Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l'Ambiente

BackgroundAedes koreicus is a mosquito species native to East Asia which has recently invaded several countries in Europe. In Italy, this mosquito was first detected in the North-East in 2011 and is now widely distributed in the entire northern part of the country. The development of specific genetic markers, such as microsatellites, is necessary to uncover the dispersal routes of this mosquito from its native areas and, eventually, to plan future control interventions.MethodsAvailable raw sequences of genomic DNA of Ae. koreicus were screened in silico using BLASTn to identify possible microsatellite-containing sequences. Specific primer pairs were then designed, and their efficiency was determined through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 32 individuals of Ae. koreicus collected in Italy. PCR conditions were optimised in three multiplex reactions. Genotyping of individual mosquitoes was performed on both single and multiplex PCR reactions. Finally, analysis of intra-population variation was performed to assess the level of polymorphism of the markers.ResultsMosquito genotyping provided consistent results in both single and multiplex reactions. Out of the 31 microsatellite markers identified in the Ae. koreicus genome raw sequences, 11 were polymorphic in the examined mosquito samples.ConclusionsThe results show that the 11 microsatellite markers developed here hold potential for investigating the genetic structure of Ae. koreicus populations. These markers could thus represent a novel and useful tool to infer the routes of invasion of this mosquito species into Europe and other non-native areas.Graphical

Abstract Aim Analyses of biogeographical patterns and macroecology of islands require large datasets reporting the occurrence of species. The Mediterranean region is a biodiversity hotspot, which hosts a large number of reptile species and has been the focus of many studies. Nevertheless, comprehensive inventories describing the features and biodiversity of these environments are lacking. We gathered a dataset summarizing data on reptile distribution on islands of the Mediterranean basin and Macaronesia, also including detailed information on the geographical features. Location Islands from the Mediterranean Basin, the Atlantic Ocean within the Mediterranean biogeographical region, and Macaronesia (Canary and Savage Islands, Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde). Time period Present. Taxon Reptiles (squamates and turtles). Methods Initially, we developed a geographical database describing islands of the study region, then gathered information on reptile occurrences from 757 bibliographical sources, including atlases, published papers and the grey literature. Through a critical review of these sources, we also obtained information on the status of populations (native, island endemic or non‐native) and on the reliability of occurrence data. Results We obtained basic geographical information from 1875 islands covering the whole study region and with a very broad range of geographical features. We gathered >4150 records of reptile occurrence on islands, referring to 198 taxonomic units (species or species complexes); information on population status was available for 84.9% of records. Data are provided as comma‐delimited text files. Main conclusions The database provides a key resource for biogeographical analyses and can also serve as a backbone for conservation studies. The availability of a large database on island features can also be useful for biogeographers working on other taxonomic groups. Nevertheless, more data are required for some geographical areas, in order to ascertain the status (e.g., native vs. non‐native) of many populations and to understand the interplay between natural and human‐driven processes.

Topography may induce variability in meteorological conditions at the meso-scale level and could influence grape quality. Understanding the impact of topography on grape ripening allows for the development of sustainable management practices that include topographical influences in their consideration. This is also important for applying proactive strategies able to counter the expected changes of climate. This study was conducted on cv. Nebbiolo vineyards in North-West Italy. The topographic traits were performed in 17 vineyards within the region, which had previously been identified as belonging to different terroir units. An analysis of historical meteorological data series was also carried out to characterize the units from the meteorological point of view. The grape composition was investigated during 2012 and 2013. Based on the topography traits, a Cluster Analysis classified the 17 vineyards into four groups. Differences among groups mainly concerned insolation and heat accumulation. Topography influenced the individual components of grape quality differently depending on the seasonal weather trend. Interactions between topography and vintage were observed for a few parameters. Better understanding the grapevine reaction to external factors/site characteristics can allow for improved site and season-specific management decision making and can contribute to improving vineyard sustainability while maintaining winery objectives and wine typicity.

BackgroundThe total contact rates (TCRs) between mosquito vectors and their potential hosts have a serious impact on disease transmission dynamics. Culex pipiens (sensu stricto) (s.s.) is considered the main vector of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Europe and birds are the reservoir hosts. The results of our previous study showed that WNV seroreactors are significantly more prevalent among raptors compared to a range of other wild avian groups. The current study aims to assess the role of bird type (raptor vs others) and bird size on mosquito feeding preferences in a free-choice experiment using bird-baited traps.MethodsFrom July to September 2014, a battery of six bird-baited traps was operated in twelve mosquito capture sessions. Eight bird species, belonging to five different orders, including raptors, were used. After each session, the trapped mosquitoes were collected and identified using standard keys. Two sets of independent generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to assess mosquito vector feeding preferences (MFp) among different bird species and types.ResultsA total of 304 mosquitoes belonging to seven taxa were collected, C. pipiens being by far the most abundant (84.2 % of the total mosquito catch). Most C. pipiens were engorged (83.59 %). The selected model showed that 25.6 % of the observed variability of MFp is explained by the interaction between bird size and bird type, with C. pipiens preferring to feed on large birds, especially raptors. The proportion of engorged mosquitoes was 1.9-fold higher in large (22.88 %; range 0–42 %) than in medium-sized raptors (11.71 %; range 0–33 %), and was nearly the same in medium-sized (9.08 %; range 0–26 %) and large (8.5 %; 6–24 %) non-raptor species.ConclusionCulex pipiens showed an obvious preference for large raptors, which concurs with the higher seroprevalence to WNV in our previous study. The appreciable feeding by C. pipiens on large raptors makes them useful alternative sentinels to poultry for WNV surveillance. Thus, wildlife parks and rehabilitation centers can contribute to surveillance efforts to a greater extent.

West Nile virus and Usutu virus have established in different parts of Italy over the past 10 years. Piemonte and Liguria Regions (Northwestern Italy) are known to be nonendemic areas, despite the presence of competent vectors and environmental conditions conducive to maintaining infection. This work evidences for the first time, through an entomological surveillance implemented on the basis of risk factor approach, the presence of West Nile and Usutu viruses in Piemonte and Liguria Regions (Northwestern Italy).

RESUMOO uso da carta topográfica em conjunto com sistemas de informação geográfica possibilita o mapeamento e monitoramento de áreas, para muitos fins. Desse modo, buscou-se a utilização dessas técnicas e ferramentas para a análise fisiográfica da bacia hidrográfica do ribeirão Sória, no município de Astorga - PR, juntamente com a averiguação da conformidade das áreas de preservação permanente (APP), buscando uma comparação entre os anos de 2011 e 2015, pré e posterior ao Código Florestal vigente. Este estudo mostrou que as APPs tiveram um acréscimo de 0,14km², ao longo dos anos, mas, ainda apresentam muitas áreas em não conformidade com a Lei. Sendo assim, o uso das técnicas cartográficas se mostrou eficiente para a análise da Legislação.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Código Florestal, Carta topográfica, APP. LETTER OF SURVEYING AND USE GIS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE FINDING OF THE FOREST CODE FOR APP AREAS ABSTRACTThe use of topographic maps in conjunction with geographic information systems enables the mapping and monitoring areas for many purposes. Thus, we sought to use these techniques and tools for analysis of physiographic basin of Sória creek in the town of Astorga - PR, along with the investigation of the compliance of permanent preservation areas (APP), looking for a comparison between years 2011 and 2015, pre and after the current Forest Code. This study showed that the APP had increased by 0,14km², over the years, but still has many areas in noncompliance with the law. Thus, the use of cartographic techniques proved to be efficient for the analysis of legislation.KEYWORDS: Forest Code, Topographic Charter, APP. CARTA DE LA ENCUESTA Y USO SIG PARA EL CUMPLIMIENTO DEL HALLAZGO DEL CODIGO FORESTAL PARA ÁREAS APP RESUMENEl uso de mapas topográficos en conjunción con sistemas de información geográfica permite el mapeo y monitoreo de áreas para muchos propósitos. Por lo tanto, hemos tratado de utilizar estas técnicas y herramientas para el análisis de la cuenca hidrográfica arroyo Sória arroyo en la ciudade de Astorga – PR, junto con la investigación del cumplimiento de las áreas de preservación permanente (APP), en busca de una comparación entre años 2011 y 2015, antes y después de que el Código Forestal actual. Este estudio demostró que la APP aumentó en 0,14km², con los años, pero todavía tiene muchas áreas en el incumplimiento de la ley. Por lo tanto, el uso de técnicas cartográficas demostró ser eficaz para el análisis de la legislación.PALABRAS CLAVE: Código Florestal, Carta topográfica, APP.