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Constructed wetland systems provide the ideal solution for small and medium dairy farms as they can be built close to the farm and are easy to manage and use. However, their perfomance is significantly affected by vegetation activity during the year. The aims of the present study were to assess the treatment of dairy wastewater (DWW) by a horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSFs) and the effect of plants in the removal efficiency (RE) of BOD5, COD, total N (TN) and total P (TP), in Sicily (Italy). The HSSFs treated 6/7 m3 per day of wastewater produced by a small dairy farm subsequent to biological treatment. The system included two units which were separately planted with Arundo donax L. and Cyperus alternifolius L. During a three-year study, the main chemical and microbiological characteristics were determined as well as pollutant RE. Plant growth analysis was carried out and biomass production was determined. All DWW parameters showed significant differences between inlet and outlet. In particular, for BOD5 and COD, average RE values were 77.8% and 61.6%, respectively. Arundo donax produced greater biomass than Cyperus alternifolius for both above- (4240.3 g m2/ year) and below-ground (6996.3 g m2/year) plant parts. A seasonal variation in RE of BOD5, COD, TN and TP was recorded due to plant growth rates. Our findings highlight that the contribution of plants in pollutant RE tends to vary seasonally.

Irrigation and growing substrate are considered as essential cultivation practices in order to obtain good productive and qualitative performance of potted rosemary plants. In pot growing, the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the substrate must be stable over time in order to allow regular plant growth. However, the effects of cultivation techniques on the characteristics of potted rosemary are little known. Peat is traditionally used as the organic growing medium, however, despite numerous advantages, its use has determined a degradation of peatlands in the northern hemisphere and an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of irrigation and peat-alternative substrates on the morphological, aesthetic and production characteristics of potted Sicilian rosemary biotypes with different habitus types. Two years, two different irrigation levels, three peat-alternative substrates and three types of rosemary plant habitus were tested in a split-split-split-plot design for a four-factor experiment. The results highlight that irrigation and substrate determined significant differences for all tested parameters. Rosemary plants demonstrated the best performances when irrigation was more frequent, vice versa, the greatest percent content in essential oil was obtained when irrigation events were less frequent. The chemical&ndash, physical characteristics of peat-alternative substrates changed with decreases in the peat content and increases in the compost content. The erect habitus biotype showed the best adaptation capacity to the various treatments. Our results suggest that irrigation and peat-alternative substrates significantly affect the growth of rosemary plants and should, therefore, be taken into consideration in order to improve the cultivation of this species in pots for ornamental purposes.

This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in 4 regional Parks in Sicily (Italy) from 2009 to 2010. The study area covers a surface of 2076 km2, the 8% of the territory of Sicily, includes 90 towns and it is characterized by a high degree of plant biodiversity. The main aim of the study was to analyse the extent of the current knowledge on medicinal uses of wild shrub and herbaceous plants in the area, using quantitative indices. The information was obtained using semi-structured interview format performed on a sample of 802 people over the age of 60 who were considered experts in rural traditions. The results highlight that most of the species are used against general health and metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders. Only very few medicinal uses are widely known by all the informants and a specific medicinal use is often known by only very few people.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is an aromatic shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean area. It is used in cooking both to add aroma and as a preservative in processed foods. Essential oils of rosemary are used in medicine and in the cosmetics industry due to their considerable biological properties. The yield and quality of rosemary essential oils mainly depend upon the chemo type, environmental conditions and cultivation techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of essential oils of wild R. officinalis biotypes found in Sicily using different drying methods. Five types of drying methods were used for the tests: a) shade drying under a roof using natural air ventilation; b) direct sunlight drying; c) oven drying at 30°C; d) oven drying at 40°C; e) oven drying at 50°C. The results highlight qualitative and quantitative differences with regards to the dry methods and essential oils.

In this study, the essential oils obtained from the leaves of Myrtus communis L. stored in a collection orchard located at the experimental station ‘Orleans’ of the Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences of the University of Palermo (Italy) were investigated. The essential oils, analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene and myrtenyl acetate as dominant constituents. The neuroprotective effects of M. communis essential oils were investigated by analysing the antioxidant properties and cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase, AChE, and butyrylcholinesterase, BChE) inhibitory activity. Essential oils from Scopello accession possessed a promising radical scavenging potential with IC50 values of 71.4 and 75.9μg/mL for EO1 and EO2, respectively. Essential oil from Monte Pellegrino (EO5) showed the highest cholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 96.0 and 87.9μg/mL for AChE and BChE, respectively. Significant result was obtained also with EO1 against the BChE (IC50 of 77.8μg/mL). Data on essential oil together with antioxidant effects were used as variables to set a matrix for statistical analysis. Results suggest that M. communis leaves EO could be potentially used in pharmaceutical field.

Despite high urbanization, the city of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) has a good level of plant biodiversity. The Parco della Favorita is the largest green space in the city. It covers an area of 400 ha and is the green lung of the city. The Parco della Favorita is home to many wild species of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). This study aims to promote the Favorita Park as an urban green area to be used for educational purposes to raise awareness for the medicinal and food uses of MAPs. Nineteen plant species belonging to fifteen botanical families were identified. The most representative plant species were Foeniculum vulgare, Laurus nobilis, Capparis spinosa and Malva sylvetsris. Some of these plant species are used in traditional medicine, while others in various Sicilian culinary dishes.

In urban areas, the parks represent an important source of plant biodiversity. The Parco della Favorita is the largest green area in Palermo city (Sicily, Italy). Clinopodium raimondoi Spadaro, A.S. Faqi & Mazzola is an aromatic plant species which has a range of uses in Sicilian traditional culture. The essential oil of this species is rich in terpene components and its aroma is similar to that of mint. The aim of this study was to enhance the germplasm of C. raimondoi in the Parco della Favorita. A collection-field was set up within the park. The main biometric and productive parameters of the species were determined and gas chromatographic analyses were carried out to determine the quality profile of the essential oils. The collection-field of C. raimondoi plays an important role in the conservation and safeguard of the species.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) represent low-cost technology for the treatment and reuse of wastewater in urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the pollutant removal efficiency of a CW system and to assess the effects of irrigation using treated urban wastewater on soil and on two warm-season turf species. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) on a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system which was fed with treated urban wastewater following secondary treatment from an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant. The pilot system was located in an open urban park and comprised two separate parallel planted units. Experimental fields of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. and Paspalum vaginatum Sw. were set up close to the system and irrigated with both treated wastewater (TWW) and freshwater (FW). Irrigation with TWW did not result in a significant variation in soil pH and soil salinity in the topsoil. The turf species tolerated high sodium levels in the soil due to TWW irrigation. Savings in FW and mineral fertilizers were deemed significant. The results highlight the fact that use of CW systems for the treatment and reuse of wastewater can represent a sustainable way to obtain alternative water resources for turfgrass irrigation in urban areas.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and apparent kurtosis coefficient (Kapp) for the characterization of prostate lesions on 1.5T MRI. This retrospective study included 34 patients with at least one lesion with PI-RADS score≥ 3. Performances of ADC and Kapp were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). Lesions with Gleason score≥6 had significantly lower Kapp compared to benign lesions (p=0.025). The ADC-ratio was the only significantly different parameter between GS≥7 and GS=6 lesions (p=0.039). Kapp showed the largest AUROC for the diagnosis of GS≥6 prostate cancers (AUROC: 0.741, p=0.025), while the largest AUROC for the diagnosis of GS≥7 prostate cancers was achieved by the ADC-ratio (AUROC: 0.709, p=0.039). While Kapp demonstrated no significant benefit in characterization of prostate cancers compared to ADC, it could be helpful to distinguish benign lesions from prostate cancers.

The species belonging to the genus Capsicum have been widely used as decorative vegetables, however only a few genotypes are available for this purpose. The goal of the present work was the agro-morphological characterization of several chili pepper accessions cultivated into different pot sizes (10, 14, 18 or 20 cm diameters). The agro-morphological characterization of 19 accessions was performed following IPGR (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) descriptors: plant height (PH), plant canopy width (PCW), PH/PCW ratio, plant growth habit, plant visual quality, first flower emission, fruiting start, end of harvest, fruit number, fruit length, fruit width, fruit color at mature stage and fruit shape. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for all observed traits showed statistical significant differences among the genotypes tested. Results of the heat map complementarily secured the frequency of multiplicity highlighted from the ANOVA analysis. Furthermore, the present study pointed out that A33, A27, G1 and A1 chili pepper accessions achieved optimal performances in terms of plant visual quality, which is a crucial trait for ornamental purposes.

This paper describes a case study that was carried out on a Sicilian company (Italy) dealing with separate waste collection and recycling of glass. The aims of this study were to evaluate the overall efficiency of a vertical subsurface flow system (VSSFs) constructed wetland (CW) operating for the treatment of first-flush stormwater and the effects of treated wastewater on the morphological and aesthetic characteristics of ornamental pepper and rosemary plants. The system had a total surface area of 46.80 m2 and was planted with common reed and giant reed. Wastewater samples were taken from October 2018 to July 2019 at the CW inlet and outlet for chemical-physical and microbiological characterization of the wastewater. Two separate experimental fields of rosemary and ornamental pepper were set up in another Sicilian location. Three sources of irrigation water, two accessions of rosemary and two varieties of ornamental pepper were tested in a split-plot design for a two-factor experiment. The results showed very high organic pollutant removal (BOD5 75&ndash, 83%, COD 65&ndash, 69%) and a good efficiency of nutrients (TN 60&ndash, 66%) and trace metals (especially for Cu and Zn) removal. Escherichia coli concentration levels were always lower than 100 CFU 100 mL&minus, 1 during the test period. Irrigation water and plant habitus had significant effects on all the morphological and aesthetic characteristics of the plants. For both the crops, plants irrigated with freshwater and treated wastewater had greater growth and showed a better general appearance in comparison with plants irrigated with wastewater. The higher trace metal levels in the wastewater produced adverse effects on plant growth and reduced the visual quality of the plants. Our results suggest the suitability of a VSSFs constructed wetland for the treatment of first-flush stormwater and the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation purposes, in accordance with legislation requirements concerning wastewater quality.

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.), known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Although the species grows wild throughout Sicily, knowledge of its production and qualitative properties is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic behavior of the species over two years of testing and to characterize the chemical properties of its wild counterparts in order to identify the most promising accessions for cropping or for use in breeding programs. Tests were carried out during 2008, 2009, and 2010. During the first year, the plot was established. Subsequently, the main parameters for bio-agronomic evaluation were taken in 2009 and 2010. Regarding qualitative characterization, essential oils (EO) were extracted from flowering samples of clary sage. The accessions in the study showed satisfactory adaptation capacity to cropping. The accessions examined belong to the &ldquo, linalyl acetate&rdquo, (range 36&ndash, 43%) chemotype. Test results show good potential for Mediterranean cropping systems, helping to increase the range of medicinal and aromatic species in cultivation.

A collection of nine Myrtus communis samples from different localities of Sicily was evaluated. Morphological traits and production characteristics have been chosen as parameters to arrange the samples into homogeneous groups and to identify the best biotypes for possible future agro-industrial exploitation. The plant material has been subjected to taxonomic characterization from biometric and phytochemical perspectives. Myrtle berries and leaves have been analyzed for their content in metabolites, applying a cascade extraction protocol for M. communis leaves and a single hydroalcoholic extraction for berries, whereas hydrodistillation procedures have been applied to obtain the essential oils from berries and leaves. The analyses of non-volatile components were carried out by LC-UV-DAD-ESI-MS. All the extracts were characterized by the presence of numerous polyphenols, namely highly hydroxylated flavonols such as quercetin and myricetin; and ellagic acid detected in all samples. In addition, myrtle berries contained nine different anthocyanins, namely delphinidin, petunidin, cyanidin and malvidin derivatives. The essential oils (EOs) were analyzed by a combination of GC-FID and GC/MS. A total of 33 and 34 components were fully characterized with the predominance of α-pinene, myrtenyl acetate, linalool, 1,8- cineole and linalyl acetate. All phytochemical profiles were subjected to cluster analyses, which allowed subdividing the myrtle samples in different chemical groups.

The reuse of treated wastewater represents an attractive prospect for sustainable water management in urban areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reuse of treated wastewater from constructed wetland systems for the irrigation of Seashore paspalum turf (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) and assess the effects of treated wastewater on the soil and turfgrass. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSF). Seashore paspalum plots were irrigated with freshwater and treated wastewater. In treated wastewater-irrigated plots, we estimated the amounts of nitrogen and potassium, supplied by irrigating with treated wastewater. The productive and qualitative characteristics of Seashore paspalum were not significantly influenced by irrigation with treated wastewater compared to freshwater. There was no significant variation in soil salinity and organic matter with the application of treated wastewater. The results confirm that treated wastewaters provide an additional water source and fertilizer for turf management in urban areas where the supply of freshwater is often limited.

Species of the Sedum genus are a popular choice for green roofs as they thrive in shallow growth layers and are resilient to extreme environmental conditions; they are also easy to propagate from seed, plantlings or plant parts. The use of rooted cuttings is most widespread due to good rates of establishment. In the interest of cost reduction, the direct spreading of Sedum cuttings over the roof area, especially over large areas, has attracted attention in recent years. Considering the interest on the above method and the seeming lack of experimental data available, this study aims to further knowledge in this area. Experimental tests on direct spreading of unrooted cuttings of Sedum sediforme (Jacq.) Pau were carried out in order to study the effects of plant density and cutting-type both on rooting and on the growth and cover dynamics in a green roof simulated on the ground. The results highlight that tip cuttings responded more quickly to rooting and with higher percentages compared to node cuttings. However, node cutting, when used at greater density, created more continuous plant cover in a shorter period of time.

Behçet’s disease is a chronic and multisystemic inflammatory vascular disease of unknown etiology, affecting vessels of all kinds and sizes. The involvement of the vascular system is observed in approximately 5-30% of patients. The most frequent vascular manifestations are venous thrombosis followed by arterial aneurysms and arterial thrombosis. The identification of vascular involvement is very important for prognosis, indeed the rupture of an arterial aneurysm represents the leading cause of sudden death in patients with Behçet’s disease. Computed tomography (CT) plays a crucial role in the identification and in the follow-up of vascular involvement. In this paper, we report the case of a 42-year-old woman with Behçet’s disease, admitted to our emergency department for hemoptysis, showing pulmonary and visceral artery aneurysms identified at CT examination. A particular “string of beads” appearance of pulmonary arteries is described. We report, also, follow-up CT examination after medical therapy showing pulmonary artery aneurysms reduction and visceral artery aneurysms stability.

One type of green roof whose function is ecological and environmental rather than aesthetic is the extensive green roof. Many studies have shown that Sedum performs very well compared to other hardy species in substrates of less than 10 cm. It seems that Sedum species are able to survive in very thin substrates; they tolerate extreme temperatures and sudden variations in temperatures, high levels of solar radiation, strong winds, poor substrate fertility and extreme drought. In particular, this paper looks at the potential of a number of species from the Sicilian taxa of the genus Sedum (Crassulaceae), which are considered to be those xerophytes most suited for use in extensive green roof systems for Mediterranean areas. Each taxon was subject to in situ and ex situ observations to gain phenological and ecological data, information on its vegetative propagation capacity and its plant ground cover capacity. The results of this study have led to greater understanding of Sicilian pluriennal Sedum genus entities of potential use in green roof systems in the Mediterranean. The taxa respond particularly well to agamic propagation, showing characteristics suited to nursery production of green roof systems, with the exception of S. amplexicaule subsp. tenuifolium. Growth indices and plant development (ground cover) demonstrated the capacity of a number of Sedum taxa to form a uniform green mantle over time. S. sediforme and S. album subsp. album. showed interesting results, for because of their ability to colonize the substrate, and they could be fundamental in determining the plant structure of the green systems. However, there are also other plants, such as S. amplexicaule var. tenuifolium, and, to a lesser extent, S. dasyphyllum var. dasyphyllum and S. ochroleucum, which are able to contribute to floral diversification and lead to greater biodiversity in the system. These taxa could be used when creating associations of Sedum at lower percentages compared to the structuring species (≤20%).

Brassica carinata A. Braun is one of the most interesting oilseed crops suited to arid and semi-arid areas for energy purposes. Several studies have highlighted the possibility of introducing this species into cropping systems, typical of Mediterranean region. The aims of this study were to evaluate the agronomic performance of Brassica carinata germplasm under Mediterranean climatic conditions and to assess the physical and energy characteristics of crop residues and pellets made from the residues. A total of 20 different accessions of Brassica carinata were compared in a semi-arid area of Sicily (Italy). In the two-year test period, the main morphological and yield parameters of the accessions were recorded. Crop residues were characterized by determining the moisture content, the ash content and the gross calorific value. The crop residues were tested for pellet-making and the end product was analysed for its physical and energy properties by determining the ash content, gross calorific value and mechanical durability. For crop residues, differences were found to be highly significant for the moisture content and not significant for the gross calorific value. For pellet, differences were highly significant for all parameters in the study.

Aromatic plants can benefit from the use of treated wastewater to satisfy their water requirements, but the effects on the essential oil yield and quality need an assessment. The aims of this study were to assess the effects of freshwater and treated wastewater obtained from a Sicilian (Italy) pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland system on plant growth and yield, essential oil yield and composition of oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart) and soil characteristics. The system had a total surface area of 100 m2 and was planted with giant reed and umbrella sedge. An experimental open field of oregano was set up close to the system. Two years and two different sources of irrigation water were tested in a split-plot design for a two-factor experiment. Treated wastewater was characterized by higher values of mineral and organic constituents than freshwater. The results highlight that short-term irrigation with freshwater and treated wastewater, in both years, led to increased plant growth, dry weight and essential oil yield of oregano plants. However, it did not significantly affect the essential oil content and composition in comparison with the control. Furthermore, the year and source of irrigation water did not significantly vary the chemical composition of the soil. Our results suggest that treated wastewater can be considered an alternative to freshwater for the cultivation of oregano due to the fact that it does not greatly influence the yield quality and quantity of this species in the short-term.

Constructed wetlands are sustainable technologies for the treatment of wastewater. These biological systems have been widely studied throughout the world for more than 30 years; however, most studies have focused on the effects of design and engineering on pollutant removal from wastewater. Undoubtedly, agro-technical aspects have been given too little consideration by research. This paper reports the main results of a set of experiments carried out on two pilot horizontal subsurface flow systems in Sicily (Italy). Festuca, Lolium and Pennisetum spp. in combination and three emergent macrophytes-Arundo donax L., Cyperus alternifolius L. and Typha latifolia L.-alone, were assessed. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that, under predetermined hydraulic and design conditions, the choice of plant species and the management of the vegetation can significantly affect the pollutant removal performance of constructed wetlands. In addition, wastewater (after treatment) can also be used for agricultural purposes leading to increased sustainability in agricultural systems. Arundo and Typha-planted units performed better than Cyperus-planted units in terms of chemical, physical and microbiological contaminant removal. All the species adapted extremely well to wetland conditions. Polyculture systems were found to be more efficient than monocultures in the removal of dissolved organic compounds. The reuse of treated wastewater for the irrigation of open fields and horticultural crops led to significant savings in the use of freshwater and fertilizers. The results of physical-energy characterization of A. donax above-ground plant residues and pellets highlighted the fact that a constructed wetland could also be a potential source of bioenergy.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) are a heterogeneous group of congenital, non-hereditary lesions of the lung, cystic and non-cystic type with clear developmental anomalies and evident malformative changes, which derive from the excessive proliferation of the tubular bronchial structures. We described two rare cases of type IV CPAM detected in adult patients with different clinical presentation: one of these cases was symptomatic, complaining of cough and hemoptysis. Conversely, the other case was reported as incidental findings in patient with abdominal pain without respiratory symptoms. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan was performed showing voluminous cystic formations with fibrotic septa within the lesions in both patients. The patient with hemoptysis was subjected to video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, while the other one was hospitalized to perform biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of CPAM. All patients were advised to follow-up. The incidence of type IV CPAM in adult patients is probably underestimated; the knowledge of the CT features of CPAM is crucial for a correct diagnosis and an appropriate management of asymptomatic patients, which may be conservative.

Myrtus communis L. İs a shrub widespread in the Mediterranean area. The interest in this species is growing, mainly due to its pharmacological and aromatic properties. The overexploitation of wild populations induced increasing degradation of plant cover with serious risk of loss of genetic diversity. This research explored the morphological, chemical, and genetic diversity of wild myrtle populations in Sicily, with the aim to provide a first characterization of a core collection of 36 accessions from 7 localities for future domestication programs. Amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting generated 152 polymorphic fragments. STRUCTURE analysis identified three genetic clusters (A, B, and C) corresponding to specific geographical origin. Analysis of molecular variance estimated a quite high overall fixation index (FST = 0.332). Misilmeri and Ispica were the more divergent populations (FST = 0.502), while M. Pellegrino and Scopello revealed the lowest FST (0.153). The relationships between genetic, morphological, and biometric data were investigated. Significant correlation between genetic clusters and bush shape/plant growth behavior was found (P < 0.005). Moreover, morphological traits such as leaf, fruit, and seed size were significantly correlated to Clusters B and C. Leaves' secondary metabolite profiles were evaluated based on antioxidant activity and total tannin and phenol concentrations. High antioxidant activity differences were recorded using DPPH (21.4-35.5 mmol Trolox/100 g DW) and ABTS (24.2-39.5 mmol Trolox/100 g DW) methods. A low variability was observed among populations regarding phenol (2466-3800 mg catechin equivalents/100 g DW) and total tannin contents (93.9-262.3 mg catechin equivalents/100 g DW). Results indicated that multiple approaches based on genetic, morphological, and chemical traits might allow the characterization of natural myrtle diversity.

To identify the best biotypes, an extensive survey of Sicilian wild rosemary was carried out by collecting 57 samples from various sites, followed by taxonomic characterization from an agronomic perspective. All the biotypes collected were classified as Rosmarinus officinalis L. A cluster analysis based on the morphological characteristics of the plants allowed the division of the biotypes into seven main groups, although the characteristics examined were found to be highly similar and not area-dependent. Moreover, all samples were analyzed for their phytochemical content, applying an extraction protocol to obtain the nonvolatile components and hydrodistillation to collect the essential oils for the volatile components. The extracts were characterized by LC-UV-DAD/ESI-MS, and the essential oils by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. In the nonvolatile fractions, 18 components were identified, namely, 13 flavones, two organic acids, and three diterpenes. In the volatile fractions, a total of 82 components were found, with as predominant components alpha-pinene and camphene among the monoterpene hydrocarbons and 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, and verbenone among the oxygenated monoterpenes. Cluster analyses were carried out on both phytochemical profiles, allowing the separation of the rosemary samples into different chemical groups. Finally, the total phenol content and the antioxidant activity of the essential oils and extracts were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) colorimetric assay, the UV radiation-induced peroxidation in liposomal membranes (UV-IP test), and the scavenging activity of the superoxide radical (O$\rm{{_{2}^{{^\cdot} -}}}$). The present study confirmed that the essential oils and organic extracts of the Sicilian rosemary samples analyzed showed a considerable antioxidant/free radical-scavenging activity.

The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) in crop irrigation is an advanced and rational approach to water resource management in agriculture. Results would seem to demonstrate that it could be an extremely important tool in the reduction of freshwater (FW) consumption in agriculture, at the same time helping to increase crop yields through the transfer of nutrients required for crop growth. In arid and semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean, constructed wetlands can play a key role in the treatment and reuse of wastewater due to their multifunctional nature. The aim of this study was to manage water and nutrient requirements of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) using TWW from a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSFs) in a comparative study with traditional agronomic management methods. Research was carried out in 2015 at a pilot-scale HSSFs test area in West Sicily. Tomato plant plots were irrigated with both FW and with TWW from 2 planted-units and an unplanted-unit. Results showed that the pilot system was efficient in the treatment of wastewater and FW saving was high: approx. 90 m3 of water per t of total tomato yield. The TWW affected the productive, biometric and qualitative parameters of the tomato fruits considerably. The increase in total tomato fruit yield using TWW compared to FW was found to be 4 t ha–1 regarding water from unit A, 6 t ha–1 from unit B, and 7 t ha–1 from unit C of the HSSFs. Escherichia coli concentrations were not always within the threshold limits required by Italian law concerning the reuse of TWW in irrigation. Maximum microbial contamination was found in the fruit skin (106 CFU 100 g–1 on average) and in those fruits which were in contact with bare soil. No significant variation of soil pH was found but an increase in organic matter content and salinity was recorded in TWW-irrigated plots. Results confirm that TWW can provide an additional source of water and fertilizer in areas where FW supply is limited.

Wastewaters generated by agro-industrial operations often represent an unsustainable cost for farms due to high wastewater-treatment management costs. The wastewater produced by dairies, wineries or oil mills may vary in quantity and in quality depending on the time of the year, making the use of a conventional treatment system less efficient and more costly. Constructed wetland systems (CWs) provide low-cost technology and an efficient solution in the treatment of a number of wastewaters from agriculture. They are simple to build, have low maintenance costs and are sustainable compared to conventional treatment methods. This paper shows a case study that was carried out on a dairy-cattle farm, located in the West of Sicily (Italy). The aim of the study was to evaluate the pollutant removal efficiency of an horizontal subsurface flow system (HSSFs) for the treatment of dairy parlor wastewater (DWWs). An HSSFs was planted with Phragmitesaustralis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. DWWs were initially pre-treated with a degreaser and two Imhoff septic tanks were used for the removal of suspended solids. The results showed a significant removal rate of organic pollutants by the HSSFs. The system was efficient in the treatment of DWWs and represents an artificial engineering system that corresponds well to Italian legislation requirements concerning the management of agricultural wastewaters from dairy-cattle farms.

Industrial crops for energy purposes are object of increasing interest worldwide and play an important role as a source of renewable energy. The aims of this study were to evaluate: i) the agronomic performance of Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C. and Brassica carinata A. Braun in a semi-arid environment; ii) to evaluate the economic viability of a pilot combined heat and power (CHP) plant operating on pure vegetable oil (PVO). The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy). The main biometric and yield parameters of the two species were determined. Chemical-physical characterizations were carried out on PVO for each species using specific protocols. The cogeneration of renewable energy was carried out using a CHP system with a nominal power of 75 kW h-1. The final stage focused on the economic viability analysis of the CHP system. Oil seed yield of Brassica napus and Brassica carinata were 2.10 and 1.16 t ha-1 on average, respectively. Cash-flow trend analysis showed good economic benefit to farmers. These results make the two species promising energy crops for cultivation in Mediterranean areas.

Potential energy feedstocks from conventional agriculture usually include pure vegetable oil (PVO) and agricultural/forest residues. Their uses can represent a starting point for the development of short agro-energy chains in the south areas of the Mediterranean region. This paper focused on testing and awareness raising of biofuel production for the cogeneration of electricity and heat from PVO of two Brassica oilseed crops in Sicily (Italy). The main aims of this study were: i) to evaluate the agronomic performance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C.) and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) in semi-arid climate condition; ii) to analyze the quality of PVO and the chemical-physical characteristics of pure vegetable oils, defatted seed meals and crop residues of the two species; iii) to define the economic viability of a pilot combined heat and power (CHP) plant operating on PVO. In this study, seed and crop residue yields were determined at the harvesting stage on a harvest area of 10 m2. For each species, chemical-physical characterizations were carried out using specific protocols. The cogeneration of heat and electricity was carried out using a CHP system with a nominal power of 75 kWh. The final stage of the study focused on the economic viability analysis of the CHP system. Seed yields of rapeseed and Ethiopian mustard were 2.10 and 1.16 t ha−1 on average, respectively. Ethiopian mustard obtained the highest performance of aboveground biomass yield (5.31 t ha−1). The fatty acid profiles of the PVO resulted different for the two oilseed crops. Ethiopian mustard had, on average, the highest glucosinolate content in the seeds. The cogenerator showed a consumption of 14.4 kg PVO h−1 on average. Cash-flow trend analysis showed good economic benefit for farmers. These results make the two species as promising energy crops for suitable short agro-energy chains in the south Mediterranean areas.

An up-to-date report on the distribution of Helianthemum lippii in Italy is provided also on the basis of the findings by Lojacono-Pojero in 1889 who reported the existence of a relic population in Sicily (southern Italy), which is now thought to be extinct because of human disturbance. Field excursions permitted to confirm the locus classicus reported by Lojacono-Pojero as the other Sicilian localities that have been reported more recently. Based on a careful analysis of the literature the presence of H. lippii is currently excluded in Calabria and Apulia. The main causes that threaten the habitat of H. lippii in Sicily are pointed out according to IUCN Threats Classification Scheme.

In constructed wetland systems (CWs) for wastewater treatment, evapotranspiration (ET) is the most important water balance component in arid and semi-arid regions, where high performance levels are needed when treating contaminants and where it is also vital to preserve as much water as possible for reuse in irrigation. This study shows the results of a series of water balance measurements obtained between 2012 and 2013 from a pilot HSSF system in the West of Sicily (Italy). The system was made by two separate vegetated units: one with Arundo donax L. (giant reed) and the other with Cyperus alternifolius L. (umbrella sedge), and fed with urban wastewater following secondary treatment from an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant. The aim of the study was to evaluate how two different macrophytes can affect the amount of water at the outflow of CWs under identical environmental, growth and hydraulic conditions. ET values were calculated by determining three components of a simplified water balance model without taking subsurface and surface water into consideration. Crop coefficients were estimated using the FAO 56 method analogous to herbaceous crops in open field cultivation. In the two years of tests, giant reed-unit was found to have higher cumulative evapotranspiration values than umbrella sedge-unit, with an average of 4273.6 mm. For both macrophytes, ET values were constantly found to be higher during the spring-summer season when the plants reached maximum vegetative growth. Crop coefficients were found to be higher than those of traditional crops grown in the Mediterranean area for all growth stages. Water use efficiency (WUE) was rather low on average, at 0.94 g/L for giant reed-unit and 0.66 g/L for umbrella sedge-unit. Results showed that greater or lesser amount of water at the outflow of the CWs is always dependent upon the ET rate of the species and it is essential to estimate the ET when designing a CWs in those regions where prolonged periods of drought can substantially reduce the amount of treated wastewater available for reuse in agriculture.

Breeding of turf bermudagrass (Cynodon (L.) Rich.) has made available a broad range of turf varieties with unique morphological and growth traits. Rapid establishment is necessary in order to provide the performance of a mature turf cover in the shortest time possible. The aims of the research were: (1) to determine variation of growth, morphological and biomass traits in bermudagrass accessions belonging to different phenotypic groups during establishment and (2) to relate such variations to establishment speed in order to assess whether contrasting phenotypic traits could induce different establishment patterns in bermudagrass or if a general establishment predictor can be identified for cultivars and ecotypes belonging to the same taxon. Plant material included 44 accessions of bermudagrasses that were grouped in ‘Wild’, ‘Improved’ ‘Hybrid’ and ‘Dwarf types’. Single spaced plants were transplanted in field plots in two locations in Italy (Pisa and Palermo) and allowed to establish without mowing. The following traits were determined: stolon growth rate, internode length, internode diameter and internode volume, phytomer dry weight, leaf width, colour, seed head production, above ground dry biomass, shoot density, horizontal stem density and node density. Establishment speed of accessions was also determined. Stolon growth rate was found to be the only parameter strongly correlated to establishment speed across all entries and for each of the phenotypic groups. Based on these results, stolon growth rate could be assumed as a good predictor of establishment speed for cultivars and ecotypes belonging to the Cynodon genus.

A study was carried out on the essential oil of Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart taken from thirteen wild populations found in different parts of Sicily, Italy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship that exists between essentials oil extracted from Sicilian wild populations of O. vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart and various weather/climate and topographic factors in order to provide more information on aspects that influence the production potential of this species. The essential oils from the samples were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by a combination of gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS); seventy-one components were fully identified, however, three main components were characteristic of the examined samples accounting for a significant amount of all oils: thymol (24.0-54.4%), ?-terpinene (9.8-30.5%) and p-cymene (5.2-18.7%). Analyses highlighted a different qualitative and quantitative essential oil composition compared with other wild populations in the Mediterranean area and in relation to the different weather/climate and topographic characteristics of the collection sites. These differences are probably due to a mixture of genetic and environmental factors, which influence secondary metabolite biosynthesis: the basis of essential oils. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.