Stefania Nin

Callus cultures of Artemisia absinthium L.: initiation, growth optimization and organogenesis

Callus cultures were initiated from micropropagated Artemisia absinthium plantlets on MS basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of BA, Kn, NAA, IAA and 2,4-d in combination or singly. Supplementing the medium with low doses of both BA in combination with NAA, and Kn in combination with NAA enhanced the growth rate of callus cultures. However, cultures grew slowly following the second subculture and the majority turned brown and died within the next month. Initiation of root and shoot primordia occured directly from leaf explants cultured on 1.81 μM 2,4-d, while adventitious shoot formation from callus was observed occasionally when BA was added to the medium in combination with IAA. Furthermore, medium containing 2.22 μM BA and 2.69 μM NAA stimulated both callus growth and organogenesis on some callus cultures derived from leaves and stems of young stock material. The best results were obtained with leaf explants. Cytological analysis of root meristems revealed that all regenerants were diploid (2n=18), as expected.

Quantitative Determination of Some Essential Oil Components of Selected Artemisia absinthium Plants

ABSTRACT The essential oils obtained by steam distillation of leaves and flowers of 49 selected Artemisia absinthium mother plants of different geographical origins which were grown in Tuscany (Carmignano, Firenze), were analyzed by GC. More than 90 compounds were found in the oils, most of which occurred only in trace amounts. Eight components, which have been reported to have antibacterial activity (α- and β-thujone, terpinen-4-ol, linalool, nerol, geraniol, α-pinene, 1,8-cineole) were identified and their percentages in each of the oils were determined. From these results, oil composition variations both within and between the accessions were found. Some genotypes were characterized by particularly high percentages of active principles.

Soilless systems as an alternative to wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) traditional open-field cultivation in marginal lands of the Tuscan Apennines to enhance crop yield and producers’ income

ABSTRACT Yield and quality of wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) cultivars ‘Regina delle Valli’ and ‘Alpine’ cultivated in soil, as the traditional production system, and in soilless (both in open air and protected environments), as an innovative and sustainable production system, were investigated in a marginal and inner area of the Pistoiese Apennine Mountains during two production seasons. An earlier marketable production was obtained in soilless culture, but total marketable yield was higher from plants grown in a traditional open-field environment. Fruits obtained from the protected soilless system were larger, but developed some mildew, had some visual defects, and revealed a reduced skin chroma index, flesh firmness, and total soluble solids content compared to fruits harvested from plants grown under direct sunlight, while no significant differences were observed in total titratable acidity and pH between growing systems. ‘Alpine’ was more suited to soilless protected cultivation, with a much higher yield compared to ‘Regina delle Valli’. Physicochemical properties of berries were not affected by the cultivar, but fruit quality changed with plant age and seasonal crop cycle. ‘Alpine’ fruits gained a greater sensorial preference, both in traditional soil and soilless culture.