Article
Plant Sciences
Trifone D'Addabbo, Aldo Tava, Maria Pia Argentieri, Elisa Biazzi, Vincenzo Candido, Pinarosa Avato
Summary: This study investigated the biocidal activity of flavonoids and tannins in sulla, as well as the suppressive effects of sulla biomass on the root-knot nematode. Results showed that flavonoids and tannins in sulla have the potential to kill nematodes, and soil amendment with sulla biomass can effectively reduce nematode densities on tomato roots and in the soil.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Pablo Jose Rufino-Moya, Juan Ramon Bertolin, Mireia Blanco, Sandra Lobon, Margalida Joy
Summary: The study found that haymaking had a greater impact on the fatty acid, carotenoid, and alpha-tocopherol contents, but a lesser effect on antioxidant activities than silage-making, which were strongly related to their contents of polyphenols and proanthocyanidins.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Silvia Del Bianco, Antonio Natalello, Giuseppe Luciano, Bernardo Valenti, Luca Campidonico, Vasiliki Gkarane, Frank Monahan, Luisa Biondi, Saida Favotto, Angela Sepulcri, Edi Piasentier
Summary: Tannins have the ability to form complexes with proteins, limiting their degradation and thus inhibiting the synthesis of certain odour-active compounds. Different types of tannins can influence the volatile profile and flavour of meat, with tannin extracts reducing pastoral odour in lamb meat.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wei Wang, Amlan Kumar Patra, Ryszard Puchala, Luana Ribeiro, Terry Allen Gipson, Arthur Louis Goetsch
Summary: This study investigated the effects of feeding condensed tannin-containing Sericea lespedeza hay on feed intake, digestion, growth performance, energy metabolism, and ruminal fermentation and methane emission in ruminants. The results showed that increasing the concentration of lespedeza in the diet decreased the digestion of fiber and nitrogen, resulting in reduced growth performance. However, the dietary concentration of lespedeza did not affect methane emission in goats or sheep. This suggests that feeding lespedeza has important effects on nitrogen digestion and growth performance in ruminants, but does not decrease methane emission. Further research is needed.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Riccardo Gannuscio, Marialetizia Ponte, Antonino Di Grigoli, Giuseppe Maniaci, Adriana Di Trana, Monica Bacchi, Marco Alabiso, Adriana Bonanno, Massimo Todaro
Summary: Sulla forage with condensed tannins has positive effects on animal productivity and antioxidant status. Dehydrated Sulla forage can be a good alternative to fresh forage. This research shows that pelleted dehydrated Sulla forage can produce similar effects as fresh forage and provides a good storage solution in periods of low availability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Elkadri Lefi, Walid Zorrig, Samouna Ben Hamed, Mokded Rabhi, Chedly Abdelly, Mohamed Chaieb
Summary: This study investigated the effects of drought stress on physiological parameters and photosystem II (PSII) stability in Hedysarum coronarium and Hedysarum carnosum. The results showed that drought stress significantly decreased relative water content, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange. However, H. coronarium plants exhibited better protection in these physiological parameters compared to H. carnosum.
ACTA PHYSIOLOGIAE PLANTARUM
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Roberta Rossi, Mariana Amato, Salvatore Claps
Summary: Under drought stress, Sulla plants showed reduced biomass, number of leaves, and root length compared to well-watered treatment. Centauro displayed more shoots, a trend for more leaves, and higher root length across irrigation levels. Drought stress affected condensed tannin content differently between Centauro and Bellante.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
R. N. S. Torres, C. P. Ghedini, J. R. Paschoaloto, D. A. da Silva, L. M. Coelho, G. A. Almeida Junior, J. M. B. Ezequiel, O. R. Machado Neto, M. T. C. Almeida
Summary: The study found that tannins supplementation in sheep diets can reduce enteric methane emissions and increase meat concentrations of fatty acids with human health benefits. However, it should be noted that tannins may have a negative effect on carcass weight when fed to young lambs.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Roberto Scaffaro, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino, Maria Clara Citarrella, Andrea Maio
Summary: The addition of natural scraps to biodegradable polymers has attracted attention as a way to reduce environmental pollution caused by traditional plastics. In this study, new composites were developed by adding Hedysarum coronarium flour to Poly (lactic acid), and their properties were characterized. Results showed that the addition of the filler effectively improved the performance of the polymer composites.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
T. Uushona, O. C. Chikwanha, C. L. F. Katiyatiya, T. Tayengwa, P. E. Strydom, Cletos Mapiye
Summary: The rising global demand for meat and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led to the search for alternative feed resources. Australian Acacias (IAA) are potential feed resources that can improve animal health and meat quality while reducing emissions. This review explores the nutritional and phytochemical compositions of IAA, their effects on meat production and quality, nematode suppression, and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The valorisation of IAA leaves has the potential to create sustainable value chains in the ruminant industry.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marialetizia Ponte, Giuseppe Maniaci, Antonino Di Grigoli, Riccardo Gannuscio, Mansour Rabie Ashkezary, Margherita Addis, Marianna Pipi, Marco Alabiso, Massimo Todaro, Adriana Bonanno
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different diets on cheese properties, showing that the use of fresh forage greatly improved the health properties and oxidative stability of the cheese.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Claudia Baila, Sandra Lobon, Mireia Blanco, Isabel Casasus, Guillermo Ripoll, Margalida Joy
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of feeding dams with sainfoin PAC on the growth, carcass, and meat quality of suckling lambs. The presence of PAC in the dams' diet did not significantly affect the performance and product quality of their suckling lambs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Roberto Scaffaro, Maria Clara Citarrella, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino, Marco Morreale
Summary: An innovative green composite was produced by adding Hedysarum coronarium flour to a starch-based biodegradable polymer. The influence of filler content on processability, morphology, and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The results showed that FDM samples had higher mechanical properties compared to CM ones, and the filler effectively acted as reinforcement in the composites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aldo Tava, Elisa Biazzi, Domenico Ronga, Mariella Mella, Filippo Doria, Trifone D'Addabbo, Vincenzo Candido, Pinarosa Avato
Summary: Sulla is a biennial forage legume originated from the Mediterranean basin, known for its high forage quality and palatability. Chemical analysis of the extracts from Sulla leaves and flowers revealed its potential as a valuable source of phytochemicals for various applications in human and animal health and nutrition.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
You Jin Lim, Seok Hyun Eom
Summary: The changes in antioxidant activities during the thermal-drying processing of astringent persimmon fruit were investigated. The antioxidant activities of the flesh decreased in a temperature-dependent manner, while those of the peel increased due to the increase in total phenolics and hydrolysable tannins.
Article
Agronomy
Roberto Marceddu, Lucia Dinolfo, Alessandra Carrubba, Mauro Sarno, Giuseppe Di Miceli
Summary: Milk thistle is a versatile crop with reliable source of silymarin. Although there have been many studies on its bioactivity, phytochemistry, and genetics, research on its agronomy and farm opportunities is limited. However, its multiple potential uses and reduced need for external inputs make it an interesting alternative crop, especially for marginal environments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mario Licata, Davide Farruggia, Nicolo Iacuzzi, Claudio G. Leto, Teresa G. Tuttolomondo, Giuseppe G. Di Miceli
Summary: In recent years, climate change has led to a reduction in water resources in Southern Europe, highlighting the importance of using non-conventional water resources for agricultural irrigation. The reuse of treated wastewater can effectively reduce freshwater consumption and the need for mineral fertilisers.
Article
Agronomy
Giuseppe Di Miceli, Mario Licata, Roberto Marceddu
Summary: Intercropping is a sustainable agricultural system in semiarid Mediterranean environments. Two experiments were conducted in Sicily, Italy to assess the biomass production of forage crop mixtures and the quality of silages. The intercropping of pea-wheat and pea-ryegrass showed good performance, and all silages were suitable for high-quality production in the Southern Mediterranean region.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guglielmo Puccio, Rosolino Ingraffia, Francesco Mercati, Gaetano Amato, Dario Giambalvo, Federico Martinelli, Francesco Sunseri, Alfonso S. Frenda
Summary: The salinity of soil is an important environmental problem, especially in arid and semiarid areas, and is becoming more relevant due to climate change. This study used RNA-Seq analysis to identify key genes involved in the response to salt stress induced by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in durum wheat. The findings revealed the enhancement of genes related to plant stress responses and modulation of gene expression involved in various metabolic pathways. The study also found differential expression of transcription factors known to play a key role in plant abiotic stress response. These insights contribute to our understanding of AMF-induced gene expression modulation and the beneficial effects of plant-AMF interaction in wheat under salt stress.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Rosolino Ingraffia, A. Lo Porto, Paolo Ruisi, Gaetano Amato, Dario Giambalvo, Alfonso Salvatore Frenda
Summary: This study conducted a 2-year experiment in Mediterranean areas to investigate the soil N dynamics, crop N uptake, grain yield, and N use efficiency during the transition phase from conventional tillage to no-tillage. The results showed that no-tillage reduced wheat N uptake and grain yield under low soil N availability compared to conventional tillage. The difference between the two tillage systems decreased with increasing N-fertilization rate. Therefore, using no-tillage alone as a substitute for conventional tillage is not feasible, and optimizing the N-fertilization strategy is necessary for a more sustainable agriculture.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuliana Garofalo, Marialetizia Ponte, Carlo Greco, Marcella Barbera, Michele Massimo Mammano, Giancarlo Fascella, Giuseppe Greco, Giulia Salsi, Santo Orlando, Antonio Alfonzo, Antonino Di Grigoli, Daniela Piazzese, Adriana Bonanno, Luca Settanni, Raimondo Gaglio
Summary: In this study, oregano essential oils (OEOs) were used to process fresh ovine cheese. Cheese making trials showed that two strains of Lactococcus lactis were able to grow in the presence of OEOs and dominate over indigenous milk lactic acid bacteria. Carvacrol was the most abundant compound found in the cheese, constituting over 65% of the volatile fraction. Adding OEOs increased the antioxidant capacity of the cheese by 43%. Sensory evaluation showed that ECP100 cheeses were preferred by the panel. Artificial contamination tests demonstrated a significant reduction in dairy pathogens in OEO-added cheeses.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mario Licata, Davide Farruggia, Nicolo Iacuzzi, Roberto Matteo, Teresa Tuttolomondo, Giuseppe Di Miceli
Summary: This study assessed the effects of genotype and climate conditions on the productivity of eight high oleic safflower genotypes under rainfed conditions in Sicily, Italy. It was found that genotype and climate factors significantly influenced the morphological and yield components, with CTI 17 genotype producing the highest seed and oil yield.
Article
Horticulture
Giuseppe Di Miceli, Lorena Vultaggio, Leo Sabatino, Claudio De Pasquale, Salvatore La Bella, Beppe Benedetto Consentino
Summary: Plant biostimulants, such as plant protein hydrolysates and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, have positive effects on crop yield and quality, as well as reducing ecological impact. This study found that the combined application of these biostimulants significantly improved eggplant yield and quality, as well as nitrogen indices. The biostimulants also enhanced the content of soluble solids, chlorogenic acid, total anthocyanins, potassium, and magnesium in the fruits. The mutual application of plant protein hydrolysates and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved fruit quality by reducing glycoalkaloid concentration and fruit browning potential. Additionally, both biostimulants showed a synergistic action in enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and uptake efficiency. Overall, this research highlights the positive interaction between plant protein hydrolysates and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving eggplant performance in open fields.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dario Giambalvo, Gaetano Amato, Rosolino Ingraffia, Antonella Lo Porto, Giulia Mirabile, Paolo Ruisi, Livio Torta, Alfonso S. Frenda
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of microplastics in soil on maize plants. It was found that soil contamination with polypropylene microfibers significantly reduced maize growth and nitrogen uptake, and these effects intensified with increasing microfiber concentration. Additionally, fungal inoculation further decreased maize root biomass, but did not mitigate the negative impact of microplastics on plant growth.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Giuliana Garofalo, Marialetizia Ponte, Gabriele Busetta, Marco Tolone, Adriana Bonanno, Baldassare Portolano, Raimondo Gaglio, Hueseyin Erten, Maria Teresa Sardina, Luca Settanni
Summary: This study investigated the microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties of an innovative yoghurt produced from ewe's milk. The results showed that the yoghurt produced using a natural milk starter culture had lower fat content and higher antioxidant potential. Sensory analysis revealed that the yoghurt processed with the natural milk starter culture was more preferred.
Article
Horticulture
Giuseppe Di Miceli, Davide Farruggia, Nicolo Iacuzzi, Simona Bacarella, Salvatore La Bella, Beppe Benedetto Consentino
Summary: This study evaluated the agronomic response of two onion varieties in Sicily to different planting dates and nitrogen fertilization rates, and also conducted an economic analysis. The results showed that higher nitrogen doses led to higher yields and greater net benefits. The traditional planting date was found to be the best choice for achieving optimum agronomic response.