Search

Currently, lead acid battery is extensively investigated owing to its prevalent use as a startinglighting and ignition device. An essential role for electrochemical reactions is played by the surface area available for conversion reactions and a possible approach is the use of nanostructured electrodes. In this work, lead dioxide nanostructured electrodes were tested in order to investigate the dependence of the charge and discharge behaviour on some parameters such as electrolyte concentration, and a new type of thin separator. In this last case, it is possible to reduce the size of the cell by using a very thin separator comparable to the nanostructured electrode thickness. Besides, a low concentration of electrolyte was also tested for studying its influence on the performance of a nanostructured electrode. Lead dioxide electrodes were cycled at 1C-rate and discharged to a cutoff voltage of 1.2 V up to 90% of the gravimetric capacity. Electrodes were assembled in a zero gap configuration using a commercial negative plate as counter-electrode with a large excess of active mass in comparison to the nanostructured one. Tests were conducted in very stressful conditions, in order to compare the behaviour of this new type of battery with that of the commercial one.

Vegetable plants are more sensitive to salt stress during the early growth stages, hence, the availability of poor-quality brackish water can be a big issue for the nursery vegetable industry. Microbial biostimulants promote growth and vigor and counterbalance salt stress in mature plants. This study aimed to evaluate the application of plant growth-promoting microorganisms for improving salt tolerance of lettuce and tomato seedlings irrigated with different water salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mM NaCl) during nursery growth. Two commercial microbial biostimulants were applied to the substrate before seeding: 1.5 g L−1 of TNC BactorrS13 containing 1.3 × 108 CFU g−1 of Bacillus spp., 0.75 g L−1 of Flortis Micorrize containing 30% of Glomus spp., 1.24 × 108 CFU g−1 of Agrobacterium radiobacter, Bacillus subtilis, Streptomyces spp. and 3 × 105 CFU g−1 of Thricoderma spp. Many morpho-physiological parameters of lettuce and tomato seedlings suffered the negative effect of salinity. The use of the microbial biostimulants modified seedling growth and its response to salt stress. They had a growth-promoting effect on the unstressed seedlings increasing fresh and dry biomass accumulation, leaf number, and leaf area and were successful in increasing salinity tolerance of seedlings especially when using Flortis Micorizze that enhanced salinity tolerance up to 50 mM NaCl. The inoculation of the substrate with microbial biostimulants could represent a sustainable way to improve lettuce and tomato transplant quality and to use brackish water in vegetable nurseries limiting its negative effect on seedling growth.

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element for plant growth, development, and production. However, there is little known about the function and effects of molybdenum in tomato plants. The present study assessed the influences of different Mo concentrations on four tomato F1 hybrids (“Bybal” F1, “Tyty” F1, “Paride” F1, and “Ornela” F1) grown using a soilless system with different Mo levels [0.0, 0.5 (standard NS), 2.0, and 4.0 μmol L−1, respectively]. The crop yield, plant vigor, fruit skin color, TA, fruit water content as well as the accumulation of SSC, and some antioxidant compounds such as lycopene, polyphenols and ascorbic acid were evaluated. The minerals concentration, including nitrogen (N), Mo, iron (Fe), and copper (Cu), were measured in tomato fruits. Results revealed that tomato plants grown with 2.0 μmol Mo L−1 compared to plants grown with 0.5 μmol Mo L−1 incurred a significant increase of total yield by 21.7%, marketable yield by 9.1%, aboveground biomass by 16.7%, plant height at 50 DAT by 6.5%, polyphenol content by 3.5%, ascorbic acid by 1.0%, SSC by 3.5%, N fruit content by 24.8%, Mo fruit content by 20.0%, and Fe fruit content by 60.5%. However, the Mo concentration did not significantly influence the average fruit weight, b∗ fruit skin color coordinate and TA. Furthermore, tomato fruits from plants grown with 2.0 μmol Mo L−1 showed a lower Cu fruit content (16.1%) than fruits from plants grown with 0.5 μmol Mo L−1 (standard NS). Consequently, our study highlights the different behavior of the tomato genotypes tested when subjected to different levels of Mo concentration in the nutrient solution. Nevertheless, taking all in consideration our results clearly suggest that a Mo fertilization of 2.0 μmol Mo L−1 effectively enhance crop performance and overall fruit quality of tomato.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have been applied to different vegetable crops but there is still no information on the effect of bacterial biostimulant application under variable nutritional level on lettuce seedlings and their performance after transplanting in the field. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a bacterial biostimulant to enhance growth and quality of lettuce seedlings fertigated with increasing nutrient rates and to assess the efficacy of these treatments on lettuce head production. Lettuce seedlings were inoculated with 1.5 g L&minus, 1 of TNC BactorrS13 (a commercial biostimulant containing 1.3 &times, 108 CFU g&minus, 1 of Bacillus spp.) and fertigated with a nutrient solution containing 0, 1, 2, and 4 g L&minus, 1 of NPK fertilizer (20-20-20). At the end of transplant production, the plants were evaluated for greenhouse cultivation. The effect of fertigation rate on seedling height, dry biomass, dry matter percentage, and water use efficiency was evident up to 2 g L&minus, 1 of fertilizer in the non-inoculated seedlings, whereas fresh biomass and nitrogen use efficiency changed up to 4 g L&minus, 1 of fertilizer. The use of the bacterial biostimulant modified seedling growth and its response to nutrient availability. The inoculation of the substrate with Bacillus spp. promoted plant growth and allowed seedlings to reach the highest height and biomass accumulation. The physiological age of lettuce seedlings showed a strong influence on plant growth and production after transplanting. The bacterial treatment positively affected the yield and nitrate content of lettuce plants.

Hydroponics need water of good quality to prepare a balanced nutrient solution that could allow plants to reach their maximum yield potential. The rising difficulties in finding water with good quality have led to the compelling necessity of identifying sustainable ways to use saline water, limiting its negative effect on crop yield and quality. The exogenous supplementation of plant growth regulators, such as gibberellic acid (GA3), can be effective in increasing plant growth and vigor, thus helping plants to better cope with salt stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility to increase the salt tolerance of leaf lettuce and rocket grown in a floating system by adding GA3 (10&minus, 6 M) to mineral nutrient solutions (MNS) with increasing salinity (0, 10, and 20 mM NaCl). Leaf lettuce and rocket plants suffered a significant reduction of growth and yield, determined by the reduction of biomass, leaf number, and leaf area, even with moderate salt stress (10 mM NaCl). The supplementation of exogenous GA3 through the MNS allowed plants to substantially counterbalance salt stress by enhancing various morphological and physiological traits, such as biomass accumulation, leaf expansion, stomatal conductance and water and nitrogen use efficiency. The effects of salt stress and GA3 treatment varied according to the species, thus indicating that this interaction may improve salt tolerance by activating different adaptation systems.

Currently, lead acid battery is extensively investigated owing to its prevalent use as a starting-lighting and ignition device. An essential role for electrochemical reactions is played by the surface area available for conversion reactions and a possible approach is the use of nanostructured electrodes. In this work, lead dioxide nanostructured electrodes were tested in order to investigate the dependence of the charge and discharge behaviour on some parameters such as electrolyte concentration, and a new type of thin separator. In this last case, it is possible to reduce the size of the cell by using a very thin separator comparable to the nanostructured electrode thickness. Besides, a low concentration of electrolyte was also tested for studying its influence on the performance of a nanostructured electrode. Lead dioxide electrodes were cycled at 1C-rate and discharged to a cutoff voltage of 1.2 V up to 90% of the gravimetric capacity. Electrodes were assembled in a zero gap configuration using a commercial negative plate as counter-electrode with a large excess of active mass in comparison to the nanostructured one. Tests were conducted in very stressful conditions, in order to compare the behaviour of this new type of battery with that of the commercial one.

Fennel is not a widespread product among minimally processed vegetables, due to the fast deterioration mainly caused by browning of the cut surfaces, even during cold storage. In order to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut fennel, the influence of different packaging techniques was studied. Sliced fennel, dipped in a citric acid solution (0.5%), was placed in polystyrene trays, sealed with PE film or vacuum packaged in PE bags and stored up to 14 days at 4°C. During this period the weight loss, soluble solid content, pH, color and firmness were evaluated. Minimally processed fennel packed in sealed trays and cold-stored at 4°C, extended its shelf-life to 14 days maintaining acceptable quality. Fennel stored in vacuum packaging showed a lower weight loss but had severe alterations of flavour that led to loss of marketability after only 7 days.

Ecklonia maxima is a brown algae seaweed largely harvested over the last years and used to produce alginate, animal feed, fertilizers, and plant biostimulants. Their extracts are commercially available in various forms and have been applied to many crops for their growth-promoting effects which may vary according to the treated species and doses applied. The aim of the study was to characterize the effect of adding an Ecklonia maxima commercial extract (Basfoliar Kelp, 0, 1, 2, and 4 mL L−1) to the nutrient solution of a hydroponic floating system on growth, yield, and quality of leaf lettuce at harvest and during cold storage (21 days at 4 °C). The supplementation of the E. maxima extract through the mineral nutrient solutions, especially between 2 and 4 mL L−1, enhanced plant growth and improved the yield and many morphological and physiological traits (biomass accumulation, leaf expansion, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, etc.). Preharvest treatments with E. maxima extract were effective in delaying leaf senescence and extending the shelf-life of fresh-cut leaf lettuce. The delay in leaf decay of treated samples allowed to retain an overall quality over the threshold of marketability for up to 21 d of cold storage, especially using 2 mL L−1 of extract.

Molybdenum (Mo) is required in enzymes involved in a number of different metabolic processes, and is crucial for the survival of plants and animals. The influence of nutrient solutions containing four levels of molybdenum (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 &micro, mol/L) on growth, yield, and quality of lettuce, escarole, and curly endive grown in a hydroponic floating system was evaluated. Biometric, nutrient, and quality analyses were conducted to assess the response of each species to Mo. The results demonstrated that molybdenum is essential for harvesting marketable plants. Lettuce, escarole, and curly endive plants differed significantly in their response to molybdenum fertilization. The increase of Mo concentration in the nutrient solution was not harmful for plants and had no influence on yield and morphological traits of the leafy vegetables, however, it significantly affected some quality characteristics. Mo fertilization raised the nutritional quality by increasing ascorbic acid content up to 320.2, 139.0, and 102.1 mg kg&minus, 1 FW (fresh weight), and reducing nitrate content down to 1039.2, 1047.3, and 1181.2 mg kg&minus, 1 FW for lettuce, escarole, and curly endive, respectively. The addition of Mo in the nutrient solution increased the Mo content of plants up to 0.50, 4.02, and 2.68 &mu, g g&minus, 1 FW for lettuce, escarole, and curly endive, respectively. Increasing Mo supply to lettuce, escarole, and curly endive up to 3.0 &micro, mol L&minus, 1 could lead to a higher nutritional quality with no significant morphological alteration or yield loss.

Gibberellins (GAs) are growth hormones strongly involved in a wide variety of physiological activities. Currently, gibberellins are commercially used to enhance phenotypic characteristics, earliness, and productivity of many vegetable and ornamental crops. In this work, the efficacy of supplementation of low levels of gibberellic acid (0, 10&minus, 8, 10&minus, 6, and 10&minus, 4 M GA3) through the mineral nutrient solution of a floating system on yield and quality of leaf lettuce and rocket plants was tested. The marketability of plants was lost when 10&minus, 4 M GA3 was added to the mineral nutrient solution. This study demonstrated that the addition of 10&minus, 4 M GA3 exceeded the acceptable threshold for use in hydroponics production systems. Below the concentration of 10&minus, 4 M, the presence of GA3 in the mineral nutrient solutions (MNS), especially at 10&minus, 6 M GA3, stimulated plant growth and enhanced the yield. Various morphological and physiological traits were enhanced by GA3 treatments (biomass accumulation, leaf expansion, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency (WUE), Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), etc.), with superimposable trends in both lettuce and rocket. The addition of 10&minus, 6 M GA3 to the nutrient solution of a hydroponic floating system can promote growth and quality of lettuce and rocket plants.

Mediterranean areas with intensive agriculture are characterized by high salinity of groundwater. The use of this water in hydroponic cultivations can lead to nutrient solutions with an electrical conductivity that overcomes the tolerance threshold of many vegetable species. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were shown to minimize salt stress on several vegetable crops but the studies on the application of PGPR on leafy vegetables grown in hydroponics are rather limited and have not been used under salt stress conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria to increase the salt tolerance of leaf lettuce grown in autumn and spring in a floating system, by adding a bacterial biostimulant (1.5 g L&minus, 1 of TNC BactorrS13 a commercial biostimulant containing 1.3 &times, 108 CFU g&minus, 1 of Bacillus spp.) to mineral nutrient solutions (MNS) with two salinity levels (0 and 20 mM NaCl). Leaf lettuce plants showed a significant reduction of growth and yield under salt stress, determined by the reduction of biomass, leaf number, and leaf area. Plants showed to be more tolerant to salinity in autumn than in spring. The inhibition of lettuce plant growth due to salt stress was significantly alleviated by the addition of the bacterial biostimulant to the MNS, which had a positive effect on plant growth and fresh and dry biomass accumulation of the unstressed lettuce in both cultivation seasons, and maintained this positive effect in brackish MNS, with similar or even significantly higher values of morphologic, physiologic, and yield parameters than those recorded in control unstressed plants.

This paper presents an innovative lead acid battery, based on nanostructured active materials. Both charging time and specific energy are greatly enhanced in comparison with commercial lead acid battery. Starting from the extremely valuable performances of the nanostructured battery, also a circuital model, for application in electric vehicle traction, has been specifically developed. The circuital model has demonstrated that an enhanced nanostructured battery allows an increase of traveled distance by electric vehicles.

Solanum torvum is the eggplant ( Solanum melongena ) relative most commonly used for grafting even if the nursery production of eggplants grafted onto this rootstock has some issues related to its long, irregular and erratic germination and slow growth and development of seedlings. Unrooted cuttings harvested from stock plants could be an alternative propagation material to obtain S. torvum rootstocks and might allow to overcome nursery production issues for eggplant. The aim of this work was to evaluate eggplant suitability to be propagated by unrooted grafted cuttings using S. torvum as rootstock and the influence of this propagation technique on plant yield and fruit quality. A two years trial was performed in nursery and open field. The eggplant cultivar Birgah was used as the scion variety as well as the ungrafted controls (seedling control and unrooted cutting control). Two propagation techniques of the rootstock were evaluated using S. torvum and ‘Birgah’ eggplant (self-grafted): unrooted cuttings or seedlings. S. torvum showed to be suitable to be propagated by unrooted grafted cuttings. The joined healing and rooting had no negative effect on grafting success and plantlets quality. The use of unrooted cuttings of S. torvum , instead of seedlings, reduced considerably the length of propagation time. The shorter propagation time of the innovative propagation technique might permit propagators to overcome the propagation issues of S. torvum and to optimize the scheduling for grafted eggplant production. The use of S. torvum rootstock for grafting eggplant confirmed to enhance plant vigour and productivity. The plants produced from unrooted grafted cuttings of S. torvum showed no differences with the traditional grafted plants in field trials as regard fruit yield and quality. Thus, this innovative technique may be feasible for nursery and field production.

Plant growth regulators are used in high-value vegetable crops during cultivation and after harvest to increase yield, enhance crop management, and improve or retain the produce quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality characteristics during cold storage of minimally processed leaf lettuce and rocket, obtained from plants grown in a hydroponic floating system with mineral nutrient solutions (MNS) containing different levels of gibberellic acid (GA3). Plants were grown in greenhouse conditions on nutrient solutions containing 0, 10&minus, 8, and 10&minus, 6 M GA3. At harvest, lettuce and rocket were immediately processed as fresh-cut vegetables and stored for 21 d at 4 &deg, C. After processing, weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and nitrate content, leaf color characteristics, and overall quality were evaluated. Adding 10&minus, 6 M GA3 to the MNS of a floating system significantly increased the yield of leaf lettuce and rocket plants and of minimally-processed leaves. In addition, preharvest GA3 treatments had positive effects on delaying senescence and enhancing shelf-life of minimally processed lettuce and rocket. The slowed senescence of GA3-treated samples maintained an overall quality over the threshold of marketability in both lettuce and rocket for up to 21 d of cold storage.

Collard greens (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) are a group of plants cultivated for its thick, slightly bitter, edible leaves. As other Brassicaceae, have a good nutritional value as they are a good sources of vitamin C and soluble fiber, and contain various compounds with potent anticancer properties. In order to enhance collard cultivation in Sicily, different planting dates were tested. The research was carried out during 2009-2010 in the experimental field of SAgA Department – University of Palermo. Plants of a Sicilian local cultivar, with high vigor, good emission of side shoots, large and moderately curly leaves and long and strong petiole, were planted in three different periods: end of November, end on January, end of March. The harvest of the main shoot was made when they had tender and non-fibrous leaves and petioles. Secondary shoots, eventually originated from axillary buds left on the plant, were also harvested. Data were recorded on: number of leaves plant-1, stem diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, length and number of harvested shoots. The plants of the earliest transplant were harvested in March (main shoot), April and May (secondary shoots), while only the main shoot was harvested in the other plants (on May and June respectively for the second and the third transplant). This determined an higher yield for the first transplant against the other planting dates. Early transplant influenced also the quality of the main shoots that had more leaves, higher percentage of edible part and less dry matter than those from the other transplant. Secondary shoots had worst quality than the main shoot.

The use of floating cover directly applied on top of the crop is rapidly increasing on leafy vegetables like lettuce as a simple, inexpensive and effective technique to induce earliness. Two lettuce types, ‘Iceberg’ and ‘Romaine’, under two different crop management systems (black plastic mulch and black plastic mulch combined with floating cover) were tested in Sicily in 2007. Plug type transplants were planted at the end of January on double rows. The nonwoven floating cover was applied after transplanting. Maximum and minimum air temperatures below the floating cover during the growing period were in the average 5 and 1.5°C higher than those without cover. Lettuces mulched and protected with floating cover reached their commercial fresh weight ten days before those without floating cover. Regardless of the cultivar tested, total yield was significantly higher in the plots where black mulch was combined with floating cover as compared to that obtained with black plastic mulch alone. Regardless of the direct covering, ‘Romaine’ was more productive than ‘Iceberg’.

In the southern regions of Mediterranean areas the plantations with fresh plants (winter planting system) have almost completely replaced those with cold stored plants (summer planting system). Particularly, fresh bare root plants produced in high elevation nurseries located in Spain and Poland and, in experimental phase, in the southern of Italy (in the mountains of Sicily, Calabria, Basilicata) are the most used. Such type of plant usually has a crown diameter from 6 to 14 mm, but the smallest plants should be (

Sicilian strawberry cultivations are increasing their interest: fresh plants, produced in high elevation nurseries located in Spain and Poland have replaced frigo-plants. Strawberry fresh plants propagated in the Sicilian nurseries have been compared to those that came from a nursery located in Poland and set in our experimental farm. The trial was carried out in Marsala (Tp) on the western coast of Sicily under plastic multitunnels. Four cultivars ('Camarosa', 'Candonga', 'Tudla', 'Naiad') were studied. The harvest started in January and ended in May. The Sicilian plants were the earliest. Among the cultivars 'Camarosa' was the earliest and 'Candonga' the latest. The Sicilian plants have given a yield higher than plants imported from Poland. Among the cultivars, 'Camarosa' produced more than the others, 798 g/plants. The qualitative characteristics of the fruits (fruit firmness and solid soluble contents) have not been influenced by the nursery areas, but only by the cultivar. Among the cultivars, 'Candonga' produced fruits with the highest firmness and solid soluble contents. The results of this trial underlined that it is possible to produce high quality fresh plants in the Sicilian Mountain near the regions of strawberry cultivation.

Sicilian strawberry production plays an important role in the European strawberry industry, due to early production (February to April) and high market value. In Sicily planting takes place from August to October, depending on cultivation method and cultivar. Plug plants (tip plants) and fresh-dug plants from high elevation nurseries are the preferred plant materials due to early fruiting potential. However, optimal planting dates must be determined for the various commercial strawberry varieties in order to maximize fruit production. We planted four cultivars, 'Camarosa', 'Candonga', 'Tudla', 'Naiad' and a selection, 'MT 99.163.22- Kilo' ('MT 91.143.5' x 'Chandler') on September 25 th and October 10 th 2006. Early-season and total yield were greatest for plug plants established in late September as plants were able to achieve adequate growth before the cold winter season.

Seeds-germination is among all physiological processes one of the most sensitive to stresses. The use of brackish water can slow down the water absorption of seeds and consequently all processes linked with the use of reserves of nutrients and the development of embryos. Laboratory experiments have been carried out to study the effects of salinity on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), rocket (Eruca sativa L.) and parsley (Petroselinum hortense Hoffm.) germination. Standard germination techniques have been employed using Petri dishes containing filter paper saturated with 11 different concentrations of NaCl solutions, varying from 0 to 10 mS cm-1. It appears that salinity has not significantly reduced germination percentages of basil and rocket. The parsley has turned out to be less tolerant thus showing a connection between germination percentages decreases and salinity increases. Mean germination time has proved to be more directly influenced by water salinity. Higher levels of water EC have significantly delayed the seeds-germination of basil, rucole and parsley.

PbO2 nanowires were obtained by template electrodeposition in polycarbonate membranes and tested as positive electrode for lead-acid battery. Nanowires were grown on the same material acting as current collector that was electrodeposited too. The nanostructured electrodes were assembled in a zero-gap configuration using commercial negative plate and separator. Cell performance was tested by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles in a 5 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. PbO2 nanostructured electrodes were able to deliver at 1C rate an almost constant capacity of about 190 mAh g−1 (85% of active material utilization), close to the theoretical value (224 mAh g−1). The nanowire array provides a very large surface area (about 70 times higher than the geometrical one) that enhances the specific capacity of the battery. SEM images of the as-prepared and cycled electrodes showed that nanowires morphology changes significantly after the initial cycles. Change of morphology led to the formation of very spongy structure, characterized by the presence of macro-voids, which ensured penetration of the electrolyte in the inner areas of the electrode. Besides, PbO2 nanowires showed a very good cycling stability, maintained for more than 1000 cycles. These findings indicate that this new type of electrode might be a promising substitute of positive plates in lead-acid battery.

Nitrogen is an essential element, not only for its influence on the vegetativeproductive activity of the plants but also on fruit quality (color, shelf life, etc.). To achieve high production and quality standards, reducing environment impact, the S.Ag.A Department of Palermo carried out some researches to identify the most suitable fertilization to maximize the productive potential of fresh plug plants of two cultivars of strawberry widespread in the Sicilian area, 'Sabrosa®Candonga' and 'Nora', reducing Nitrogen inputs. The experimental design adopted was a splitplot, in which the main plot was the different doses of nitrogen, 120, 170, 220, 270, 320 kg/ha and the secondary one the cultivar. This research showed a rather wide variability of results, dependent on levels available for plants and doses distributed between the cultures. The seasonal pattern of production showed how the plot fertilized with 270 kg/ha has always achieved the highest harvest, but it's not significant for statistic analysis, in the early productive period (January-March) with the thesis treated with lower doses (120 and 170 kg/ha). The lowest doses (120 and 170 kg/ha) provided the firmest fruits, 735 g, with an high content in total soluble solids content, 7.3°Brix, and highest vitamin C, 53 mg/100 g of f.w., and a very bright orange-red color. It has been noted that the two cultivars fertilized with medium and low doses produced larger fruits, with a high soluble solids and vitamin C content. In conclusion, in greenhouses cultivation, the application of low doses of nitrogen achieves the same production, as higher doses, and high fruit quality, reducing environmental and production costs.

Eggplants have fruits with different sizes, shapes and colours, according to the cultivar. Skin colour is due to anthocyanins, pigments located in the cell vacuole of fruit skin that belong to phenolic flavonoids, a powerful antioxidants group. Environmental conditions and growing techniques may influence fruits characteristics and their content of phenolic compounds. Grafting is a non chemical alternative for overcoming the effects of intensive and continuous cropping. The rootstocks preferred for eggplant are hybrids of tomato or tomato KVFN. Also species taxonomically close, as Solanum torvum, have been used and showed good vigour, compatibility and resistance to wilt disease. Information on yield and quality of grafted eggplants onto this rootstock is conflicting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate yield and quality of eggplant cultivars (‘Birgah’, ‘Black Bell’, ‘Black Moon’ and ‘Longo’) grafted or ungrafted onto Solanum torvum. Plants were grown in an unheated plastic greenhouse from October 2009 till May 2010. Grafted plants had lower mortality, while yield and quality of fruits were mostly influenced by cultivars. Differences among tested cultivars in growth characteristics, graft affinity and compatibility, could have caused the variations observed in growth and yield. ‘Longo’ and ‘Black Moon’ were not influenced by grafting, while grafted plants of ‘Birgah’ and ‘Black Bell’ had a higher portion of unmarketable production. Grafting onto Solanum torvum did not change the colour saturation of berries, with the exception of 'Birgah' that, when grafted, produced fruits with a less vivid colour. Also inner tissue browning was not influenced by grafting. Total phenolic content was greater in the ungrafted plants.

The most suitable techniques and use of F1 hybrids enable greenhouse production to achieve high yields, with crops all year round. In Sicily, greenhouse production of cucumber is for fresh use (slicers), producing large fruit. The cultivation technique most suited to greenhouses is the vertical single stem. However, an innovative technique being proposed is of cultivation on a trellis, eliminating lower branches, and training the remaining branches upwards (vertical shoot positioning, VSP). Cucumbers in the south of Italy are grown as the main crop or as a catch crop between 2 main crops. The crop should be rotated on the same soil only after 3-4 years with another crop, unless the land is thoroughly weeded, which is usually prohibitively expensive. One alternative to soil decontamination is hydroponic culture, which produces high yields and high quality. The cucumber has substantial nutritional requirements, but an excess of N can provoke a significant accumulation of nitrates, which in particular conditions (long storage periods, heat, and acidic pH) can transform into nitrites which are harmful to humans. This research therefore set out to investigate the possibility of cucumber cultivation using VSP and modifying the electrical conductivity of the nutrition solution from 1.5 mS/cm to 2,5 mS/cm, starting from the same mother solution. This test shows that VSP cultivation and the use of nutrition solutions with high levels of electric conductivity can produce greater yields and gourds with nitrate content lower than the max quantity permitted.

The variety evolution and growing techniques have modified the strawberry cultivation in the Italian Mediterranean areas. Different trials in Sicily showed that varietal choices are the base to reach high levels of quality and quantity production. In Sicily, 300 ha of strawberries are now cultivated and 'Tudla' is still the principal variety (60%), 'Camarosa' is the most cultivated variety in the other southern strawberry areas, but in Sicily this cultivar does not generate a great interest because of its lateness. New cultivars, such as 'Candonga', 'Ventana' and 'Naiad', have been trialled in the last years but further evaluations are necessary. The trial was carried out at the experimental field located in Marsala (western coast of Sicily) in 2006. Five cultivars ('Camarosa', 'Candonga', 'Tudla', 'Naiad', 'Ventana') and one selection ('MT 99.20.1' - 'Nora') have been compared using frigo and fresh plants. Fine quality and defects of 'Tudla' and 'Camarosa' were confirmed. The selection 'MT 99.20.1' ('Nora') (obtained from the breeding activity included in the national project called "Frutticoltura") grown as fresh plant, has shown high earliness with sweet and firm fruits. Plants of 'Candonga' have produced the sweetest and biggest fruits; nevertheless, this cultivar is late and less productive than 'Tudla' both as frigo-plants and as fresh plants. 'Ventana' is not suitable for the Sicilian pedo-climatic environment.