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Recently, the demand for quality and food safety has become more pressing, with a consequent requirement for unequivocal geographical identification of agri-food products. Moreover, the requirement for eco-friendly and human healthy practices is a key issue for the agriculture of the future. In this framework, this work aims at investigating soil, leaves and olives from two areas in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy), Montiano (MN) and San Lazzaro (SL), where three different foliar treatments were carried out for each site to protect plants from environmental stress and pests. Geochemical analysis of REE and trace elements were performed to 1) univocally determine the locality of provenance and 2) evaluate if the different foliar treatments can affect the geochemical fingerprint of leaves and olives. the effect of different foliar treatments (no treatment, dimethoate, and alternating of natural zeolitite and dimethoate in MN; Spinosad+Spyntor fly, natural zeolitite and NH4+-enriched zeolitite in SL). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA, including Variable Importance in the Projection analysis) were used to discriminate between localities and different treatments. PCA of leaves and olives highlighted that different foliar treatments can be identified based on different geochemical contents (total variance: 95.64% and 91.08% in MN; 71.31% and 85.33% in SL of leaves and olives, respectively). Slightly lower, although still quite acceptable, results are given by PCA applied to area discrimination (87.46% and 80.43% of total variance). The PLS-DA analysis gave the largest contribution to the discrimination of different treatments and geographical identification. VIP analyses provided to identify which elements could be considered as potential discriminators in the model in order to correlate leaves and olives from the same area: i) Sm and Dy in MN site and ii) Rb, Zr, La and Th in SL field; in order to discriminate different areas Rb and Sr were the best identifiers. Based on REE and trace element analyses, it can be highlighted that 1) the geographical origin could be discriminated and 2) different foliar treatments applied for crop protection can be recognized, which means, reversing the reasoning that each farmer can develop a method to pinpoint his own product.

Zeoliva is a 3-years project financed by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Policies (MIPAAF) and led by the University of Ferrara and the National Research Council of Bologna. The project goals are the improvement of soil quality and the contrasting of olive fruit fly infestation (Bactrocera oleae) by means of natural and sustainable methods which implies the reduction of chemical fertilizer and pesticide inputs in olive growing. To reach these objectives, natural zeolites (chabazite-rich tuff from central Italy) were used both as foliar treatments (micronized form, WP2) and as a soil amendment (granular form, WP3) in various experimental sites located in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Two sites (Site A: organic, Site B: conventional) were dedicated to WP2 on adult olive trees to reduce the use of chemical pesticides (Dimethoate) or as an alternative to chemical traps (Spintorfly) in fighting Bactrocera oleae. In Site A, the tested treatments were: natural zeolite (ZN), NH4+ enriched zeolite (ZA) and conventional practices of Spinosad+Spyntor Fly on traps (SF); in Site B: zeolite+Dimethoate (ZN-DM), Dimethoate (DM) and no foliar treatment (CNT). Leaves and olives were analyzed by ICP-MS to identify which Major Elements and Rare Earth Elements (REE) can be used to label the origin of the final products for food traceability purposes. REE showed a higher trend for the treatments with zeolite (ZN and ZA in site A; ZN in site B) than in the control (CNT) and conventional treatments (SF or DM). Statistical analyses such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to the dataset. On one hand, the PCA indicated differences between groups of plants treated with zeolite and those without, both in leaves and olives matrices; on the other hand, PLS-DA pointed out that some elements (Rb, Zr, Nb, La and Th in site A; Sm and Dy in site B) can be potentially suitable as markers for olives traceability.Concerning WP3, experimentations (2019-2021) took place in three sites on young olive trees (⁓ 3 years old) in which 500 g of natural zeolites were added at transplant. Plants grown on soil amended with natural zeolites (ZN) were compared to those grown on unamended soil (CNT). Fertilizer inputs were reduced by 50% in ZN plants to demonstrate the beneficial effects of natural zeolites on soil N retention. At each site, soils and leaves were sampled three times in three replicates per treatment: March-April (Pre-Fertilization), May-June (Post-Fertilization) and October-November (Harvest) each year. Soil and leaves total N, soil NO3--N, NO2-N and anions in H2O extracts were monitored to evaluate differences between treatments.Soil and leaves N content was not significantly different between ZN and CNT in most cases at each site. Given that in ZN treatment the N input was reduced by 50% and that crop N uptake was similar, it can be assumed that fewer N losses occurred in ZN treatments thanks to the presence of natural zeolites.

This work considered the influence of the duration of olive storage on the chemical and sensory properties of extra virgin olive oil. In total, 228 batches of olives collected during three successive crop seasons were sampled in seven industrial mills, information about olive batches (variety, harvest date) was collected, together with the produced oils. Four classes of storage times were considered: ≤24 h, 2–3 days, 4–6 days, ≥7 days. The oils’ quality parameters free acidity, peroxide number and K232 increased significantly as storage duration increased, while phenolic content decreased significantly, with a resulting effect on oil stability. The fatty acid composition was not affected by the olive storage period, while α-tocopherol, lutein and β-carotene content decreased as storage duration lengthened. Finally, the main positive sensory attributes (olive fruity, green notes, bitter and pungency) underwent a statistically significant reduction with the increase in storage duration, while the intensity of defects increased, suggesting that the duration of olive storage has an important effect on the quality of the final oil.

The olive fruit fly is worldwide considered a major harmful pest of the olive agroecosystem. In Italy, the fruit fly infestation is traditionally countered by spraying chemical insecticides (e.g., dimethoate), but due to the recent ban of dimethoate by the Reg EU2019/1090 and the increasing awareness of consumers of food sustainability, the interest in developing chemical-free alternatives to pesticides, such as the use of particle-films, is rising. A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different particle films (kaolin-base and zeolitite-base) on leaf gas exchanges and leaf optical properties. Results showed that with the dust accumulation on the leaves’ surface, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and water use efficiency were significantly lower in kaolin-treated olive trees compared to those treated with zeolitite and to the control, while olive trees treated with zeolitite showed physiological parameters similar to the untreated plants. Microstructural differences of different particle film on the leaf and olive surfaces emerged by ESEM observations also influenced leaf optical properties. Oils produced by zeolitite-treated plants show higher intensities of gustatory and olfactory secondary flavors compared to kaolin and test oils.

During the growing season, the use of foliar treatments based on fine grained geomaterial to reduce the negative impact of environmental stresses and protect the olives from insect pests is a well-known approach; however, while kaolin powders have been widely employed, zeolitite-based materials are much less known and exploited.The aim of this study is to assess the effect of the two different treatments (zeolitite and kaolin) on the chemical and sensory qualities of the oils produced.The study was carried out during two consecutive crop seasons in a 15 year old commercial olive orchard (Olea europaea), cv Correggiolo, located on the Appennine hills near Bologna (Italy). Foliar treatments were distributed during summer, until olive harvest. Ripening index, weight, oil and water content were measured on olive fruits. Olive productions were transformed in oils using a low scale continuous mill, quality parameters (free acidity, peroxide numbers, K232, K270, total phenols, fatty acids) were evaluated according to the official methods described in Regulation EC 2568/91 and subsequent amendments. Phenolic compounds, vitamins and pigments were determined by HPLC-DAD. Sensory analysis was performed by the panel of Agency for Agrofood Sector Services of Marche region (ASSAM), a fully-trained analytical taste panel recognized by the International Olive Oil Council (IOC) of Madrid, Spain, and by the Italian Ministry for Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Policy.Olives treated with zeolite showed higher oil contents with respect to the other treatments. Oils produced by plants treated with zeolite particle film exhibited higher contents of total phenols, tyrosol, oleuropein and secoiridoids than to the oils produced by other treatments. Oils produced from olives treated with kaolin had sensory profiles characterized by sweet notes ascribable to ripe fruits, the tasters perceived notes of berries that are not typical of the Correggiolo cultivar.The sensory taint test revealed a statistically significant difference between oils produced from olives treated with kaolin and the control, whereas no difference emerged between oils obtained from olives treated with zeolite and the control.Particle film can influence some physiological plant parameters (photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency) and, by consequence, it has also an influence on olive and oil quality. Olive plants treated with zeolite produced oils with higher antioxidant endowment, while oils produced from plants treated with kaolin were characterized by lower phenolic contents. Moreover, the kaolin treatment significantly affected the organoleptic properties of oils.

Olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) is the most dangerous pest of olive fruits and strongly impairs both quality and quantity of the resulting olive oil. Organic farms have few tools against this pest and are constantly looking for effective and sustainable products; furthermore, for conventional farms the recent ban on dimethoate use in EU, made the defence from B. oleae very difficult. In this context the use of zeolitites, applied as particle films, began to take hold.Since particle film covers the leaves, the organs responsible for gas exchange, a study on the plant responses to zeolite foliar coating was carried out by measuring photosynthetic rates from July to October (harvest) in two orchards located at San Lazzaro di Savena and Montiano in the Emilia Romagna region (Italy), respectively under organic and conventional farming.Plant response to foliar treatment was also evaluated by measuring oil quantity in olives fruits. The layer of particle film covering leaves and fruits reduces the attractiveness of visual cues and prevents insects from recognizing and finding the plant parts on which they lay eggs: volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted from both leaves and olives could act as oviposition promoters and were determined as well. Finally, chemical and sensory analyses on the resulting olive oils were performed. In the San Lazzaro orchard the tested treatments were: natural zeolitite (NZ), natural zeolitite enriched with ammonium (EZ) and Spyntor Fly® (SF), a protein bait based on spinosad for the control of B. oleae. In the Montiano orchard the treatments tested were: Dimethoate (DM), an organophosphate insecticide, natural zeolite with a reduced dose of dimethoate (ZN-DM) and negative control (Test).Photosynthetic activity of plants treated with EZ was higher than the other two treatments in all dates, while no differences in photosynthetic rate were found between SF and NZ. In the Montiano orchard a slight reduction in photosynthetic rate was found only on the last two dates. The analyses of the VOC emitted by leaves and fruits allowed to identify respectively 35 and 31 different chemical compounds, belonging mainly to the chemical classes aldehydes, alkanes and alcohol, ketones, esters, ethers and terpenes. Chemical and sensory characteristics of oils were influenced by the incidence of olive fruit fly rather than foliar treatment with zeolite. In the Montiano orchard, subjected to a severe B. oleae attack, the effectiveness of the zeolite against the pest was observed, and the oil from untreated plants showed higher chemical parameters associated with secondary oxidation phenomena. In the San Lazzaro orchard, where a weak B. oleae attack occurred, sensory differences were recorded between treated (NZ and EZ) and untreated plants. According to the results of this study, the use of zeolite film cover on olive tree canopy do not negatively influence the plant physiology and represents a useful tool against olive fruit fly.

A large number of ancient olive plants with different genetic, agronomic and morphological characteristics are present in the Emilia Romagna region. In this study 431 trees, present in eight provinces, were located and their phytometric traits were recorded; all of them were also submitted to molecular analysis with SSR markers and compared with cultivars traditionally present in Central Italy and Emilia Romagna. The comparison of the local germplasm with known cultivars led to the identification of most accessions in study. Several accessions, about 33% of the total local individuals under study, did not show genetic identity with known cultivars and were of unknown origin, these genotypes therefore represent a precious reserve of biodiversity. Thanks to the synergy between the potentiality of local olive cultivars and the pedoclimatic conditions typical of a cold growing area, Northern Italy regions produce oils characterized by high quality standards; for example in Emilia Romagna region there are several registered trademarks and two PDOs (Protected Denomination of Origin), Brisighella and Colline di Romagna. In the last 30 years the Institute of BioEconomy IBE-CNR (ex IBIMET-CNR) and the University of Parma have carried out a selection project through genotyping programs: thirty autochthonous cultivars were selected and distributed following the genetic and sanitary plant certification process, according to a European voluntary program. The choice to protect autochthonous cultivars of Emilia Romagna, which according to literature mentioned in the text have been cultivated over the last two millennia in the region, and their reintroduction with new orchards in hilly areas would allow to valorize the final product and to implement the relationship between olive oil and landscape.

In a 3-year study, the chemical compositions of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) of Bosana variety deriving from three different growing areas in Northern Sardinia were characterized, together with the pedo-climatic conditions of the three different growing areas, to gauge any differences at the chemical level. The main chemical differences in the oils from the three-studied areas were recorded in the fatty acid profiles [palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acid; sum of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids]: these dissimilarities were ascribable to the environmental characteristics of the Alghero area, while others analytical parameters such as tocopherols, pigments, phenolic, and volatile compounds were not affected by production area. Fatty acids profile revealed a clear relation with temperature at a mesoclimate level, allowing a clusterization of the production areas. Our study provided evidences that pedo-climatic factors affect the quality of EVOO; in particular, in the case of Bosana cultivar the acidic fraction resulted one of the main traits differentiating the olive growing areas.

The olive species (Olea europaea L.) is characterized by significant phenotypic and genetic variability the genetic matrix has a strong influence on several important extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) chemical components. Four clones from cultivars autochthonous of the Emilia Romagna region were selected for their notable performance in terms of agronomical characteristics, and the quality of the olive oil produced was studied in detail. In particular, we analyzed the fatty acid composition, the phenolic profile and the sensory analysis of the oils from these clones and compared them with the oils from the respective cultivars. Most of the new clones, all already provided with a genetic and sanitary certification, exhibited overall higher qualitative standards than the cultivars, producing monovarietal oils interesting both nutritionally and from a sensory point of view, and furthermore with a beneficial effect on health.

The ecosystem services provided by urban forests contribute to ameliorate air quality and human well-being in cities. An integrated approach based on direct measurements of leaf functional multi-traits and on estimation of the plant mitigation potential was used for predicting the species-specific impact on air quality of 29 species, including trees and shrubs, commonly present in the urban context. In addition, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and ozone forming potential (OFP) of each species were evaluated. At plant levels, pollution deposition equations and the i-Tree Eco model were applied for estimating particulate (PM10) and ozone (O-3) removal potential and for calculating carbon dioxide (CO2) storage and sequestration by the studied species. The results highlight the plant species-specific ability to capture atmospheric pollutants based on their physiological (CO2 assimilation and stomatal conductance) and morphological (stomata, trichomes, waxes and cuticular ornamentation) leaf traits. Trees with abundant trichomes, waxes and wrinkled leaf surfaces are considered more suitable for capturing pollutants. Most of the studied species are suitable for urban planning programs as they result for the majority low VOC emitters and consequently are characterized by low or moderate OFP. Annual O-3 and PM10, removal of the investigated trees species ranged from about 58-140 g plant(-1) yr(-1) and from about 17-139 g plant(-1) yr(-1), respectively. Total tree CO2 storage ranged from about 164-215 kg plant(-1) and gross annual CO2 sequestration from 11 to 20 kg plant(-1) year(-1). Liriodendron tulipifera, Celtis australis, Acer campestre and Acer platanoides, were efficient species in capturing PM10 and absorbing O-3. Prunus cerasifera, Quercus cerris, together with Celtis australis, Acer campestre and Acer platanoides, were efficient for carbon sequestration and storage. As aspected, lower potential of pollutant removal and CO2 storage and sequestration were estimated for shrubs, due to their smaller leaf area and structure.

The EVOO chemical and sensory characteristics depend on several factors such as the environment, the genetic matrix, stage of olive ripeness, phytosanitary conditions of olive, time and way of olive storage before transformation, technological features of olive mill. In this chapter, the time of olive storage and two different types of extraction equipment are taken into account to deep understand their impact on chemical and sensory profile of EVOO. The knowledge of how this factors act will allows to manage the production chain adequately and to act on the various steps in order to improve the quality of EVOO. The sensory modifications of olive oils processed with two different type of extraction system during the storage were also evaluated

The extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) chemical and sensory characteristics depend on several factors such as the environment, the genetic matrix, stage of olive ripeness, phytosanitary conditions of olive, time and way of olive storage before transformation, and technological features of olive mill. In this chapter, the time of olive storage and two different types of extraction equipment are taken into account to deep understand their impact on chemical and sensory profile of EVOO. The knowledge of how these factors act will allow to manage the production chain adequately and to act on the various steps in order to improve the quality of EVOO. The sensory modifications of olive oils processed with two different types of extraction system during the storage were also evaluated.

Background: In this study, two types of crusher, hammer and blade, were used to produce olive oils from cv. Correggiolo olives at four stages of ripeness, to analyse the effect of these two factors on oil quality indices (free acidity, peroxide value, UV absorption), on phenolic compounds content and sensory profiles. Differences in chemical and sensory data were analysed by two-way ANOVA.; Results: Ripeness exerted a stronger influence than the crushing equipment on quality indices, phenolic content and sensory evaluation; moreover the statistical significance of interaction between the factors considered suggests that they are intertwined. Differences in the texture of olive pastes obtained by squashing and crushing were clearly evident at the first stage of ripeness via observation with a scanning electron microscope. The stronger mechanical action of the hammer crusher also produced smaller pit fragments compared to the blade crusher, as shown by particle size analysis of the kernels fragments.; Conclusion: Knowledge about the interaction between ripening and crushing will allow olive oil producers to pursue a product of the quality most suitable for a particular type of consumer. For example, bitterness and pungency, characters recently connected with health effects because sensory markers of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols, do not have a great sensory appeal for most consumers; however, there is a niche of gourmet estimators interested in these peculiar flavours and ready to pay a premium price for them. The producer will be able to customise the EVOO by modulating its chemical and sensory characteristics, especially the phenolic fraction, thus addressing the needs of consumers with different tastes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Several ancient olive plants with different genetic, agronomic and morphological characteristics are widespread in the Emilia-Romagna region. In this study, details of 206 trees located in four provinces were collected and their phytometric traits were recorded. Easily recognizable varieties were identified, while plants of uncertain genetic identity were submitted for molecular analysis with SSR markers and compared with cultivars widespread in central Italy and Emilia-Romagna. The genetic analyses showed that most of the ancient olive trees belonged to 10 cultivars that are already characterized, with different cases of intra-varietal clones. The remaining accessions belonged to 19 different genotypes of unknown origin. The highest percentage of policormic trees was found in the Bologna and Rimini provinces. A high percentage of plants located under unfavourable aspects (west to east) was found only in the Rimini territory, which presents peculiar and milder climatic conditions compared to the other provinces. Slope appeared not to be a limiting factor for tree survival. The information obtained could help the rational reintroduction of olive growing in suitable areas of Emilia-Romagna, with the subsequent economic advantages, erosion preservation and germplasm enrichment.

The effects of olive ripeness, areas of production and their interaction on the chemical and sensory characteristics of cv. Bosana oil were assessed. The study was carried out in three areas of the Sassari province, Sardinia (Italy), at three stages of maturation. The results indicated the independence of the two factors: ripeness influenced saturated fatty acids, pigment content and deacetoxy oleuropein aglycone (DAOA) content and didn’t affect the sensory characteristics, while production area influenced unsaturated fatty acids, content of vanillic acid and some sensory characters. In order to verify the interdependency of the two factors, statistical analyses (two-way ANOVA) were performed. Our study showed that a thoughtful planning of harvest times and production area could allow to obtain Bosana virgin olive oil of the highest quality. Furthermore, utilizing cultivars that maintain the properties of their oils even at late dates of harvest, it would be possible to optimize harvest times.

Il comprensorio Acerrano si inserisce in una realtà territoriale ed ambientale complessa, per la presenza di fattori di pressione ambientale diversificati e per le problematiche comuni alla cosiddetta 'terra dei fuochi'. Nel dominio oggetto di studio sono presenti: ? l'impianto di incenerimento e valorizzazione di rifiuti solidi urbani; ? sorgenti di inquinanti di tipo industriale e di trattamento dei rifiuti; ? intenso traffico veicolare (autostrade, strade principali e centri urbani); ? sorgenti emissive legate al riscaldamento degli edifici ad uso residenziale/terziario. In questo contesto, l'attività del progetto SAmbA ha realizzato un apparato d'indagine ambientale integrato, basato su misure da piattaforme mobili terrestri ed aeroportate, rilievi di dettaglio dei parametri biofisici ed ambientali e simulazioni modellistiche dell'evoluzione della qualità dell'aria che hanno permesso di quantificare l'apporto delle diverse sorgenti alla qualità dell'aria nel comprensorio acerrano. Sul territorio oggetto di studio sono stati dislocati apparati sperimentali per il monitoraggio della qualità dell'aria e condotte campagne di misura con strumentazione installata su mezzi mobili stradali e su aerei, per approfondire le informazioni sulla qualità ambientale del territorio e far fronte alle carenze informative ed al contempo fornire elementi quantitativi di verifica per le simulazioni modellistiche. Il precedente Studio modellistico di ricaduta delle emissioni del termovalorizzatore di Acerra contestualizzato all'interno della realtà territoriale (©CNR Edizioni, ISBN 978 88 8080 229 7, Aprile 2016), ha fornito dati quantitativi per la determinazione dell'impatto ambientale dell'impianto di termovalorizzazione dei rifiuti, mediante un approccio integrato che ha quantificato l'apporto delle diverse sorgenti inquinanti nel comprensorio di Acerra - attraverso l'uso combinato un modello dispersivo di tipo lagrangiano a particelle e di un modello fotochimico. Il presente volume riporta i risultati di dettaglio delle ampie e diversificate misure e analisi ambientali svolte, che consentono di ricomporre un quadro complesso a partire dall'analisi di numerosi parametri ambientali a diverse scale di indagine.

This study investigates consumer attitude towards local virgin olive oil production and examines associations between consumer preference and sensory evaluations carried out by a trained panel. The panel evaluated four extra virgin olive oils in terms of descriptors such as bitter, pungent and fruity. Consumers demonstrated a high level of interest in locally produced oil and expected it to score low for bitterness and pungency. Participants were segmented into clusters, having first been asked to declare their liking-drivers, choosing between low- or high-fruity intensity and low- or high-bitter–pungent intensity. Having tasted the oils, consumers were requested to provide hedonic scores and to judge oil quality. Those consumers who expressed a preference for olive fruitiness did not generally score in accordance with its intensity, as assessed by the expert panel. The bitter–pungent attribute appears be a more suitable characteristic for determining consumer preference. These results may prove useful in orienting local production towards the real expectations and preferences of consumers.

Lo studio è finalizzato alla determinazione dell'impatto ambientale dell'impianto di termovalorizzazione dei rifiuti di Acerra mediante un approccio integrato che, a partire della verifica delle principali sorgenti emissive, prevede rilievi di qualità dell'aria dei comprensori limitrofi e simulazioni modellistiche. Nell'ambito di questo progetto si è realizzato un apparato d'indagine ambientale integrato, basato su misure da piattaforme mobili terrestri ed aeroportate, rilievi di dettaglio dei parametri biofisici ed ambientali e simulazioni modellistiche dell'evoluzione della qualità dell'aria che hanno permesso di ottenere un "source apportionment" a scala locale in grado di quantificare l'apporto delle diverse sorgenti alla qualità dell'aria nel comprensorio di Acerra.

The relationship between genetic diversity and phenotype in olive, instrumental to improve the efficacy of olive clonal selection, is still far from being fully understood. This work reports on a comparison made between plant SSR genetic data and quality of monovarietal olive oils. Nine monovarietal oils produced by selected genotypes were characterised under chemical and sensory profiles. Fatty acid compositions were determined to evaluate quantitative differences among oils; some fatty acids are actually highly correlated with the genetic matrix, and PCA of fatty acids composition explains 85.53% variability. Moreover some oils characterised by high levels of oleic acid appeared interesting from a nutritional standpoint. Organoleptic profiles evidenced differences especially for the attributes defined as “pleasant flavours”; oils obtained by different genetic matrices were characterised by different flavour intensities of tomato or artichoke, almond or aromatic herbs, correspondence analysis among sensory pleasant attributes and olive oil samples explaining 91.68% variability.

The evaluation criteria applied on a 34 set of minor and main olive varieties of a restricted and climatically disfavoured region of Italy have allowed to clearly identify some local varieties with valuable agro-ecological adaptation and outstanding oil quality traits. These traits are necessary for the establishment and/or improvement of olive culture in a disadvantaged cultivation area. The molecular and morphological analyses have allowed to establish the identity of local unknown ecotypes, establishing their relationships either with other local varieties or with wide-spread cultivars, while the evaluation of oil quality parameters ranked their suitability for further exploitation. These genotypes will represent the starting material for promoting new opportunities of olive cultivation in disfavoured areas. These criteria could be usefully applicable to any other region characterized by difficult conditions and the presence of local unexploited ecotypes.

A group of olive varieties, commonlycultivated in the sub-coastal area of theEmilia-Romagna region, in Italy's northernolive cultivation area limit, weredescribed using both morphological andmolecular approaches. The morpho-biologicalcharacters of each accession were collectedaccording to the UPOV's descriptor list(International Union for the Protection ofNew Varieties of Plants). Biometric indexesof inflorescence, leaf, fruit, and stone,measured using the Video Image Analysis(VIA), were compared to the molecular dataobtained on the same set of cultivars usingAFLP (Amplified Fragment LengthPolymorphism) and SSR (Simple SequenceRepeat) markers. The morphological andmolecular data led to similarrepresentations of the cultivarrelationships. However, only the AFLP andSSR data were able to characterize specificolive varieties and identify erroneousdenominations and cases of synonymy.

SummaryThe role of light quality and quantity in regulating growth and differentiation of Prunus persica plants was evaluated using different coloured filters in an outdoor experiment. Examination of total growth showed that neutral shading (80% of transparent control) did not affect shoot length, internode elongation, leaf number, and branching, but strongly influenced the anatomical characteristics of leaves. The combination blue + far red (B + FR) acted quite differently from the combination red + far red (R + FR) and caused a general inhibition of growth phenomena. Shorter and more compact plants were produced under B + FR tunnels where the reduction in shoot elongation was consistent with the reduction in internode length. Furthermore, light transmitted through the B + FR filter resulted in lower branching and in smaller and thinner leaves compared with those grown under the other light treatments. The number of flowers was not affected by either light quality or quantity. The negative effect on grow...

In Italy, new regulation was recently introduced forcing virgin and extra virgin olive oil pro‐ ducers to indicate the location of both olive harvest and oil production. More recently the European Commission has established compulsory standards for the labelling of origin for extra virgin and virgin olive oils (Reg EC n.182/2009). The significant increase in demand for extra virgin olive oils is due not only to the health benefits it offers, but also to its organolep‐ tic properties; the large number of Italian olive cultivars allows for the production of differ‐ ent monovarietal oils marked out by a wide range of pleasant flavours.

The use of formalin constitutes serious health hazards for laboratory workers. We investigated the suitability and performance of the ethanol-based fixative, FineFIX, as a substitute for formalin for anatomical and cellular structure investigations of leaves by light microscopy and for leaf surface and ultrastructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We compared the anatomical features of leaf materials prepared using conventional formalin fixation with the FineFIX. Leaves were collected from ornamental tree species commonly used in urban areas. FineFIX was also compared with glutaraldehyde fixation and air drying normally used for scanning electron microscopy to develop a new method for evaluating leaf morphology and microstructure in three ornamental tree species. The cytological features of the samples processed for histological analysis were well preserved by both fixatives as demonstrated by the absence of nuclear swelling or shrinkage, cell wall detachment or tissue flaking, and good presentation of cytoplasmic vacuolization. In addition, good preservation of surface details and the absence of shrinkage artefacts confirmed the efficacy of FineFIX fixation for SEM analysis. Cuticular wax was preserved only in air dried samples. Samples treated with chemical substances during the fixation and dehydration phases showed various alterations of the wax structures. In some air dried samples a loss of turgidity of the cells was observed that caused general wrinkling of the epidermal surfaces. Commercial FineFIX is an adequate substitute for formalin in histology and it can be applied successfully also for SEM investigation, while reducing the health risks of glutaraldehyde or other toxic fixatives. To investigate the potential for plants to absorb and capture particulates in air, which requires preservation of the natural morphology of trichomes and epicuticular waxes, a combination of FineFIX fixation and air drying is recommended.

The internal levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and polyamines (PAs) and the metabolism of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were studied in relation to the in vitro rooting process of two pear cultivars, the easy-to-root Conference and the difficult-to-root Doyenne d'Hiver. Doyenne d'Hiver required about a 10 times higher concentration of IBA to achieve a rooting percentage similar to that of Conference. One- or two-day exposures to IBA were sufficient to stimulate rooting but with different efficiency for each cultivar. Longer exposure to auxin strongly increased the root number in Conference, whereas root elongation was inhibited in both cultivars. The metabolism of IBA in both cultivars was not significantly different when IBA was used at a high concentration to stimulate maximal rooting in Doyenne d'Hiver. IBA was mainly conjugated into IBA glucose, which was accumulated, and a small amount was converted into free IAA in both cultivars. However, in Doyenne d'Hiver this metabolic pathway appears to be active only at a higher exogenous IBA concentration. At a high IBA concentration more callus was formed by Doyenne d'Hiver, indicating that the cells of Doyenne d'Hiver are not capable of responding to the hormone in the same manner as Conference cells. Anatomic observations indicated that the capacity to induce initial dividing cells was more efficient in Doyenne d'Hiver, but subsequently the number of root primordia formed and root development were much reduced relative to Conference. A possible correlation between these processes and an early increase followed by a decrease of free IAA was seen in Conference. By day 4, a significant increase in IAA conjugates and free putrescine was observed in Doyenne d'Hiver. This higher putrescine content may be related to the lower amount of root development. Together with previous studies these results indicate that differences in the uptake and metabolism of applied auxins may affect rooting ability and the subsequent development of adventitious roots in microcuttings of pear.

Proliferating axillary shoots of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa A. Chev., C. F. Liang and A. R. Ferguson), var.deliciosa, cv. ‘Hayward’ were grown under solar (SL), white (WL), and blue (BL) light regimens to determine the accumulation of fresh and dry weight, proliferation rate, shoot growth (length), and the net leaf photosynthetic capacity at the CO2 concentration ranges of 200 to 350, 400 to 600, and 1200 to 1500 ppm. An histologic study determined the effects of light source on leaf stomatal density and tissue morphology. Dry and fresh matter accumulation was greatest, but callus development most limited under the SL regimen. Shoot proliferation was highest under WL and length under BL. Net photosynthetic capacity was highest for leaves grown under SL and lowest for those under BL; the leaves exposed to the latter regimen were also thinner and exhibited a less compact arrangement of palisade cells than those under WL and SL. Leaf stomata density was highest under the BL source.

Morphogenic and growth processes were studied in relation to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and red, far red and blue spectral bands monitored at three different heights of a peach canopy during the vegetative season. The PAR intercepted by the bottom of the tree was significantly lower than that at the top, and blue fluence rate changed with height and season in a manner similar to PAR. Phytochrome photoequilibria indicated spatial and temporal differences in the three layers of the canopy: significantly lower values were detected at the bottom in correspondence with the maximum leaf area index. In this layer, a stimulation of internode elongation and a decrease of flower density were detected. Higher shoot growth rates and about double number of lateral shoots were found at the top of the canopy, where a greater number of sun leaves was present. Possible explanations in terms of different growth strategies induced by shade, depletion of blue, and low phytochrome levels at the bottom of the canopy are given.

BACKGROUND: Commercial virgin olive oils belonging to the cultivars (Bosana, Carolea, Coratina, Frantoio, Itrana, Leccino, Moraiolo, Peranzana, Piantone di Mogliano and Ravece) most represented at the Italian National Review of Monovarietal olive oils (Rassegna Nazionale Italiana degli oli Monovarietali) were considered. The evaluation of the influence of the cultivar and of the crop year as well as their interaction on oil composition were statistically analysed by a complete factorial design by principal components analysis and by linear discriminant analysis. RESULTS: In fatty acids composition, the effect of the cultivar and crop year and their interaction were highly significant. The statistical analysis showed that the sensory attributes (olive fruity, grassy, fresh almond, artichoke, tomato, aromatic herbs, bitter and pungent) were strongly influenced by the cultivar. The prevalent effect of the cultivar on the sensory profile was also demonstrated by the low or absent level of significance observed in the crop year. CONCLUSION: The construction of a databank based on a large number of samples, which is available at URL http://www.olimonovarietali.it, has contributed to the reduction of the variable effects involved in the oil production process. Knowledge of the chemical and sensory profiles of the Italian monovarietal olive oils could start a certification process of these oils, thus giving greater guarantees about their origin. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

Publisher Summary Emilia-Romagna, along with Apulia, Abruzzo and Tuscany, is one of the four Italian regions where national genetic and sanitary certification processes have started. This process is a definite point of strength for the region, which is now able to benefit from a very solid foundation for a maximum production qualification. The nutritional properties of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) produced in the Emilia-Romagna region have been determined in relation to many principal factors such as the genetic matrix; EVOO nutritional properties will, moreover, be related to the quality of raw materials, particularly considering the influence of both the olive ripening process and the olive preservation time before crushing. In order to obtain information about the nutritional properties of the EVOO produced in Emilia-Romagna, it is important to take into consideration the data regarding fatty acid composition, total phenols and total ortho-diphenols, single minor polar compounds and their antioxidant activity, vitamins and pigments such as tocopherols, lutein, and β-carotene.

The National Research Council Institute of Biometeorology of Bologna (IBIMET-CNR) carried out a study aimed to the safeguard of autochthonous cultivars, through the census of secular olive tree plants, belonging to varieties at extinction risk or located in sites with historical or landscape add value in the Province of Bologna (North Italy) with particular attention to phytometric characters, sanitary status of the plants and the relation with their location characteristics. The presence of ancient plants in a specific site may indicate the absence of limiting factors for olive trees development. Considering the environmental factor values of these locations, a classification of the territory in classes of suitability for the cultivation was defined, with the support of a Geographic Information System (GIS). Ancient olive trees data were also collected and catalogued in an internet site (http://olivisecolari.ibimet.cnr.it) where it is possible to reach a virtual journey through studied olive trees. All plants are supplied with a phytometric card and a visualization on a map providing the exact location. The GIS elaboration of the environmental factors considered for the definition of the suitable lands for olive trees cultivation, identified 3556 ha as suitable, of which 972 ha highly suitable belonging to class I, where olive trees cultivation could be profitable because of suitable land morphology and the possibility of a good mechanization due to low field slopes.

In this paper, two monovarietal extravirgin olive oils, obtained from Ghiacciolo and Nostrana di Brisighella cvv. olives, were produced by two different extraction plants, a low-scale mill equipped with a two-phase decanter and a continuous water-saving industrial plant. The olive ripening index, the fatty acid analysis by capillary gas chromatography, the spectrophotometric determinations of total phenols and o-diphenols, the phenolic profile by HPLC-DAD/MSD and the oxidative stability by OSI, together with the sensory analysis on the oil produced, were evaluated. Independently of the olive processing plant, the oils originating from two cultivars of olive fruit showed different fatty acid compositions (particularly the C18:1/C18:2 ratio), phenol compositions and oxidative stabilities. Concerning the extraction system, for both cultivars, the oxidative resistance and the content of phenols and o-diphenols were higher for the oils produced by the low-scale mill. The quantitative descriptive analysis sensory analysis was not able to discriminate the oil samples from both cultivars obtained from the two plants, even if it underlined a higher bitter attribute for the Ghiacciolo cv. oil when it was obtained from the low-scale mill. The data of the sensory analysis were correlated with simple phenol and the secoiridoid contents, both determined by HPLC-DAD-MSD.

The evaluation of the influence of olive ripening degree on the stability of extra virgin olive oils by the determination of the oxidative stability index, the DPPH. radical test, and the quali-quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds, as well as the study of the variation of their sensory profiles, plays a key role in the assessment of the overall olive oil quality. Olives of the cv. Nostrana di Brisighella grown in the north-central Italian region of Emilia-Romagna were picked at four different stages of ripeness and immediately processed in an experimental mill. The polar extracts of oil samples were submitted to spectrophotometric analysis of total phenols and o-diphenols and to liquid chromatographic determination of their quali-quantitative profile (HPLC-DAD/MSD). To attain a complete description of oil samples, fatty acid composition, ultraviolet indices (K-232, K-270, and DeltaK), free acidity degree, and peroxide value were also determined according to the European Union methods stated in Regulation 2568/91 (1, Off. J. Eur. Communities 1991, L248, 1-82). Sensory quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and triangular tests were performed to establish the influence of olive ripening degree on the resulting oil's organoleptic properties. The evolution of the analytical parameters studied shows that the ripeness stage of Nostrana di Brisighella olives that yields the best oil corresponds to a Jaen index value between 2.5 and 3.5. Oils produced from olives harvested within this time frame present a superior sensory profile accompanied by the highest possible chemical and nutritional properties.