Search

Background There are no Italian data regarding the strategies for preventing neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) infection. We conducted a national survey in order to explore obstetrical, neonatal and microbiological practices for the GBS prevention. Methods Three distinct questionnaires were sent to obstetricians, neonatologists and microbiologists. Questionnaires included data on prenatal GBS screening, maternal risk factors, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, microbiological information concerning specimen processing and GBS antimicrobial susceptibility. Results All respondent obstetrical units used the culture-based screening approach to identify women who should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, and more than half of the microbiological laboratories (58%) reported using specimen processing consistent with CDC guidelines. Most neonatal units (89 out of 107, 82%) reported using protocols for preventing GBS early-onset sepsis consistent with CDC guidelines. Conclusions The screening-based strategy is largely prevalent in Italy, and most protocols for preventing GBS early-onset sepsis are consistent with CDC guidelines. However, we found discrepancies in practices among centers that may reflect the lack of Italian guidelines issued by public health organizations.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat caused by the rapid spread of multiresistant microorganisms. Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) is a coordinated intervention designed to improve the appropriate use of antimicrobials by promoting the selection of the optimal drug regimen, dose, duration of therapy and route of administration. AS programs have proved effective in reducing antimicrobial resistance, inappropriate antimicrobial use and in improving patient outcomes. Recently developed rapid diagnostic technologies in microbiology (RDTM) allows a faster and etiological diagnosis of infection and a reduction in the use of unnecessary empirical therapies. This may result in important advancement in time-critical care pathways for septic patients. Nevertheless, RDTM are costly and if not rationally positioned may consume resources and hinder the efficacy of AS programs. In this regard, Tuscany Region is engaged in designing, through a systemic approach, an effective high-quality clinical microbiological service grid. In order to develop a sustainable and equitable model for integrating diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship we conducted a survey in the regional network of 14 microbiological laboratories. The results shows that in order to develop a sustainable service we need to improve the communication at the interface between laboratories and care unit, harmonize the time windows for processing samples and to devise a robust score for stratifying patient with suspected sepsis.

The so-called San Carlone, a colossal statue dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo, built in Arona (NO, Italy) during the XVII century, is a unique monument. With its 23.5 meters of height, it is constituted by an internal structure of iron bars, fixed on a massive central stone tower, and by a "skin" of hammered and embossed copper sheets. After 40 years from the last restoration, a conservation intervention may be planned in the near future. It is therefore important to investigate and characterize the materials of the monument, in order to evaluate their state of conservation. One of the main concerns is related to the fact that copper and iron are very likely to create galvanic coupling, and thus the iron could be corroded very quickly. However, the iron bars appear in quite good conditions in most parts of the statue. It is therefore interesting to study the materials in order to enrich the knowledge of the know-how of the XVII century, and to support the ongoing conservation project. The studies and characterisation of San Carlo started in October 2017, with a multi analytical approach, that includes a large variety of non-invasive in situ measurements to be associated with laboratory analysis of micro-samples. The following in-situ analysis were performed on the statue, both inside and outside: portable digital microscopy, spectrophotometry in visible light, electrochemical measurements (LPR and EIS), US thickness measurements of the copper sheets, thickness measurements of the surface protection coating and corrosion layers with eddy currents, electrical conductivity measurements, infrared spectroscopy and x-rays fluorescence analysis. Aknowledgments This research activity has been financially supported by the European Copper Institute (ECI) and the Helmut-Fischer-Stiftung

We present BeechCOSTe52; a database of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) phenotypic measurements for several traits related to fitness measured in genetic trials planted across Europe. The dataset was compiled and harmonized during the COST-Action E52 (2006–2010), and subsequently cross-validated to ensure consistency of measurement data among trials and provenances. Phenotypic traits (height, diameter at breast height, basal diameter, mortality, phenology of spring bud burst and autumn–leaf discoloration) were recorded in 38 trial sites where 217 provenances covering the entire distribution of European beech were established in two consecutive series (1993/95 and 1996/98). The recorded data refer to 862,095 measurements of the same trees aged from 2 to 15 years old over multiple years. This dataset captures the considerable genetic and phenotypic intra-specific variation present in European beech and should be of interest to researchers from several disciplines including quantitative genetics, ecology, biogeography, macroecology, adaptive management of forests and bioeconomy.We present BeechCOSTe52; a database of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) phenotypic measurements for several traits related to fitness measured in genetic trials planted across Europe. The dataset was compiled and harmonized during the COST-Action E52 (2006–2010), and subsequently cross-validated to ensure consistency of measurement data among trials and provenances. Phenotypic traits (height, diameter at breast height, basal diameter, mortality, phenology of spring bud burst and autumn–leaf discoloration) were recorded in 38 trial sites where 217 provenances covering the entire distribution of European beech were established in two consecutive series (1993/95 and 1996/98). The recorded data refer to 862,095 measurements of the same trees aged from 2 to 15 years old over multiple years. This dataset captures the considerable genetic and phenotypic intra-specific variation present in European beech and should be of interest to researchers from several disciplines including quantitative genetics, ecology, biogeography, macroecology, adaptive management of forests and bioeconomy.We present BeechCOSTe52; a database of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) phenotypic measurements for several traits related to fitness measured in genetic trials planted across Europe. The dataset was compiled and harmonized during the COST-Action E52 (2006–2010), and subsequently cross-validated to ensure consistency of measurement data among trials and provenances. Phenotypic traits (height, diameter at breast height, basal diameter, mortality, phenology of spring bud burst and autumn–leaf discoloration) were recorded in 38 trial sites where 217 provenances covering the entire distribution of European beech were established in two consecutive series (1993/95 and 1996/98). The recorded data refer to 862,095 measurements of the same trees aged from 2 to 15 years old over multiple years. This dataset captures the considerable genetic and phenotypic intra-specific variation present in European beech and should be of interest to researchers from several disciplines including quantitative genetics, ecology, biogeography, macroecology, adaptive management of forests and bioeconomy.

In the framework of the LIFE + DEMETRA (LIFE08/NAT/IT/342) project, aimed at defining a methodology to monitor possible collateral effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on natural and semi-natural environments, a survey on plant biodiversity within the "Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli" Regional Park - Tuscany (Italy) was carried out. Activities focused on: a) evaluating how phenological features may be influenced by different environments; b) detecting wild species subject to potential breeding with cultivated oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C.); c) allowing a proper planning of crop plantation. Permanent plots were designed in six selected sites; phenological data were collected from March to October 2010 and then compared with meteorological data provided by three weather stations. Results showed that Sinapis arvensis L. and Cardamine hirsuta L. turned out to have a flowering period overlapping with B. napus var. oleifera. The phenological observations allowed the identification of three phenological groups. Some phenological variations between environments were highlighted, although it wasn't possible to outline a clear relationship with the examined meteorological variables.

International audience; Complete Populus genome sequences are available for the nucleus (P. trichocarpa; section Tacamahaca) and for chloroplasts (seven species), but not for mitochondria. Here, we provide the complete genome sequences of the chloroplast and the mitochondrion for the clones P. tremula W52 and P. tremula x P. alba 717-1B4 (section Populus). The organization of the chloroplast genomes of both Populus clones is described. A phylogenetic tree constructed from all available complete chloroplast DNA sequences of Populus was not congruent with the assignment of the related species to different Populus sections. In total, 3,024 variable nucleotide positions were identified among all compared Populus chloroplast DNA sequences. The 5-prime part of the LSC from trnH to atpA showed the highest frequency of variations. The variable positions included 163 positions with SNPs allowing for differentiating the two clones with P. tremula chloroplast genomes (W52, 717-1B4) from the other seven Populus individuals. These potential P. tremula-specific SNPs were displayed as a whole-plastome barcode on the P. tremula W52 chloroplast DNA sequence. Three of these SNPs and one InDel in the trnH-psbA linker were successfully validated by Sanger sequencing in an extended set of Populus individuals. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of P. tremula is the first in the family of Salicaceae. The mitochondrial genomes of the two clones are 783,442 bp (W52) and 783,513 bp (717-1B4) in size, structurally very similar and organized as single circles. DNA sequence regions with high similarity to the W52 chloroplast sequence account for about 2% of the W52 mitochondrial genome. The mean SNP frequency was found to be nearly six fold higher in the chloroplast than in the mitochondrial genome when comparing 717-1B4 with W52. The availability of the genomic information of all three DNA-containing cell organelles will allow a holistic approach in poplar molecular breeding in the future.

This book provides up-to-date information on the environmental impact of transgenic trees on genetically modified tree (GMT) communication strategy. It is useful to public/private organisations as well as to private and public research bodies and universities worldwide since it reports on the global status of GMT research and policy. A high number of genetically modified trees (GMTs) with altered or novel characteristics have been produced in the last 15 years. However, their very low public acceptance is a basic problem in their commercialization. Breeders anticipate economic and ecological benefits, like reduced product costs and less pressure on native forests, while opponents fear risks, such as unintended spread of GMTs. But what is true? To answer this question, the COST Action FP0905 focused on key aspects related to GMTs: (a) biological characterization; (b) assessment of possible environmental impacts; (c) socio-economic implications and public acceptance/concerns; (d) providing science-based information to communicate with the public.

International audience

Item does not contain fulltext 4 p.

Plant biodiversity studies have been performed in the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli Regional Park in Tuscany (Italy) within the frame of the European project LIFE08 NAT/IT/342 DEMETRA. This project aims at developing a quick monitoring index (QMI) to rapidly assess the potential risk generated by transgenic plants in characterized ecosystems or biotopes. For this reason test areas have been selected inside the protected area to evaluate plant (weeds and trees), animal, and soil microoganisms biodiversity. The proximity of the selected test area to cropped surfaces where Genetically Modified Plants (GMPs) might be cultivated has been taken into account. GMPs could spread pollen and hybridize with their wild relatives. To evaluate potential hybridization, Brassica napus L. var. oleifera Del. (oil seed-rape) were cropped. B. napus forms spontaneous hybrids with both of its wild progenitor species, B. rapa (wild turnip) and B. oleracea (wild cabbage) and there has been much interest in the extent of sexual compatibility between Brassica napus (oilseed rape) and wild Brassica species. Some wild plant species belonging to Brassicaceae have been selected in the protected areas, to evaluate possible hybridization and gene flow. The choice of Brassicaceae has been done considering the pollinating fauna and the flowering period. Sinapis arvensis was considered as one possible candidate to hybridize with oilseed rape. If GM oilseed rape is to be grown the possibility of his modified trait being transferred to S. arvensis needs serious consideration as the species are widespread. Due to the close genomic relationship between these taxa, SSR primers designed for different Brassica species were tested to amplify both in Brassica napus and Sinapis arvensis. Therefore we looked for S. arvensis populations and oilseed B. napus cultivars which would hybridize in the field. Analysis are in progress.

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action FP0905 is aimed at evaluating the scientific knowledge of genetically modified trees (GMT) related to biosafety protocols and coordinating existing and new information from various European countries. This will help to provide a basis for future EU policy and regulation recommendations regarding the use of GM forest trees. In this context, the Action work plan is organized in 4 Working Groups (WGs) focuses on: i) the biological characterization of GMTs aiming to evaluate existing knowledge including the experience from expert scientists in the field of forest GMTs (WG1), ii) the assessment of possible environmental impacts and monitoring of GMTs in the whole production chain from plantation to final products (WG2); iii) the socio-economic implications and public acceptance and concerns of potential use of GM forest trees and R&D investments in the framework of Cost-Benefit Analysis (WG3) and iv) increasing public awareness and understanding of GM forest plantations by providing science-based information through management of the www.cost-action-fp0905.eu dynamic website (WG4). A large, but diverse, body of knowledge on the environmental effects and biosafety issues of transgenic trees and other transgenic organisms has been acquired in many countries over approximately the past 25 years. Because of the potential unification of European states, there is now an urgent need to compile, collate, and analyze this scattered knowledge in order to create a unique platform of knowledge particular to the European environment. For this, WG1 has launched the building of a database that gather the current knowledge on field trials and greenhouse experiments with transgenic trees. The knowledge gained will ultimately be used to guide the safe use and management of GMTs in forest tree plantations and to protect forest ecosystems. To support this goal, WG2 is launching and moving through expert-based surveys to: 1) evaluate the environmental impacts of the GMTs already developed and 2) assess the efficiency of existing transgene containment strategies 3) investigate effective pre- and post-market monitoring techniques. The expected outcome from WG1 is to develop a clear factual overview of the status of GMTs in European and non-European countries in order to provide sound scientific data for risk assessment to be further evaluated and monitored in WG2. In addition, it is very important to understand the kind of policies needed to meet the concerns of the society in relation to the possible use of GM trees which are widely spread in many of the Europe countries. Therefore, two types of surveys are being conducted worldwide by WG3: one to define a set of environmental and socio-economic indicators to be included in Cost-Benefit Analyses, and a Knowledge Attitude Perception (KAP) survey to explore public attitude towards adoption of transgenic forest trees. The cross- country results of the KAP surveys are expected to provide policy support to the European Commission with regards to public acceptance of transgenic forest trees and their potential conflicts of values. On the other hand, through WG4, accurate and science-based information is being communicated through our website to help educate the general public on technical, socio-economic and environmental aspects of GM forest trees. In addition, the website provides an open discussion forum on transgenic forest biotechnology and biosafety, as well as on the potential impact of transgenic tree plantations on the current established forestry practices. Preliminary results of this research will be reported.

Il Parco Regionale di Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli in Toscana è stato scelto come sito di studio nell'ambito del progetto europeo LIFE08 NAT/IT/342. Questo progetto è volto allo sviluppo di un indice di monitoraggio rapido (quick monitoring index, QMI) per valutare il rischio potenziale generato da piante transgeniche sugli ecosistemi agroforestali. Per questo scopo sono state selezionate tre aree di studio per determinarne la biodiversità vegetale, animale e dei microrganismi del suolo. Sono state prese particolarmente in considerazione aree vicine a superfici agricole dove potrebbero essere coltivate piante geneticamente modificate (PGM). Per ridurre il rischio di inquinamento genico di aree naturali da parte di polline di PGM, è utile sviluppare un sistema di monitoraggio efficiente che tenga conto della diversità genetica e di possibili incroci tra specie affini. Per quando riguarda la biodiversità arborea, nelle aree di studio sono state studiate specie del genere Populus. Le aree di studio selezionate per il pioppo distano tra loro 8 Km: l'area A è situata nella Tenuta di San Rossore ed è caratterizzata da un bosco misto composto da Populus alba, P. x canescens, Fraxinus angustifolia e Alnus glutinosa.; l'area B è situata presso il Lago di Massaciuccoli ed è costituita da una popolazione frammentata di Populus sp Sono state esaminate le popolazioni di Populus presenti nelle due aree insieme a due varietà coltivate. Le due aree sono state anche caratterizzate per la loro copertura erbacea. Sono stati utilizzati marcatori microsatelliti nucleari per determinare la variabilità genetica delle popolazioni di pioppo e il livello d'incrocio tra le popolazioni spontanee e quelle coltivate. Inoltre sono state studiate le popolazioni d'insetti presenti sui maschi e sulle femmine di pioppo durante il periodo di fioritura. Per determinare la densità e la composizione delle specie erbacee, nelle aree di studio è stato utilizzato l'approccio multiscala standardizzato di Dengler. Le possibili variazioni di distribuzione e/o densità delle specie sono state valutate seguendo l'approccio di Braun Blanquet. Le osservazioni fatte finora sullo strato erbaceo mostrano una certa variabilità nella distribuzione delle specie tra un quadrato e l'altro, dovuta probabilmente alle caratteristiche micro-topologiche del sito di studio. L'analisi della biodiversità degli artropodi presenti sulle infiorescenze del pioppo indica un'evidente differenza tra alberi dei due sessi e un numero piuttosto basso di specie. Nelle infiorescenze maschili predominano le larve di dittero seguite da coleotteri coccinellidi e ragni, nelle infiorescenze femminili, invece, predominano i ragni seguiti dai coleotteri curculionidi e dalle larve di lepidotteri. I dati dei microsatelliti sono stati analizzati con il software Geneland. I risultati di questa analisi mostrano tre gruppi distinti nell'area A. Il primo gruppo è composto da individui con lo stesso genotipo, probabilmente polloni, mentre gli altri due gruppi mostrano flusso genico all'interno e tra gruppi indicando che le altre specie arboree nell'area impediscono solo in parte il flusso genico. Nell'area B sono presenti due gruppi che mostrano un livello più alto di flusso genico rispetto all'area A. Questa popolazione, infatti, si trova in un'area più aperta in cui di solito il flusso genico è favorito. In generale il livello di biodiversità nelle aree è alto e in particolare il flusso genico nel lago di Massaciuccoli è considerevole. Quindi una possibile coltivazione di pioppo transgenico vicino a queste aree protette potrebbe influenzare la loro diversità. Lo sviluppo del QMI basato su dati sperimentali è in corso.

To evaluate a possible differential behaviour of 5 white poplar genotypes towards UVB radiation, we studied the association between polymorphism data (SNPs) and expression level on genes (such as chs, comt, and rbcL) putatively related to UVB response. Molecular data were integrated with ecophysiological observation. From the ecophysiological data obtained we observed, in stressed plants, a decrease of the maximum efficiency of the PSII, in particular for 3 clones increasing the hours of UVB treatment. Furthermore an abrupt decrease of the values is already present from the second day of stress. The analysis using qRT PCR for the genes studied, for the leaf tissue of the 5 clones treated for 3, 6 and 12 hours with UVB, showed a different pattern of expression, with a dissimilar response among the clones analyzed towards the stress. Both the ecophysiological and the expression data showed a different response particularly for 3 clones that resulted more sensitive to the treatment than the others. The analysis of the polymorphism of the sequences has instead not allowed the construction of associations with the ecophysiological and expression data for absence of missense mutations.

Problems, such as the impact on biodiversity and the potential escapes of the trans-genes into wild populations can be amplified in the case of long-lived forest species. Therefore, studies of possible environmental impacts of transgenic forest plants (poplar) in the forest environment are important. Few studies have been published considering the alteration of the transgenic host plant genome for the possibility that transgenes can also cause pleiotropic, often undesirable alterations in plant metabolism and physiology. Other studies carried out so far, concerned the use of transgenesis to obtain poplar mutants for genomic studies or poplar breeding just for an economic purpose. The screening of the transgenic plants carrying the cry gene is in course, and the evaluation of the copy number as well as expression of the inserted gene is under evaluation. The final aim is to unravel possible pleiotropic metabolic effects in the transgenic trees following cry gene expression in P. alba and P. tremula x P. tremuloides transgenic lines.

The problems related to global changes, mainly caused by human activities, are the origin of much concern for the health of the environment. Oil and carbon combustion, the use of chlorofluorocarbons, and deforestation are some of the principal factors responsible for CO2 production and for air temperature increase. The scenario is factors leading to global changes affecting precipitation patterns, nitrogen concentration in the atmosphere, UV-B radiation increaseand temperature increase. Forest trees constitute a relevant economic and ecological resource that is under severe treat by environmental changes. The principal aim is to investigate the response to CO2 from three different genotypes of Fagus sylvatica by gene expression and ecophysiological analyses. Shoots of F. sylvatica (Montieri (GR), Italy) and F. sylvatica "purpurea tree" were grafted on F. sylvatica rootstocks. Plants were grown under controlled conditions in a climate chamber using the same temperature and light parameters, while CO2 concentrations were approx. 380-400 ppm (ambient) in the control room and 1000 ppm (high) in the experimental room. A PAM fluorescence system (PAM-2000, Heinz Walz GmbH, Effeltrich, Germany) with a 6 mm diameter standard fibre optic was used for the measurements of the in vivo photosynthesis. Under ambient conditions photosynthesis (expressed as electron transport rate) was higher in the Italian compared to the German genotype. After 4 d under high CO2 treatment, electron transport rate showed increased values compared to the plants growing under ambient CO2. Photosynthesis of plants (Italy) adapted to high CO2 decreased immediately after been exposed for 2 h to ambient CO2. No down-regulation of photosynthesis could be observed in leaves at high CO2 level. Microarrays analyses have already been done and preliminary results will be discussed.

Gene expression and ecophysiology analyses of different Fagus sylvatica genotypes under high level of CO2

Preliminary results of different cry transgenic poplar lines.

La conservazione delle popolazioni relitte di Roverella (Quercus pubescens Willd.)

Caratterizzazione genetica e certificazione del germoplasma di Olea europaea L

Problems, such as the impact on biodiversity and the potential escapes of the trans-genes into wild populations can be amplified in the case of long-lived forest species. Thus, studies of possible environmental impacts of transgenic forest plants (poplar) in the forest environment are important. Although a number of studies have been carried out so far considering the use of transgenesis for genomic studies, only little is known about biosafety issues of transgenic trees foreseen for breeding purposes. As a model transgenic tree system, we have produced Populus alba and P. tremula transgenic lines carrying the cry gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. These transgenic are under screening to unravel possible pleiotropic metabolic effects in the transgenic trees following cry gene expression. It is also not known how the use of cry-transgenic poplars affects composition and activities of soil microbial communities which affect soil health. In addition to foreign DNA, proteins from crytransgenic poplars can be released into the soil via plant residues and their persistence can constitute not only a selective pressure towards the target organisms, but also a possible threat for non-target ones with unpredictable consequences on the food chain sustained by these organisms. The work is carried out on an integrated and multidisciplinary approach (physiology, soil microbiology and biochemistry, genomic, proteomic, and microscopy), involving different scientific groups with different and specific expertise, to assess the mentioned biosafety issues important for forest trees. The screening of the transgenic plants is in course, and the evaluation of the number copy of the inserted gene as well as expression of the inserted gene is under evaluation.

Risks analyses in cry transgenic popla

The problems related to global changes mainly caused by human activities, are the origin of much concern for the health of the environment. Oil and carbon combustion, the use of chlorofluorocarbons, and deforestation are some of the principal factors responsible for enhanced CO2 production, as well as for air temperature increases. This scenario could determine global changes affecting precipitation patterns, nitrogen concentration in the atmosphere, UV radiation increase, and temperature range. Forest trees constitute a relevant economic and ecological resource that is under severe treat by environmental changes. The principal aim is to investigate the response to CO2 from two different F. sylvatica genotypes by gene expression and ecophysiology analyses. Scions of Fagus sylvatica (Montieri (GR), Italy) and F. sylvatica "purpurea tree" (Grosshansdorf, Germany) were grafted on F. sylvatica rootstocks. Plants were grown under controlled conditions in climate chambers. Air temperature was 25°C during light period and 20°C at night, and humidity 60%. Fluorescent lamps (18 36W) provided a photosynthetic active photon flux density (PPFD) of 250 ?mol m-2 s-1 at plant top level. CO2 concentrations were about 450 ppm (ambient) and 1000 ppm (high) for control and high CO2 chamber, respectively. A PAM fluorescence system (PAM-2000, Heinz Walz GmbH, Effeltrich, Germany) with a 6 mm diameter standard fibre optic was used for the measurements of the in vivo photosynthesis. Light response curves were recorded up to a light intensity of 420 ?mol m-2 s-1. At each step the leaf was illumined for 3 minutes. Under ambient CO2 concentrations, electron transport rate (ETR) was higher in the Italian compared to the German genotype. After 4 days at high CO2 level, the ETR increased compared to plants growing in the control chamber. Photosynthesis of Italian genotype adapted to 1000 ppm of CO2 decreased immediately after been exposed for 2 hours to 450 ppm CO2. No down-regulation of photosynthesis could be observed in leaves at 1000 ppm CO2 level. Microarray analyses are in course and preliminary results will be discussed.

Conservazione della variabilitá del germoplasma

Preliminary studies on genetic variability of Quercus pubescens populations in Sicily

In Sicily the distribution of Quercus pubescens Willd. is scattered and covers about 15.000 hectares. The most important populations are located in Madonie (PA), Nebrodi (ME), Iblei (SR), and in Ficuzza Forest (PA). These forests are exsposed to the risk of genetic erosion in consequence of small population size. Because the presence and maintenance of genetic variation is a prerequisite for their ability to survive in heterogeneous temporal and spatial conditions, and to preserve their adaptability for future generations, in the present work, we have examined the ability of nuclear microsatellites in: i) genotyping the populations; ii) exploring the genetic variability among and within these populations. Several SSR primer sets, previously developed for Quercus spp., are tested for amplification on Q. pubescens and 4 SSRs have been selected. Individuals to be sampled from these populations have been chosen following the morphologycal characters previuosly described for this species by Tutin et al. (1993) and Bruschi et al. (2000). Preliminary results indicate that the genetic diversity was found within rather than among populations like observed for others forest populations. Morever, all populations have been identified by the presence of unique allele; for example, the population of Madonie was characterized by allele 120 (locus 1), by alleles 226, 230 and 222 (locus 2), by allele 228 (locus 3) and by allele 206 (locus 4). The population of Nebrodi was identified by allele 115 (locus 1), allele 218 (locus 2), alleles 208 and 220 (locus 3) and by alleles 228 and 210 (locus 4).