Ecological features facilitating spread of alien plants along Mediterranean mountain roads.

Unlabelled: Invasive alien species represent a major threat to global biodiversity and the sustenance of ecosystems. Globally, mountain ecosystems have shown a degree of resistance to invasive species due to their distinctive ecological features. However, in recent times, the construction of linear infrastructure, such as roads, might weaken this resistance, especially in the Mediterranean basin region.

Habitat suitability modelling to predict the distribution of deep coral ecosystems: The case of Linosa Island (southern Mediterranean Sea, Italy).

In areas with limited field data, predictive habitat mapping is a valuable method for elucidating species-environment relationships and enhancing our knowledge of the spatial distribution and complexity of benthic habitats. Species distribution models (SDMs) can be an important tool to support in science-based ecosystem management. The availability of direct observations of mesophotic species, including gorgonians and black corals, during costly surveys is generally limited.

Health-Promoting Properties of Natural Flavonol Glycosides Isolated from L.

, also called bladdernuts, is a genus of plants belonging to the family Staphyleaceae, widespread in tropical or temperate climates of America, Europe, and the Far East. spp. produce bioactive metabolites with antioxidant properties, including polyphenols which have not been completely investigated for their phytotherapeutic potential, even though they have a long history of use for food.

Profiling microbial communities in an extremely acidic environment influenced by a cold natural carbon dioxide spring: A study of the Mefite in Ansanto Valley, Southern Italy.

The Ansanto Valley's Mefite, one of the Earth's largest non-volcanic CO gas emissions, is distinguished by its cold natural carbon dioxide springs. These emissions originate from the intricate tectonics and geodynamics of the southern Apennines in Italy. Known for over two millennia for its lethal concentration of CO and other harmful gases, the Mefite has a reputation for being toxic and dangerous.

Sesquiterpene Lactones Isolated from L. subsp. Inhibit the Radicle Growth of Broomrape Weeds.

The plant L. subsp has been investigated as a potential source of inhibitors of broomrape radicle growth. The latter are weeds that pose a threat to agriculture and for which there are few methods available for the control of infestations.

The spread of Carpophilus truncatus is on the razor's edge between an outbreak and a pest invasion.

In 2019, in southern Italy (Campania) there was an outbreak of a sap beetle infesting stored walnut fruits. A monitoring activity started to assess the spread and impact of the pest in walnut orchards and in warehouses, and an integrative characterization led to identify the beetle as Carpophilus truncatus. This species has been in Europe for a long time, rare and harmless until recently.

Simultaneous Biochemical and Physiological Responses of the Roots and Leaves of (Amaryllidaceae) to Mild Salt Stress.

(Amaryllidaceae) is a bulbous geophyte growing on coastal sands. In this study, we investigated changes in concentrations of metabolites in the root and leaf tissue of in response to mild salt stress. Changes in concentrations of osmolytes, glutathione, sodium, mineral nutrients, enzymes, and other compounds in the leaves and roots were measured at 0, 3, and 10 days during a 10-day exposure to two levels of mild salt stress, 50 mM NaCl or 100 mM NaCl in sandy soil from where the plants were collected in dunes near Cuma, Italy.

Explaining Intricate Morphometric Variability with Environmental Predictors: The Case of Species Complex.

is a genus of small evergreen and perennial shrubs that are widespread in Europe. section includes a group of three species, , , and , that have been taxonomically disputed for more than 150 years. Many morphological features have been proposed to discriminate these species.

Prevalent pH Controls the Capacity of to Use Ammonia and Nitrate as a Nitrogen Source.

is a polyextremophilic alga capable of diverse metabolic processes. Ammonia is widely used in culture media typical of laboratory growth. Recent reports that this species can grow on wastes promote the concept that might have biotechnological utility.

Analysis of 11 trace elements in flight feathers of Italian Sparrows in southern Italy: A study of bioaccumulation through age classes, variability in three years of sampling, and relations with body condition.

Trace elements have been acknowledged as one of the subtlest environmental hazards in all compartments of the total environment. Enhanced by activities in the anthroposphere, they accumulate in the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Eventually, trace elements can bioaccumulate or biomagnifiy in the biosphere, with harmful effects on animals occupying higher trophic levels, including humans.

O-acetylserine(thio)lyase (OAS-TL) molecular expression in Pancratium maritimum L. (Amaryllidaceae) under salt stress.

Different levels of salt stress affected the OAS-TL expression levels in Pancratium maritimum organs (bulb, leaf and root). A detailed method has been described for the identification of the conserved domain of the OAS-TL cDNA in sea daffodil given the scarce data available for the Amaryllidaceae family. Pancratium maritimum or sea daffodil (Amaryllidaceae) is a bulbous geophyte growing on coastal sands.

Disentangling Phylogenetic Relationships in a Hotspot of Diversity: The Butterworts (Pinguicula L., Lentibulariaceae) Endemic to Italy.

The genus Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) consists of about 100 carnivorous species, also known as butterworts. Eleven taxa are endemic to Italy, which represents a biodiversity hotspot for butterworts in Europe. The aim of our study was to provide a phylogenetic framework for the Italian endemics, in order to: a) investigate the relationships between species in this group; b) evaluate their actual taxonomic value.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Analyse the Effects of Environmental Variables on Geographic Range and Genetic Structure of a Perennial Psammophilous Geophyte: The Case of the Sea Daffodil Pancratium maritimum L. in the Mediterranean Basin.

The Mediterranean coastline is a dynamic and complex system which owes its complexity to its past and present vicissitudes, e.g. complex tectonic history, climatic fluctuations, and prolonged coexistence with human activities.