive-tree are taken from 1-year old twigs; their rizogenous capacity is remarkably poor and the percentage of rooting may be increased only through special treatments (i. e. mist-propagation). The authors have studied the anatomical and histological causes of the different behaviour of coetaneous twigs taken from the same grown-up tree and kept under identical environment conditions. It has been ascertained the existence of a mechanical hindrance (the structure of the scleren-chymatous ring) to the development of the newborn radicles. When this h...

Crown structure modifications in relation to air pollution

Abstract Analysis of crown structure and crown modifications plays a role of primary importance in surveys of ‘new types of forest damage’, since it is a decisive parameter in assessing the health status of a tree. Several forms of ramification alterations have been described in central and northern European species (Norway spruce, beech, Durmast oak, English oak, birch). This study examines the situation in Tuscany and offers a description of the alterations found in the main species typical of the Mediterranean region (Turkey oak, pubescent oak, holm oak, stone pine). The article discusses the potential impact of these alterations on the most typical forest formations, the ones which characterize the Tuscan landscape, and it describes the modifications already under way.

Variazioni stagionali di nutrienti minerali ed elementi in traccia nelle foglie di Fagus sylvatica L. a Vallombrosa (FI)

Abstract Seasonal variations of mineral nutrients and trace elements in Fagus sylvatica L. leaves at Vallombrosa (FI). - During the vegetative periodo 1987 monthly samples of beech leaves were collected in Vallombrosa forest area to determine the nutritive situation of beech trees by leaves analysis. Among nutrients, potassium appears the worst supplied one. Even copper is present in very low values, under the critical level. Heavy metals as manganese, aluminium, lead, cadmium and also iron show a clear increase during the vegetative season.