Filippo Ferlito

Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economy Analysis | CREA · Centro di ricerca per l'agrumicoltura e le colture mediterranee

Citrus nurseries significantly increase production costs due to the application of strictly technical and sanitary protocols. The growth media used are generally based on peat, a limited resource that is becoming increasingly scarce and consequently more expensive. Among the alternatives to peat is biochar, which could constitute a valid growing me...

Morpho-physiological changes, excessive sugar accumulation, low acidity and color, and atypical flavors have been well documented worldwide as a consequence of global warming. These upheavals suggest a re-think of viticulture models and/or management strategies. This study focused on early shoot trimming to evaluate how changes in canopy architectu...

The grapevine (Vitis spp., family Vitaceae) is characterized by marked phenotypic plasticity. Its ability to withstand specific environmental conditions depends on the activation of highly coordinated responses resulting from interactions among genotypes (G) and environmental factors (E). In this study, the transcriptomes of commercially ripe berri...

The quantification of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) flux represents an indicator of the agro-ecosystems sustainability. However, the monitoring of these fluxes is quite challenging due to their high spatially-temporally variability and dependence on environmental variables and soil management practices. In this study, soil CO2 fluxes were measured usin...

Grapevine adaptation to drought involves morphological, anatomical, and physiological modifications that could be viewed as a measure of drought avoidance. The main vine responses to drought consist of the regulation of carbon assimilation as a consequence of limited stomatal conductance, which is reflected in changes in plant water status. In this...

Since ancient times, table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) have been one of the most important fruit crops from the standpoint both of the producer (regional economics) and the consumer (healthy eating). In recent decades, much effort has been devoted to the development of this crop in order to improve fruit quality and yield; however, these advances ha...

The cultivated grapevine, Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera, possesses a rich biodiversity with numerous varieties. Each variety adapts differently to varying pedoclimatic conditions, which greatly influence the terroir expression of wine regions. These conditions impact vine growth, physiology, and berry composition, ultimately shaping the unique cha...

In a young super-high-density (SHD) olive orchard located in Aidone (EN), in the Sicily Region, Italy, the architectural features of five olive cultivars were studied, specifically Arbequina, Arbosana, Oliana®, Giulia®, and FS-17®. Surveys were conducted in November 2019 considering biometric measurements for the whole tree, the canopy, and the pri...

In the hilly area of Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Southern Italy), lemon orchards are grown in consociation with centuries-old olive trees. Lemons are partially shaded by olive canopies and the microclimate at the level of their canopies is suitable for plants growth and quality productions. Under these conditions, lemon trees are grown even without irri...

Background: Floral sterility and nucellar embryony are peculiar traits of several Citrus species and represent an obstacle to traditional breeding. Morphological sterility mainly results in pistil abortion and anther atrophy, while polyembryony is due to a mechanism known as sporophytic apomixis, which consists of the presence of embryos in the see...

The effects of interactions between the genotype and environmental conditions are expressed in the phenotype. Comparing the performances of genotypes under the same range of environmental conditions allows for relative measurements to be made of the different levels of plasticity among those genotypes. The objective of this research was to evaluate...

The development of new seedless cultivar represents one of the most important goals in table grape breeding programmes worldwide. The most common technique to obtain new seedless cultivars is embryo rescue, an approach that allows the isolation of immature embryos and their cultivation in vitro. In this study, a total of 23 crosses (developed emplo...

The Hundred Horses Chestnut is a monumental European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) of an estimated age of 2000–3000 years living in Sicily (Italy). Its value as a model plant was here explored by ascertaining its genetic uniformity. Two different kinds of molecular markers, already in use for chestnut varieties identification, were used in the p...

Conservation agriculture (i.e., minimized soil disturbance and permanent soil covering) and living mulches represent two agroecological practices that can improve soil fertility, spontaneous flora, and beneficial insect communities. This research studied the effect of these practices in a young olive orchard in the Mediterranean area. Two Sicilian...

The study aims to identify the responses of citrus orchards (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck), grown under typical Mediterranean climatic conditions, to deficit irrigation (DI) regimes applied over more than a decade (2010-2020). In particular, the DI regimes were declined at the study site in terms of sustained deficit irrigation, regulated deficit irriga...

The estimates of potential biomass production from pruning in olive often follow generic indications not considering varietal differences, training and pruning systems. The main limitation to the valorization of pruning concerns the collection-logistics chain which requires precise starting data, often linked to specific production areas. Tradition...

Previous researches have demonstrated the bioenergetic potential of agri-food Mediterranean wastes showing that anaerobic co-digestion is a valuable solution for Mediterranean areas. This implies a great interest for anaerobic digestates use in agriculture to replace fertilizers. The present study aimed at: i) producing knowledge on continuous anae...

Girdling is an ancient agronomic technique that causes a change in the distribution of photosynthates, mineral nutrients and plant hormones. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of girdling technique on ‘Italia’ and ‘Victoria’ table grape cultivars. In this study, the carpological, physico-chemical and sensory data were evaluated. In orde...

The aim of this study was to analyze the mid-term influence of minimum tillage (MT) combined with early leaf removal (ELR) on the performance of the black grapevine variety Nerello Mascalese (Vitis vinifera L.). The research was carried out from 2015 to 2018 in a vineyard located in the Mount Etna area, East Sicily, Southern Italy. An average of ab...

The implementation of agroecology principles within organic farming research is a crux to redesign sustainable agri-food systems. To govern this transition, the local research demand should be addressed by direct engagement of all stakeholders in the research process. The first step is the involvement of farmers and technicians, with the aim of res...

In temperate climates, bud break and shoot and flower emission of deciduous fruit tree species are regulated by precise chilling and heating requirements. To investigate this aspect, sixty-one accessions of European pear (Pyrus communis L.) collected in Sicily were phenotyped for three consecutive years for harvest date, bud sprouting and blooming...

In this study, the adaptation characteristics of orange trees, related to the application over a decade of deficit irrigation (DI) strategies, have been explored. To this purpose, the analysis of a minimal dataset composed of physiological information (stem water potential-Ψ stem and sap flow-SF measurements), yield (fruits number and weight) and q...

In order to best nutrient use efficiency, as required by the increasing food demand for the future global population, in this work an innovative hybrid nanocomposite was designed as an alternative nanoscale fertilizer. An environmentally friendly chemical preparation based on polyelectrolyte complexation was used. A chitosan and sodium alginate com...

The genus Pyrus is characterized by an S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system, a mechanism that promotes outbreeding and prevents self-fertilization. While the S-genotype of the most widely known pear cultivars was already described, little is known on the S-allele variability within local accessions. The study was conducted o...

The study evaluates the accuracy of measured and estimated crop evapotranspiration fluxes (ET c) on Citrus in a semiarid Mediterranean climate (Sicily, Italy). Specifically, ET c rates derived from in situ techniques [eddy covariance (EC) and sap flow heat pulse velocity (HPV)] and modelling approaches [Food and Agricultural Organization of the Uni...

(1) Background: The commercial sustainability of the citrus nursery industry involves cutting costs by using alternative planting substrates to replace (or partially replace) the conventional black peat. Conifer wood biochar was evaluated as a component of the growth medium in a commercial citrus nursery for Carrizo citrange seedlings. (2) Methods:...

The effect of basal zone defoliation on vines influences yield and ripening depending on the phenological stage and its intensity. Early basal defoliation (EBD) was carried out at flowering on the autochthonous Vitis vinifera (L.) cultivar ‘Nerello mascalese’ grown on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily. The effects were evaluated over a two-y...

Background and Aims Generally, grapevine roots have been less studied than the above‐ground parts of the plant. Here we analyse scion–rootstock interactions in mature vines growing in a heavy clay soil in a climate characterised by severe summer drought to investigate the effect of the scion–rootstock interaction in a suboptimal soil. Methods and...

One of the leading goals in novel breeding programs on table grapevine is the set-up of novel seedless varieties. Seedlessness has a strong impact on consumers’ choices representing an important added economic value compared to traditional cultivars. Breeding in tree crops greatly benefits from the use of molecular markers associated to a trait of...

The integration of Agroecological Service Crops (ASCs) into agroecosystems can provide several ecological services, such as nutrient cycling and disease and weed management. A two-year experiment on an organic orchard was carried out to compare barley (B) and horse bean (HB) ASCs with a control without ASC (Cont) in combination with fertilizers. Th...

This study evaluates the potential of conifer-wood biochar as a growing media component for citrus seedling production. The aim was to determine the biochar performance in a commercial citrus nursery and to study the expression of the genes involved in nitrogen transport. Seven growing media (gm I-VII) were prepared, each containing 50% sandy volca...

Minimally processed table grapes have traditionally been used as a component of fruit salads, only recently the possibility to produce single-portion packages has been considered. The aim of the research was to assess the shelf-life of small size table grape clusters of some of the most popular cultivars in Italy such as 'Vittoria', 'Sugraone', 'It...

The pear (genus Pyrus) is one of the most ancient and widely cultivated tree fruit crops in temperate climates. The Mount Etna area claims a large number of pear varieties differentiated due to a long history of cultivation and environmental variability, making this area particularly suitable for genetic studies. Ninety-five pear individuals were g...

Descriptive statistics of structure analysis. Structure descriptive statistics. For increasing values of K, the number of replications are reported together with the mean and standard deviation of the estimated Ln probability of data, the mean rate of change of the likelihood distribution Ln'(K), the mean absolute value of the 2nd order rate of cha...

Delta_k Log likelihood curve (ΔK) plotted against increasing K value. A: Plot of the complete pear collection, B: Plot for the substructure analysis of the ‘wild’ accessions, C: Plot for the substructure analysis of the ‘cultivated’ accessions. (TIF)

Localization of the analysed genotypes used in this study. (DOCX)

Assigned QI values at K = 2. Individuals exhibiting both QI values less than 0.8 were considered ‘admixed’. All other individuals are grouped as ‘wild’ or ‘cultivated’ according to the predominant subpopulation. The status of the individual is also reported (RSA = Relative Species Amygdaliformis, RS = Relative Species, LV = Local Varieties, NCV = N...

Haplotypes definition. The four cpDNA markers allowed the definition of eight haplotypes named with progressive numbers from 1 to 8. Genotypes of the single cpDNA markers are reported in the last four columns. (DOCX)

Nested structure analysis for the ‘wild’ (A, B) and ‘cultivated’ (C, D) groups. For each analysis, the results according to the two most likely K value are reported: ‘wild’ K = 2 (A), ‘wild’ K = 5 (B), ‘cultivated’ K = 3 (C), ‘cultivated’ K = 4 (D). (TIF)

Minimally processed table grapes have traditionally been used as a component of fruit salads; only recently has been taken into account the possibility of producing single-portion packages in small containers. The aim of this research was to assess the shelf-life of small table grape clusters, including some of the most utilized varieties in Italy,...

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19489.30561

The ITACA project "Technical and scientific answers to new orchards converting to Organic Agriculture", a two-years project financed by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture (2014-2015) intended to verify the effect of agroecological service crops (ASC) on the agrobiodiversity in a young orange-orchard. This paper analyzes the role of ASC species and...

The effect of minimum tillage on two autochthonous Vitis vinifera L. varieties, namely Nerello mascalese and Carricante, established on the eastern and northern aspect slopes of the volcano Mount Etna in Sicily, was evaluated over two seasons. The objective was to determine whether conventional tillage and minimum tillage affect the vegetative grow...

In order to reduce peat use in horticulture, a study was conducted to evaluate a biochar made from conifers wood as growing medium for containerized Euphorbia x lomi and its effects on the growth and ornamental characteristics of flowering potted plants. Different mixtures (V/V) of sphagnum peat and conifers wood biochar (100% peat, 85% peat-15% bi...

Following the Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) disease spread, the only chance to maintain citrus orchards in Sicily is the use of tolerant rootstocks such as trifoliate orange and its hybrids. For citrus nursery industry, the sustainability can also be realized using growing media useful to replace the peat. Among these biochar could be an alternative...

The imposition of managed water deficit and early leaf removal are strategies used to improve the grapes quality in terms of anthocyanin content. The aim of our work was to evaluate the change in total anthocyanin levels during the ripening of the Sicilian grapes (Nero d'Avola and Frappato) and of the international variety of Cabernet Sauvignon, su...

Introduction. Plum cultivation in Southern Italy is of great interest due to the possibility of obtaining produce over an extended period using early and late varieties. The objective of this study was to choose the best combination of cultivars and rootstock to make the production period as long as possible. Materials and methods. The influence of...

In viticulture, the imposition of managed water deficits is a strategy which has been used to increase both water use efficiency and winemaking quality in arid climates. Partial defoliation early in the season is another innovative practice that may also be used as an aid in regulating yield components and improving fruit quality. The aim of this w...

In viticulture, the imposition of managed water deficits is a strategy which has been used to increase both water use efficiency and winemaking quality in arid climates. Partial defoliation early in the season is another innovative practice that may also be used as an aid in regulating yield components and improving fruit quality. The aim of this w...

Negli ultimi anni in Italia si è assistito ad un aumento dell’interesse per la coltivazione del lampone in ambienti mediterranei motivato anche dalla possibilità di realizzare produzioni fuori stagione mediante l’allevamento in serra e la coltivazione fuori suolo. In taluni ambienti siciliani, tuttavia, l’elevata salinità dell’acqua di irrigazione...

Early leaf removal is an innovative viticultural practice for regulating yield components and improving grape quality. Direct sunlight interception by fruit has been associated with improved fruit quality and is generally desirable to some degree in most vineyards. The effects of early defoliation on four indigenous and international grapevines in...

The vegetative and productive behaviour of eight primocane-fruiting red raspberry cultivars (Rubus idaeus L.) - 'Autumn Bliss', 'Galante', 'Heritage', 'Joan Squire', 'Polana', 'Ruby', 'Scepter' and 'Sumo' - in a mild climatic area of Eastern Sicily, unsuitable for the summer-fruiting cultivars, is reported. Raspberries were planted in December 1998...