Orientador: Neusa Taroda Ranga / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T02:57:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rezende_AndreiaAlves_D.pdf: 680315 bytes, checksum: 35c8e450ad258314b9f2c48dbcf0cd7a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: Lianas são plantas que germinam no solo, mantêm-se enraizadas durante toda a vida e necessitam de suporte físico para alcançarem o dossel. Elas são membros característicos das florestas tropicais, onde contribuem com cerca de 25% da diversidade vegetal. Às vezes, dominam a vegetação, principalmente em áreas perturbadas. Lianas competem com árvores por nutrientes e luz, e influenciam a taxa de crescimento e a mortalidade de sua árvore hospedeira. Embora as lianas iniciem sua escalada a partir do chão, muitas colonizam árvores vizinhas pelo dossel da floresta, ¿amarrando-se¿ às outras, podendo ocasionar a queda de várias árvores quando uma delas cai. Devido a sua abundância e o seu impacto sobre as árvores, é de grande importância conhecer os fatores que governam a distribuição e dinâmica das lianas na floresta tropical e, assim, desenvolver estratégias de uso sustentável. Assim, os objetivos desta tese foram: (1) avaliar a riqueza e abundância das lianas e (2) a relação das lianas com as características do hospedeiro e com a estrutura da floresta. O trabalho foi realizado em um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual, com cerca de 435,73 ha, na Estação Ecológica de Paulo de Faria, SP. Foram amostradas 100 parcelas de 10 x 10 m (1 ha). As lianas com diâmetro ³ 1 cm e as árvores ³ 3 cm enraizadas nas parcelas foram medidas no DAP (diâmetro à altura do peito - 1,30m) e identificadas. Amostrou-se 1427 indivíduos de 45 espécies de lianas, pertencentes a 14 famílias, sendo as mais ricas: Bignoniaceae (14 espécies), Sapindaceae (nove) e Malpighiaceae (seis), e as mais abundantes Bignoniaceae, Sapindaceae e Apocynaceae. A riqueza de lianas foi aproximadamente igual à metade (razão 0,51) da riqueza de árvores (87 espécies). A densidade média de lianas e árvores foi semelhante, cerca de 1400 indivíduos/ha. Melloa quadrivalvis (Bignoniaceae) foi a espécie mais comum na área estudada. Do total de indivíduos de lianas amostrados, 57,6% apresentaram diâmetros entre 1 - 2,5 cm, correspondendo a 95% da riqueza total amostrada. Das 1419 árvores amostradas, 53% carregavam pelo menos uma liana. As espécies menos infestadas que a média geral foram Inga marginata, Piper amalago, Trichia catigua e T. claussenii, e somente uma, Machaerium paraguariense, foi mais infestada que a média, considerando todas as espécies. Os resultados, de modo geral, não apoiaram a hipótese de especificidade entre espécies de lianas e espécies de árvores, pois a riqueza e a diversidade de espécies de lianas aumentaram com a proporção de infestação. Se houvesse especificidade, esperar-se-ia que uma espécie de árvore fosse mais infestada por uma determinada espécie de liana. O mecanismo de escalada das lianas não influenciou o número de árvores que cada liana escalou, embora tenha ocorrido associação positiva entre árvores com casca rugosa e lianas com gavinhas. Considerando-se as características individuais do hospedeiro, as árvores com diâmetros maiores apresentaram maior densidade de lianas. Com relação às características da vizinhança, as diferenças encontradas provavelmente se devem as condições de luminosidade do ambiente. As parcelas com maior proporção de árvores com DAP > 30 cm apresentaram relação negativa significativa com a densidade de lianas. A relação foi positiva em parcelas com maior proporção de árvores com copas £ 3 m de altura. Assim, as evidências deste estudo sugerem que a distribuição das lianas foi mais influenciada por características da comunidade do que pelas características das espécies de árvores presentes / Abstract: Lianas are soil-germinating plants, perennially rooted and which need support to reach the canopy. They are characteristically from the rain forests, where they contribute with near 25% of vegetal diversity. Lianas compete with trees for nutrients and light, influencing growth and mortality rates of its host tree. Although lianas begin their life on the ground, many of them colonize vicinity trees through the forest canopy, ¿tying¿ themselves to the others, and may cause the fall of many trees. Due to their abundance and impact over other trees, it is important to know the factors governing distribution and dynamics of the lianas in order to better understand the rain forest and to develop sustainable strategies. Thus, the aims of this study were: (1) to assess the richness and abundance of lianas, and (2) to establish the relation of lianas with the characteristics of the hosts and the structure of the forest. The research was carried out in a fragment of a Semideciduous Stational Forest with 435.73 ha, at the Paulo de Faria Ecological Station. The sampling consisted of 100 plots of 10 x 10 m (1 ha), allotted in an area of 4 ha. Lianas with a diameter ³ 1 cm and trees ³ 3 cm rooted in the plots were measured in DBH (diameter at breast height ¿1.30m) e identified. In the study area, 1427 individuals were sampled from 45 species of lianas, belonging to 14 families, the richest ones being Bignoniaceae (14 species), Sapindaceae (nine) e Malpighiaceae (six), and the more abundant Bignoniaceae, Sapindaceae e Apocynaceae, adding up to 80% of the sampled individuals. The liana richness was approximately equal to half (ratio 0.51) the tree richness (87 species). Average density of lianas and trees was similar, around 1400 individuals/ha. Melloa quadrivalvis (Bignoniaceae) was the most common species in the study area. From the total number of the sampled liana individuals, 57.6% presented diameters between 1- 2.5 cm, corresponding to 95% of the total sampled richness. Only 26 individuals presented diameter higher than 10 cm. From the 1419 trees with diameter ³ 3 cm, 53% carried at least one liana, with the higher rate of infestation (79%) occurred in the individuals with diameters > 10 cm. Species less infested than the expectation were Inga marginata, Piper amalago, Trichia catigua e T. claussenii. One species, Machaerium paraguariense, was more infested than the expectation. In general, results did not support the hypothesis of species-specificity between lianas and trees, since the richness and diversity of liana species increased with the infestation rate. Climbing mechanism did not influence the number of trees climbed by each liana, although we have found positive association between wrinkled bark and tendrils. Considering the individual characteristics of the host, trees with larger diameters showed higher density of lianas. In relation to the vicinity characteristics, the plots with higher rate of big trees (DBH > 30 cm) showed significant negative relation with the density of lianas. The relation was positive in plots with higher rate of trees with small crown (£ 3 m). Thus, our study showed the association between tree and vicinity characteristics with infestation and density of lianas / Doutorado / Biologia Vegetal / Mestre em Biologia Vegetal

Good grapes are required to make good wine. Quality wines start in quality vineyards. Vineyard design, installation, and operation, including site location, trellis options, vine selection, and canopy management, along with when to harvest are discussed. While winemaking is the final phase in the pursuit of the winemaker's passion, it is but a simple formula. The beginning of a good wine is in a good vineyard. This study includes a financial projection for a 10-acre vineyard as well as for starting an onsite, complementary sized winery. Even though many small-to-medium vineyards-to-wineries have started over the last decade, the reason to enter into this type of business is not profit, but passion. Profits are relatively small for the time and labor investment, but the unique wine creations that result are amazing, for the winemaker and the one who enjoys the result.

In diets for broiler rabbits alfalfa hay figure as the most cost ingredient. In this way, replace it with agricultural residues cheapens the rabbits products. In addition, the use of residues reduces liabilities in the environment and improves the sustainability of the production chain. Two experiments were conducted at the Cuniculture Laboratory of Department of Animal Science of the Federal University of Santa Maria, where he studied the influence of different substrates replacing alfalfa hay in diets for broiler rabbits. The aim of the first study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the carrot tops (CT) replacing alfalfa hay in diets for broiler rabbits. To this end, we used 30 rabbits of New Zealand kind, weaned at 35d, divided into 3 groups subjected to the following treatments: T0CT control treatment without including CT; T25CT - diet with 25% CT replacement alfalfa hay and T50CT diet with 50% CT replacement alfalfa hay. The biological assay lasted 49 days. The parameters evaluated were: weight gain, feed conversion, feed intake and economic viability of diet. It was found that the average daily weight gain of the animals was 23.93g in T0CT, 22.65g in T25CT and 22:16 in T50CT. The daily feed intake was 86.71g in T0CT, 88.43g in T25CT and 89.57g in T50CLS. The cost per kg of diet linearly reduced with the inclusion of CT to replace alfalfa hay, and the T0CT diet the most expensive (R $ 0.74 / kg) and T50CT (R $ 0.60) the most economical. It follows that the CT can replacement 50% alfalfa hay in diets for growing rabbit diet optimizing the cost without sacrificing performance of the animals. The purpose of the second study was to determine the effect of replacing alfalfa hay for sweet potato vines (SPV) on performance, carcass and liver metabolism parameters broiler rabbits. To this end, twenty-seven rabbits, New Zealand kind were weaned at 35d and divided into three treatments: 0SPV diet without the inclusion of SPV; 10SPV- diet with 10% alfalfa hay replaced by SPV; and 15SPV diet with 15% alfalfa hay replaced by SPV. The trial lasted 49 days. The daily feed intake ranged from 73.17 to 78.02g; daily weight gain, 22.32 to 23.17g; and feed conversion of 3.16 to 03.49 and the final live weight, from 1839.44 to 1880.55g. None of these performance parameters were significantly affected by dietary treatments. As for the post-slaughter data treatments did not differ in carcass weight and heart. However, the liver weight was significantly lower in animals 10SPV treatment. The glucose present in the liver ranged from 1.62mg/g-1 in 10SLP group to 5.02mg/g-1 in 15SPV and 5.6 mg/g-1 in the control group (0SPV). The glucose released into the tissue showed concentration 2,35μmol, 2,13μmol and 2,59μmol released / g tissue in the treatment 0SPV, 10SPV and 15SPV respectively. Therefore concluded that the SPV can be included in up to 15%, replacing alfalfa hay without adversely affecting the performance of the animals. / Em dietas para coelhos de corte, o feno de alfafa figura como o ingrediente de maior custo. Desta forma, substituí-lo por resíduos agrícolas reduz os custos dos produtos cunículas. Além disso, o uso de resíduos reduz passivos no meio ambiente e melhora a sustentabilidade da cadeia produtiva. Dois ensaios foram realizados no Laboratório de Cunicultura do Departamento de Zootecnia, da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, onde se estudou a influência de diferentes substratos, em substituição ao feno de alfafa, em dietas para coelhos de corte. O objetivo do primeiro estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade do uso de topos de cenoura (CT), em substituição ao feno de alfafa, em dietas para coelhos de corte. Para tal, utilizou-se 30 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, desmamados aos 35 dias de idade, divididos em três grupos, submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: T0CT - dieta controle sem inclusão de TC; T25CT dieta com 25% de substituição do feno de alfafa por CT e T50CT dieta com 50% de substituição do feno de alfa por CT. O ensaio biológico teve duração de 49 dias. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, consumo de ração e viabilidade econômica da dieta. Verificou-se que o ganho médio diário de peso dos animais foi de 23,93g no T0CT, 22,65g no T25CT e 22,16 no T50CT. Já o consumo diário de ração foi de 86,71g no T0CT, 88,43g no T25CT e 89,57g no T50CT. Ainda o custo por kg de dieta reduziu linearmente com a inclusão dos TC em substituição ao feno alfafa, sendo a dieta T0CT a mais onerosa (R$0,74/kg) e a T50CT (R$0,60) a mais econômica. Concluiu-se que os CT podem substituir até 50% o feno de alfafa em dietas para coelhos em crescimento, otimizando o custo da dieta sem prejudicar o desempenho dos animais. O objetivo do segundo estudo foi determinar o efeito da substituição do feno de alfafa por baraço de batata-doce (SPV) sobre o desempenho, a carcaça e parâmetros de metabolismo hepático de coelhos de corte. Para tal, 27 coelhos Nova Zelândia (variedade branca) foram desmamados aos 35 dias e divididos em três tratamentos: 0SPV dieta sem a inclusão de SPV; dieta 10SPV com 10% de feno de alfafa substituído por SPV; e 15SPV dieta com 15% de feno de alfafa substituído por SPV. O ensaio durou 49 dias. O consumo diário de ração variou entre 73,17g e 78,02g; com ganho de peso diário entre 22,32g e 23,17g; e a conversão alimentar entre 3,16 a 03,49 e o peso vivo final entre 1839,44g e 1880,55g. Nenhum desses parâmetros de desempenho foi significativamente afetado pelos tratamentos dietéticos. Quanto aos dados pós-abate, os tratamentos não diferiram em peso da carcaça e do coração. No entanto, o peso do fígado foi significativamente menor nos animais do tratamento 10SPV. A glicose presente no fígado variou de 1,62mg/g-1 no grupo 10SLP a 5,02mg/g-1 no 15SPV e 5,6 mg/g-1 no grupo de controle (0SPV). A glicose liberada no tecido apresentou concentração de 2,35μmol, 2,13μmol e 2,59μmol liberado/g de tecido nos tratamentos 0SPV, 10SPV e 15SPV, respectivamente. Por conseguinte, concluiu-se que o SPV pode ser incluído em até 15% em substituição ao feno de alfafa, sem afetar negativamente o desempenho dos animais.

Ecological differences between herbs and woody plants, and evolution of the herbaceous habit Adam Klimeš, doctoral thesis Abstract Flowering plants (angiosperms), which make up most present-day vegetation, were originally woody. While flowering plants have repeatedly given rise to herbaceous lineages since their first appearance, we lack a clear explanation for these common evolutionary events. Freezing temperatures and drought periods have been proposed as factors which had caused huge success of the younger growth form but the evidence is very limited and not in favour of these hypotheses. In this thesis, we aimed to build the foundations of research on the evolution of herbs. We outlined new potential drivers of the evolution of herbs, suggested solutions to some methodological challenges and provided evidence about differences between herbs and woody plants relevant to the hypotheses on herb evolution. To this end, we used common garden experiments with young plants of both growth forms and global trait data from public databases which we evaluated using phylogenetic comparative techniques. Annuality of aboveground biomass and fast life-strategy of herbs are characteristics which differentiate them from woody plants and which in some conditions are expected to be behind their success. Apart from the...

Organic mulches and cover crops mulched in situ were assessed for their effects on B. cinerea primary inoculum and disease levels in inflorescences at flowering and/or bunches at harvest. Organic mulches were used to enhance biological degradation of vine debris to reduce levels of B. cinerea primary inoculum the following season. Four mulch types (anaerobically and aerobically fermented marc (grape pressings), inter-row grass clippings and shredded office paper) were applied under ten-year-old Riesling vines in a ten-replicate randomized block design in New Zealand over two consecutive years. Plastic mesh bags, each containing naturally infected vine debris, were placed under vines on bare ground (control) and at the soil-mulch interface, in winter (July) 2003 and 2004. In each year, half the bags were recovered at flowering (December) and the remainder at leaf plucking (February), for assessment of B. cinerea sporulation from the vine debris and debris degradation rate. Bait lamina probes, which measure soil biological activity, were placed in the soil-mulch interface three weeks before each of the two bag-recovery dates in both years and were then removed and assessed at the same times as were the bags. All mulches led to a reduction in B. cinerea sporulation. This reduction was significantly correlated with elevated rates of vine debris decomposition and increased soil biological activity. Over both years, compared with the controls, all treatments gave a 3-20-fold reduction in B. cinerea sporulation, a 1.6-2.6-fold increase in vine debris degradation and in the two marc and the paper treatments, a 1.8-4-fold increase in activity of soil organisms. The mulches also altered vine characteristics and elevated their resistance to B. cinerea through changes to the soil environment. Functional soil biological activity, as measured by Biolog Ecoplates and bait lamina probes, was increased 2-4 times in the two marc and paper treatments, compared with the control, an effect relating to the elevated soil moisture and reduced temperature fluctuations under these mulches. Soil nutrient levels and the C:N ratios were also affected in these treatments. The mulched paper lowered vine canopy density by up to 1.4 times that of the other treatments, an effect which probably led to elevated light penetration into the canopy and consequent increased canopy temperature, photosynthesis and lowered canopy humidity. These changes to soil and vine characteristics increased grape skin strength by up to 10% in the paper treatment and sugar concentrations by 1.2-1.4 °Brix in the two marc and paper treatments. The severity of B. cinerea infections in the anaerobic marc, aerobic marc and paper treatments were reduced to 12%, 3% and 2.2% of the control, respectively, in field assessments averaged over two consecutive harvests. Cover crops mulched in situ had similar effects to those of the organic mulches, increasing soil biological activity and reducing B. cinerea primary inoculum and the severity of B. cinerea infection in grapes at harvest (2006). Inter-row phacelia and ryegrass were mulched in winter 2005 and compared with a bare ground control, under 10-year-old Chardonnay vines in a ten-replicate randomized block design. Functional soil biological activity increased by 1.5-4.5 times in the two cover crop treatments compared with the control, an effect possibly related to elevated soil moisture in these treatments. This increase in soil moisture and soil biological activity increased vine debris degradation, reduced B. cinerea primary inoculum on the debris and decreased B. cinerea severity at flowering (December 2005) and harvest (April 2006). These results show the potential of organic mulches and cover crops mulched in situ to enhance soil ecosystem services and improve the sustainability of viticultural practices.

La vigne est sensible à de nombreuses maladies cryptogamiques qui vont altérer la qualité des raisins et des vins. Depuis plusieurs années, l’Esca est devenue un fléau pour la viticulture moderne, car elle est responsable de la mort des pieds de vigne lorsqu’elle se présente sous forme apoplectique. Sa forme chronique est liée à la présence d’un cortège de champignons pathogènes dans le tronc et les bras, qui vont provoquer le plus souvent des symptômes foliaires. L’altération de la photosynthèse que cela provoque, va avoir des conséquences sur la maturation du fruit. Cependant, peu de travaux de recherche ont été menés pour caractériser précisément l’impact de cette maladie sur le métabolisme et la composition chimique des baies de raisin. Notre étude avait pour but d’apprécier, grâce à une approche protéomique, les conséquences de cette maladie sur la qualité des raisins. Nos travaux ont permis de mettre en évidence que l’expression de symptômes foliaires d’Esca provoque une modification d’abondance des protéines liées aux mécanismes de défense et de stress oxydatif de la pellicule du raisin. Il est également observé un changement de capacité antioxydante par modulation des teneurs en peroxyde d’hydrogène, en glutathion ou en pyridoxine. Les concentrations en molécules d’intérêt œnologique comme les acides aminés, les amines biogènes ou les tannins sont également modifiées en présence de symptômes foliaires d’Esca. / The vine is susceptible to many fungal diseases that will affect the quality of grapes and wines. For several years, Esca has become the bane of modern viticulture because it is responsible for the death of the vines when presented in the form apoplectic. Its chronic form is associated with the presence of a procession of pathogenic fungi in the trunk and arms that will most often cause leaf symptoms. The alteration of photosynthesis that this causes will affect fruit ripening. However, little research has been conducted to characterize precisely the impact of this disease on the metabolism and chemical composition of grape berries. Our study aimed to assess, using a proteomic approach the disease's impact on the quality of grapes and get specific markers. Our work allowed us to demonstrate that the expression of foliar symptoms of Esca causes a change in abundance of proteins related to defense mechanisms and oxidative stress in the grape skin. It is also observed a change in antioxidant capacity by modulating levels of hydrogen peroxide, glutathione or pyridoxine. The concentrations of molecules of oenological interest such as amino acids, biogenic amines or tannins are also modified in the presence of foliar symptoms of Esca.

Assembly is a process that shapes the abundance and identity of species in a community. Niche and neutral theory explain assembly processes with mechanisms driven by either species differences, or functional equivalence and stochastic dispersal. In 2017 I sampled vegetation and environmental variables at 59 sites in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and Tombigbee National Forest of Mississippi to explore forest understory community assembly. I developed and assessed a framework of predictions concerning general patterns and underlying mechanism. Evidence of dispersal limitation and functional equivalence were expected under neutral theory. Local environmental characteristics, surrounding landscape variables, and fire were significant determinants of beta diversity. Dispersal was not a strong predictor of beta diversity. I found evidence of both niche complementarity and functional equivalence, as well as niche differences among common vines and an introduced vine (Lonicera japonica). Overall, the results were more congruent with predictions expected under niche theory.

Organic mulches and cover crops mulched in situ were assessed for their effects on B. cinerea primary inoculum and disease levels in inflorescences at flowering and/or bunches at harvest. Organic mulches were used to enhance biological degradation of vine debris to reduce levels of B. cinerea primary inoculum the following season. Four mulch types (anaerobically and aerobically fermented marc (grape pressings), inter-row grass clippings and shredded office paper) were applied under ten-year-old Riesling vines in a ten-replicate randomized block design in New Zealand over two consecutive years. Plastic mesh bags, each containing naturally infected vine debris, were placed under vines on bare ground (control) and at the soil-mulch interface, in winter (July) 2003 and 2004. In each year, half the bags were recovered at flowering (December) and the remainder at leaf plucking (February), for assessment of B. cinerea sporulation from the vine debris and debris degradation rate. Bait lamina probes, which measure soil biological activity, were placed in the soil-mulch interface three weeks before each of the two bag-recovery dates in both years and were then removed and assessed at the same times as were the bags. All mulches led to a reduction in B. cinerea sporulation. This reduction was significantly correlated with elevated rates of vine debris decomposition and increased soil biological activity. Over both years, compared with the controls, all treatments gave a 3-20-fold reduction in B. cinerea sporulation, a 1.6-2.6-fold increase in vine debris degradation and in the two marc and the paper treatments, a 1.8-4-fold increase in activity of soil organisms. The mulches also altered vine characteristics and elevated their resistance to B. cinerea through changes to the soil environment. Functional soil biological activity, as measured by Biolog Ecoplates and bait lamina probes, was increased 2-4 times in the two marc and paper treatments, compared with the control, an effect relating to the elevated soil moisture and reduced temperature fluctuations under these mulches. Soil nutrient levels and the C:N ratios were also affected in these treatments. The mulched paper lowered vine canopy density by up to 1.4 times that of the other treatments, an effect which probably led to elevated light penetration into the canopy and consequent increased canopy temperature, photosynthesis and lowered canopy humidity. These changes to soil and vine characteristics increased grape skin strength by up to 10% in the paper treatment and sugar concentrations by 1.2-1.4 °Brix in the two marc and paper treatments. The severity of B. cinerea infections in the anaerobic marc, aerobic marc and paper treatments were reduced to 12%, 3% and 2.2% of the control, respectively, in field assessments averaged over two consecutive harvests. Cover crops mulched in situ had similar effects to those of the organic mulches, increasing soil biological activity and reducing B. cinerea primary inoculum and the severity of B. cinerea infection in grapes at harvest (2006). Inter-row phacelia and ryegrass were mulched in winter 2005 and compared with a bare ground control, under 10-year-old Chardonnay vines in a ten-replicate randomized block design. Functional soil biological activity increased by 1.5-4.5 times in the two cover crop treatments compared with the control, an effect possibly related to elevated soil moisture in these treatments. This increase in soil moisture and soil biological activity increased vine debris degradation, reduced B. cinerea primary inoculum on the debris and decreased B. cinerea severity at flowering (December 2005) and harvest (April 2006). These results show the potential of organic mulches and cover crops mulched in situ to enhance soil ecosystem services and improve the sustainability of viticultural practices.

La Valle d'Aosta, pur non avendo grandi superfici destinate alla viticoltura, è caratterizzata dalla presenza di un ricco patrimonio ampelografico di cui fanno parte dodici varietà autoctone a bacca rossa: Bonda, Cornalin, Crovassa, Fumin, Mayolet, Ner d'Ala, Petit rouge, Premetta, Roussin, Roussin de Morgex, Vien de Nus e Vuillermin. Malgrado i numerosi vitigni menzionati, nella produzione dei vini a D.O.C troviamo in prevalenza il Petit rouge e poche altre varietà che, nell'insieme, rappresentano circa il 34% della produzione totale. Al fine di implementare la presenza di prodotti tipici che esprimano i caratteri distintivi della zona di provenienza sono state approfondite le conoscenze dei vitigni autoctoni per evidenziarne le attitudini e le potenzialità per la produzione di vini rossi di qualità. Allo stesso scopo sono stati valutati gli effetti dell'applicazione di alcune tecniche di vinificazione alternative sull'espressione dei caratteri qualitativi del Petit rouge, le cui uve sono da tempo vinificate in purezza o in assemblaggi nella produzione di vini a D.O.C. / Aosta Valley has a little viticulture surface and it is characterised by a rich ampelographic collection including the following twelve red grape autochthonous varieties: Bonda, Cornalin, Crovassa, Fumin, Mayolet, Ner d'Ala, Petit rouge, Premetta, Roussin, Roussin de Morgex, Vien de Nus e Vuillermin. Only the 34% of the D.O.C. wine production is represented by some of the above mentioned cultivars, in particular the Petit Rouge, despite of the huge number of cultivars. The Petit rouge is used in purity or in miscellaneous in the D.O.C. wine production. In order to implement the presence of typical products, this study was carried out to evaluate the aptitude of Aosta Valley ancient grapes to produce quality red wines. Moreover to improve quality of the most diffused Aosta Valley red wine the effects of some alternative winemaking were evaluated on the Petit rouge characters.

This practicum is a reference for vertical gardeners in cold climates. Winnipeg, Manitoba is explored, however findings may be applied to other cities in similar climates. First, the history of vertical gardening is discussed, then the types of vertical gardens currently on the market are described. These can be classified into two categories: soil bearing or non-soil bearing. Most designs are modular pre-planted systems that can be attached to any wall, as long as it satisfies the structural requirements recommended by the manufacturer. The benefits of vertical gardening have been shown to be rather extensive, covering a wide range of areas. Aesthetic improvement, reduction of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, improvement of air quality, stormwater absorption, noise reduction, native habitat integration, reduction of heating and cooling costs for buildings, food production, marketing, and biophilia are all benefits explored in detail. Difficulties associated with vertical gardening are discussed, specifically the lack of knowledge and awareness of vertical gardens, lack of empirical evidence (or missing details in existing research), overall cost and lack of financial incentives, lack of industry codes, and various associated risks. Design framework exists within microclimate conditions unique to vertical gardens, as well as neighbourhood and regional (micro)climates. Theories relating to the study of green walls covered include the human ecosystem model, urban reconciliation ecology, habitat templating, the urban cliff hypothesis, and wall ecology. Suitable habitat templates identified for vertical gardens in Winnipeg are cliffs, sand dunes, alvars, mixed grass prairie and prairie potholes. Design parameters to be followed for vertical garden design in Winnipeg are to ensure that lightweight materials are used, to provide insulation to protect plants from sudden temperature changes, to choose plants that grow in the region and are adapted to grow in areas with limited soil, increased wind, varying degrees of sunlight (depending on orientation), and increased pollution and salt spray depending on location. / October 2015