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In this study, metabolomic analysis of chloroform extracts was performed to characterize cherry tomatoes (cv Naomi and Shiren) grown in different Sicilian areas, using

In this study, metabolomic analysis of chloroform extracts was performed to characterize cherry tomatoes (cv Naomi and Shiren) grown in different Sicilian areas, using 1 H NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Principal components analysis showed clear discrimination between extracts of cherry tomatoes cultivated in two different seasons (winter and summer) and grown in three areas of Sicily (Gela, Licata, Pachino). In particular, carotenoids and phospholipids mainly were found to be more discriminating metabolites for both cultivars in summer and winter. In the present study, the simple separation only based on production area was found to be inadequate to distinguish the three groups of tomatoes. A clear separation among the different samples groups was obtained using a multifactorial approach not only based on the geographical origin classification, but considering also cultivar, year and seasonality.

The content of the most valuable metabolites present in the lipophilic fraction of Protected Geographical Indication cherry tomatoes produced in Pachino (Italy) was observed for 2 cultivated varieties, i.e. cv . Naomi and cv . Shiren, over a period of 3 years in order to observe variations due to relevant climatic parameters, e.g. solar radiation and average temperature, characterising different seasons. 1 H-NMR spectroscopy was applied and spectral data were processed by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We found that the metabolic profile was different for the two considered cultivated varieties and they were differently affected by climatic conditions. Major metabolites influenced by cropping period were α-tocopherol and the unsaturated lipid fraction in Naomi cherry tomatoes, and chlorophylls and phospholipids in Shiren variety, respectively. These results furnished useful information on seasonal dynamics of such important nutritional metabolites contained in tomatoes, confirming also NMR spectroscopy as powerful tool to define a complete metabolic profiling.

To identify the best practice for nitrogen (N) fertilization of overwinter processing spinach, two field experiments were carried out in the Foggia plain (Southern Italy), one of the most vocated area for leafy vegetables production. The field trials were aimed to define and suggest the proper fertilizer dose, typology and the right time of application. Experiment 1 evaluated four N fertilizer doses (0, 150, 225, 300 kg ha −1 ) in a two-year field trial. Experiment 2 was aimed to assess the effect of the split distribution of prilled urea fertilizer in comparison with the application of nitrification inhibitor (DMPP) containing urea fertilizer, broadcasted at sowing. Spinach yield, yield quality (nitrate – NO 3 − – and carotenoids content), N-use efficiency and risk of soil nitrate (NO 3 − -N) leaching were evaluated. The processing spinach yielded 37.8 and 3.6 t ha −1 of fresh and dry yield, respectively (average of the two experiments). Fresh and dry yield among the fertilizing treatments were similar. Also the β-carotene and the lutein content of spinach leaves (19.5 and 38.1 mg kg −1 , respectively) were not affected by the N fertilizer dose. Conversely, the N dose strongly influenced the NO 3 − content of the leafy vegetable tissues (1286 mg kg −1 on average, 58% lower than the limits imposed by the EC regulation). As expected, the different rainfall pattern influenced both the leaf NO 3 − content and the risk of soil NO 3 − -N leaching. The results achieved demonstrated that, in order to get a favorable trade-off, among yield, yield quality, N-use efficiency and environmental impact, the processing spinach growers of the Foggia plain area should be encouraged to apply 225 kg N ha −1 as maximum fertilization rate. Also, the split urea fertilizer application appeared as the more effective strategy for N fertilization of overwinter spinach in comparison with the use of the nitrification inhibitor containing urea fertilizer, being the last strategy not able to adequately match the N crop demand.

Within the Project MO.NA.CO. the Environmental effectiveness of GAEC cross-compliance Standard 2.2 ‘Maintaining the level of soil organic matter through management of stubble and crop residues’ and economic evaluation of the competitiveness gap for farmers were evaluated. The monitoring was performed in eight experimental farms of the Council for agricultural research and economics (CREA), distributed throughout Italy and with different soil and climatic conditions. Yield parameters and several components of soil organic matter were evaluated in two contrasting treatments applied to one-year rotation of winter durum wheat and maize: i) incorporation into the soil of crop residues (Factual treatment) and ii) burning or removal of crop residues (Counterfactual treatment). The application of the standard ‘crop residue management’ has showed contrasting results with differences (for yield and soil) between the two treatments resulted almost always non significant. The analysis of economic competitiveness gap showed that the CR incorporation is more expensive than CR burning or removal, but the economic disadvantage can be considered rather small and thus easily compensated by Community aids. Therefore, the soil incorporation of crop residues can be considered a ‘good agricultural practice’ that does not penalize farmers in terms of production and cost and at the same time contributes to the maintenance of fertility and soil biodiversity. On the contrary, the removal and burning of residues result in a low or no-addition of organic matter into the soil. Moreover, burning can contribute to decrease the biodiversity and to increase the risk of air pollution, fires and road accidents.

The paper presents the main results of the monitoring on the effectiveness of the cross compliance Standard 4.6 ‘Minimum livestock stocking rates and/or appropriate regimes’ carried out in two case studies within the project MO.NA.CO: sheep grazing in medium-rich pastures in southern Apennines and in the plain of Sardinia, Italy. The monitoring involved aspects related to soil, flora, livestock and economics (competitiveness differential). The study showed, although in the short term, that the minimum stocking rate 0.2 LU/ha/year was not effective and, conversely, the effectiveness of the maximum level of stocking rate (4 LU/ha) for the maintenance of the habitat. The generalization in applying minimum and maximum rate, not taking into account the climatic conditions, forage resources or farming system (including the species of grazing animal) may lead to a serious nullification of the conditions of the Standard. The authors recommend to identify homogeneous areas and eligible specific stocking rates from all Italian regions, also considering the animal species.

A two-year field experiment was carried out in a typical Mediterranean environment (Foggia, Southern Italy) to evaluate the effect of the reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilization on yield, quality, N uptake, N utilization efficiency, and on environmental impact of processing spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). In a completely randomized experimental design with four replications, 50, 75, and 100% (150, 225, and 300 kg N ha−1, respectively) of the normal rate applied by the farmers in the trial area were compared. In both years, the total amount of the urea fertilizer applied was broadcasted three times. The results obtained indicate that a lower N fertilization level ensured a satisfactory yield, increased quality and N utilization efficiency. However, crop performances and the amount of N available for leaching were dependent by the weather conditions occurred during plants growth, being significant the year × N fertilization rate interaction.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to study the variations of internal structure and chemical–physical characteristics of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Shiren), one the most economically valuable horticultural crops, in different harvesting seasons. In particular, the study focused on PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Pachino cherry tomatoes, characterised by taste and nutritional value, notably in the winter production, amounting about 500 ton/year. Spin–spin and spin–lattice relaxation times, T2 and T1 respectively, determined on whole fruit, provided useful data highlighting variations among samples according to the season (winter, spring and summer). MRI images evidenced differences among cellular tissues such as pericarp and endocarp, through variations of: (1) T2 and T1 measures and water tumbling and diffusion motion, (2) thicknesses of different morphological zones, (3) qualitative characteristics of the tissue covering placental cavities where seeds are contained. Results of variance analysis (ANOVA) showed that physical parameters, as the transverse and longitudinal relaxation times, T2 and T1, measured in the morphological tissues of vegetables are excellent variables highlighting their differences in different seasons. This innovative non-destructive technique in food science has great potential in fruit quality assessment.

The paper presents the main results of the monitoring on the effectiveness of the cross-compliance Standard 4.1 ‘Permanent pasture protection: lett. b, c’ carried out in two case studies within the project MO.NA.CO. Soil, botanical, productive and economic (competitiveness gap) parameters have been monitored. In the short term, the Standard 4.1 showed its effectiveness on soil quality, biomass productivity and competitiveness gap in both case studies. Botanical parameters showed differing results, therefore their generalization is not applicable to the heterogeneity of the pasture land Italian system. Shallow soil tillage could be suggested, every 40-50 years, when an appropriate soil organic matter content and the absence of runoff phenomena occur.

Within the Project MO.NA.CO was evaluated the Environmental effectiveness of GAEC cross-compliance standard 2.2 “Maintaining the level of soil organic matter through crop rotation” and economic evaluation of the competitiveness gap for farmers who support or not the cross-compliance regime. The monitoring was performed in nine experimental farms of the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) distributed throughout Italy and with different soil and climatic conditions. Were also evaluated the soil organic matter and some yield parameters, in a cereal monocropping (treatment counterfactual) and a two-year rotation cereal-legume or forage (treatment factual). The two-years application of the standard “crop rotations” has produced contrasting results with regards to the storage of soil organic matter through crop rotation and these were not sufficient to demonstrate a statistically significant effect of treatment in any of the farms considered in monitoring, only in those farms subjected to more years of monitoring was recorded only a slight effect of the standard as a trend. The variations of organic matter in soils in response to changes in the culture technique or in the management of the soil may have long lag times and two years of time are not sufficient to demonstrate the dynamics of SOM associated with the treatment, also in consideration of the large inter annual variability recorded in different monitored sites.

The content of the most valuable metabolites present in the lipophilic fraction of Protected Geographical Indication cherry tomatoes produced in Pachino (Italy) was observed for 2 cultivated varieties, i.e. cv. Naomi and cv. Shiren, over a period of 3 years in order to observe variations due to relevant climatic parameters, e.g. solar radiation and average temperature, characterising different seasons. (1)H-NMR spectroscopy was applied and spectral data were processed by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We found that the metabolic profile was different for the two considered cultivated varieties and they were differently affected by climatic conditions. Major metabolites influenced by cropping period were α-tocopherol and the unsaturated lipid fraction in Naomi cherry tomatoes, and chlorophylls and phospholipids in Shiren variety, respectively. These results furnished useful information on seasonal dynamics of such important nutritional metabolites contained in tomatoes, confirming also NMR spectroscopy as powerful tool to define a complete metabolic profiling.