Due to its complex epidemiological cycle, including several polyphagous insect vectors and 27 host plants, and the absence of efficient control strategies, Bois noir (BN) disease of grapevine is 28 encroaching wider territories in the main viticultural areas worldwide. Molecular approaches allowed to increase the knowledge about its etiological agent (Bois noir phytoplasma, BNp), 30 revealing interesting features concerning BNp population structure and dynamics and transmission 31 routes in vineyard agro-ecosystems. In the present study, a multi-locus sequence typing approach 32 (tufB, vmp1 and stamp genes) was utilized for describing the genetic diversity among BNp strain 33 populations in 17 vineyards localized in five districts of Tuscany (central Italy). The results 34confirmed that BNp ecology in Tuscan vineyards is mainly associated to the bindweed-related host 35 system, and allowed the identification of 13 collective BNp genotypes. Interestingly, the prevalent 36 BNp genotype was never found in grapevines outside of Tuscany. Moreover, statistical analyses 37 showed significant differences between the composition of BNp strain populations identified in 38 grapevines from distinct weather condition zones (north-western and central-eastern Tuscany). 39These results reinforce the hypothesis that environmental conditions can drive the selection of BNp 40 strains, also favouring the entrance of unusual genotypes, in vineyards.

Aromia bungii (Faldermann, 1835) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), the red-necked longhorn beetle is native to eastern Asia, where it is an important wood-borer of fruit and ornamental species of the genus Prunus. A. bungii is a quarantine pest in the European Union, following its accidental introduction and establishment in Germany and Italy, and is currently included in the list of priority pests. To confirm its infestations in outbreak areas, adult or larval specimens are needed to perform morphological or molecular analyses. The presence of A. bungii larvae inside the attacked trees makes the collection of specimens particularly difficult. Thus, we present two diagnostic protocols based on frass analysis with real-time PCR (probe and SYBR Green). The results obtained show that a non-invasive approach for detecting the presence of this harmful invasive pest can be a reliable and accurate alternative diagnostic tool in phytosanitary surveys, as well as to outline a sustainable pest management strategy.

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A research was carried out in order to evaluate how agrochemicals contamination and solar radiation influence the mechanical properties of ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) films. The films, manufactured adding several different combinations of light stabilizers, were subjected to natural and artificial weathering and to three agrochemicals commonly used during the cultivation practices. Two sets of field trials were carried out from 2006 to 2007 at the experimental centre of the University of Bari (Italy). The films, installed on steel arches of low tunnels, were periodically sprayed with the agrochemicals containing iron, chlorine and sulphur. For control the same films, mounted over other low tunnels, were not sprayed. Stress and strain at break of the film samples, taken at fixed time intervals in the field and after exposure in an artificial ageing chamber, were measured. Tests were conducted to evaluate the chemical contaminants absorbed by the films. Solar radiation falling on the films under the test was continuously measured and recorded by means of a pyranometer and a CR10x Campbell data logger. The results of the tests showed that the different light stabilizers influenced the behaviour of the films in presence of the sprayed agrochemicals. The experimental data were investigated evaluating the cumulative solar radiation, the kind of anti-UV additive and the absorbed contaminants. Concerning the agrochemicals which were absorbed by the films, values up to 6800 ppm of sulphur were recorded during the tests. The research allowed the identification of suitable additives in relation with used agrochemicals. The tests showed that an improved resistance to the agrochemicals was recorded for the EVA film stabilized with NOR-HALS plus UV filter.