Giuseppe Serra

The competence to locate natural feeding sources is one of the main limiting factors for survival in the wild, especially for captive-born birds. Therefore, environmental enrichment through the diet can be strategic before their release into nature. In this research, a feeding trial was undertaken to evaluate the potential use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae (TM) provisions to captive bred couples of Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbarabarbara Bonaterre, 1790) during the laying period. Twenty-four couple-caged Sardinian breeding partridges were enrolled during the laying period (April–May 2019) and randomly allotted to two feeding groups of 12 couples each: (a) the control (CON) group was fed a conventional complete pelleted diet for laying quails; (b) the yellow mealworm enriched group was additionally fed 5% whole, defrosted TM larvae (TM5%) on top of the same amount of the control diet. As a prerequisite, partridges were unaccustomed to eating mealworms before ...

Olive fly infectation has a negative effect on the oil quality and production A bringing forward of the harvesting in relation to the period in which maximum oil content of the olives of cv. Bosana is reached enables an increase in the amount of harvestable oil per hectare. Furthermore in this period, the last 15 days in November, the quality of oil obtained remains high

This catalogue summarizes and critically reviews araneological knowledge about Sardinian fauna. 140 publications from 1868 to 2012 were considered and about 4800 specimens belonging to 254 species were directly examined. The list report 495 species belonging to 229 genera divided into 43 families. For each species, literature, chorotype, regional distribution, and, where possible, habitats are indicated. Among the listed species Philodromus bosmansi Muster et Thaler, 2004 (Philodromidae) is new for Europe and the family of Prodidomidae with the species Zimirina brevipes Pérez et Blasco, 1986 is new for Italy. Also Setaphis parvula (Lucas, 1846) (Gnaphosidae), Centromerus succinus (Simon, 1884) and Hybocoptus corrugis (O. P.-Cambridge, 1875) (Linyphiidae) are new records for the Italian fauna and further 37 species are new for Sardinia. The genitalia of Phrurolithus corsicus (Simon, 1878), Zimirina brevipes, Drassodes luteomicans (Simon, 1878) and Zelotes dentatidens Simon, 1914 are ...

Mating disruption field experiments to control the vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), were carried out in 2008 and 2009 in two commercial vineyards in Sardinia (Italy). The effectiveness of mating disruption was evaluated by testing reservoir dispensers loaded with 100 mg (62.5 g/ha) and 150 mg (93.8 g/ha) of the sex pheromone in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The number of males captured in pheromone traps, the P. ficus population density and age structure, the parasitism rate, the percentage of ovipositing females, and the crop damage were compared between disrupted and untreated plots. In both field trials, the number of males captured in mating disruption plots was significantly reduced by 86% and 95%, respectively. Mating disruption at the initial dose of 62.5 g/ha of active ingredient gave inconclusive results, whereas the dose of 93.8 g/ha significantly lowered the mealybug density and modified the age structure, which showed a lower percen...

The early spring folivore green oak leaf roller moth, Tortrix viridana, is one of the most harmful pests of Palaearctic oaks. The young larvae develop inside flushing buds and therefore require moth egg-hatching and budburst of their host plant to be synchronized. The aim of this study was to understand which factors (geographical distances, oak species, oak leaf phenology and timing of moth egg-hatching) influence the genetic structure of the moth. We performed multilocus analyses (COI and COII mitochondrial genes and eight nuclear microsatellites) on 30 populations from key forest districts in Sardinia and other Mediterranean localities. Both mitochondrial and nuclear markers detected a genetic divergence among populations that were separated by long distances and/or wide sea straights (Sardinia-Corsica vs. Tunisia vs. Italian peninsula-Sicily). Mitochondrial variation was divided into two major haplogroups relating to early or late egg-hatching behaviour, which was dependent on adaptation to specific oak budburst phenologies. On a regional scale, AMOVA tests showed the highest fixation indexes when populations were grouped according to early or late egg-hatching, whereas oak leaf phenology [deciduous (pubescent oak) or evergreen (holm oak and cork oak)] was the main factor in structuring populations on a larger Mediterranean scale. Furthermore, we demonstrated evidence for non-random patterns of gene flow mediated by male-biased dispersal, with females as the philopatric sex. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: budburst phenology-deciduous oaks-egg-hatching-evergreen oaks-insecthost synchronization-microsatellites-mitochondrial DNA-Quercus-sex-biased dispersal-Tortrix viridana.

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) represents a highly sustainable source of proteins for food and feed. Industrial production of mealworm meals for food and feed must count on optimized processing methods based on a deep knowledge of nutritional and quality aspects. Viable mealworm larvae (VL) were frozen at −20°C and dried under two different thermal conditions, namely high-temperature-short-time (HTST, 90°C for 1.5 h) and low-temperature-long-time (LTLT, 50°C for 62 h). Proximate composition, fatty acid analyses by gas-chromatography and metabolic profiling by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H NMR) spectroscopy were carried out and 1 H NMR data investigated with multivariate data analysis (MVDA). While fatty acid profiles did not indicate significant differences among treatments, 1 H NMR highlighted relevant molecular alterations associated to LTLT drying (95% of detected metabolites are altered by LTLT). In particular, detrimental hydrolysis of triacylglycerols (TAG) was favored during LTLT drying (approximately 25% reduction of TAG in LTLT compared to VL), accompanied by the enrichment of the free amino acid pool. Larvae composition was only minimally affected by the freezing process, with only 15% of the metabolite pool affected. Industrial relevance: Sustainable industrial production of insect-derived products (insect meal, oil, and other extracts) must count on efficient processes and high standard quality. Freezing and drying are the most critical processing operations in insect industry, since they can strongly affect the quality of final products. It is demonstrated here that low-temperature-long time drying processes negatively affect insect products quality, while freezing and high-temperature-short time drying do not have a significant impact. Molecular details of nutrient degradation processes are provided.

The Sardinian partridge is a monogamous wild bird species of least concern according to IUCN list at present, though formerly accounted among threatened species for decades. The creation of couples is crucial in captivity, because forced pairing in cages can lead to poor welfare of birds, specially of females. This study investigated the

A study on the lackey moth egg masses distribution is reported. Length and surface of the egg masses were employed for estimating insect fecundity by regression formulae. Taylor's power law was applied to confirm an eventual clumped distribution of egg masses.

Verdinelli M., Serra G., Luciano P. - Observations on spatial distribution of Malacosoma neustrium (L.) egg masses and tents in Sardinian cork oak forests. In order to determine sampling methods for the Malacosoma neustrium population, in 1998-99, the insect fecundity was observed and its population density and the spatial distribution of its tents and egg masses recorded. The length of cylindrical egg mass (x) was the most highly correlated single measurement with actual number of eggs per mass (y) (lOglO Y = 1,3263+1.0920910glO x; R2= 0.78). An insect preference in laying the egg masses and making tents in the South facing side of the trees was observed. The spatial distribution of egg masses and tents among the trees was compared with Poisson's, Neyman's and negative binomial mathematical models. The aggregated models proved to be more suitable to represent the actual spatial distribution. Taylor's power law parameters and Iwao's regression were needed to determin...

Serra G., Luciano P. , Gilioli G. - Observations on the spatial distribution of green oak leafroller moth eggs in Sardinian forests. Second contribution. The spatial distribution of Tortrix viridana L. egg-clusters was investigated during the winter of 1999 in eight forest areas of Quercus pubescens Willd. in centraI Sardinia. On each area of between approximately 300 and 100 ha, a three-stage sampling was adopted: 8 onehectare plots per area, 8 trees per plot, 4 terminaI branches per tree. All elements were chosen at random. The average number of egg-clusters per branch varied within the eight areas between 1.93 and 7.92. Data regarding the abundance of egg-clusters were analysed using two interpretative models of mean-variance relationships (<<Taylor's power Iaw» and «Iwao's patchiness regression») which showed an aggregated-type distribution both at the spatiallevel of branches within tree and trees within plot, while distribution was random on plots within area. Th...

The possibility of controlling green oak leaf-roller moth infestations with Foray 48B (Bacillus thuringiensis Berl. subsp. kurstaki) was assessed in spring 2004 in a Sardinian pubescent oak forest. At the time of treatment, the larval density was 0.70-0.88 larvae per shoot. The insecticide was aerially sprayed at ULV in a dose of 4 l/ha (equivalent to 42.4 BIU/ha). One week later, a population reduction of 82% was observed in the treated plots. Canopy defoliation was 14% in the treated plots compared with 30% in the untreated plots. The experiment demonstrated the efficacy of Foray 48B treatment, but large-scale application requires further tests to assess the efficacy of B.t.k. in limiting oak defoliation when larval densities are high.

The influence of different ground cover management systems on the development of the vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), was evaluated in a commercial vineyard (cv. Carignano) in north-western Sardinia within an ongoing multi-year project. In this paper, preliminary results of the first year of observations are reported. The field trial was arranged in a randomized block design, comparing traditional tillage and three different cover crops: natural self-regenerating (legume-grass mixture), grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and legume (Trifolium yanninicum Katzn. & Morley). In each treatment, some life parameters of the vine mealybug (survival, development time from egg to ovipositing female and fecundity) and the nitrogen content of grapevines, measured by a SPAD meter, were recorded. The ground cover management systems affected the vegetative growth of grapevines. In fact, the SPAD values were significantly higher on tillage and legume cover crop, whi...

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) represents a highly sustainable source of proteins for food and feed.
Industrial production of mealworm meals for food and feed must count on optimized processing methods based
on a deep knowledge of nutritional and quality aspects. Viable mealworm larvae (VL) were frozen at −20 °C and
dried under two different thermal conditions, namely high-temperature-short-time (HTST, 90 °C for 1.5 h) and
low-temperature-long-time (LTLT, 50 °C for 62 h). Proximate composition, fatty acid analyses by gas-chromatography
and metabolic profiling by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy were
carried out and 1H NMR data investigated with multivariate data analysis (MVDA). While fatty acid profiles did
not indicate significant differences among treatments, 1H NMR highlighted relevant molecular alterations associated
to LTLT drying (95% of detected metabolites are altered by LTLT). In particular, detrimental hydrolysis
of triacylglycerols (TAG) was favored during LTLT drying (approximately 25% reduction of TAG in LTLT
compared to VL), accompanied by the enrichment of the free amino acid pool. Larvae composition was only
minimally affected by the freezing process, with only 15% of the metabolite pool affected.
Industrial relevance: Sustainable industrial production of insect-derived products (insect meal, oil, and other
extracts) must count on efficient processes and high standard quality. Freezing and drying are the most critical
processing operations in insect industry, since they can strongly affect the quality of final products. It is demonstrated
here that low-temperature-long time drying processes negatively affect insect products quality, while
freezing and high-temperature-short time drying do not have a significant impact. Molecular details of nutrient
degradation processes are provided.

The results of a study on the spatial distribution of Tortrix viridana L. egg-clusters in Sardinian oak forests are reported. The research aimed at collecting data useful to outline a fast sampling methods to estimate the population abundance.

In order to define a reliable sampling method for defoliating moth, data on population density of Malacosoma neustria (L.) were collected. Wild M. neustria populations were monitored at seven field localities in the major cork oak forests of Sardinia, in the spring of 1998 and 1999. Egg mass and nest location on trees was analysed. An insect preference in laying the egg masses on the East and South facing side of the tree canopy was recorded. Nest distribution on the trees followed the same trend. The spatial distribution among trees was analysed taking into account the fitting of Poisson's, Neyman's and negative binomial mathematical models to the actual distributions. In all localities nests had a gathered distribution among trees while the egg mass location showed a different pattern. Taylor's power law regression was used to determine sample size requirements necessary for estimating population average with two fixed levels of precision (D = 0.10; D = 0.25). At low e...

Analysis of spatial distribution and sampling of Tortrix viridana L. (Lep. Tortricidae) egg-clusters in Sardinian oak woods - The spatial distribution of Tortrix viridana L. egg-clusters was investigated during the winter of 1999 in eight forest areas of Quercus pubescens Willd. in central Sardinia. A three-stage sampling was adopted: 8 one-hectare plots per area, 8 trees per plot, 4 terminal branches per tree. The Kuno’s method was used to define a sampling design to estimate the population abundance. The optimum allocation of sampling effort corresponds to: 2 branches per tree; 4 trees per plot; the number of plots to sample per area is to be 5 if the required precision (mse/mean) is 25%, 8 with a precision of 20% and 33 for a precision level of 10%. Key words: Quercus pubescens, mean-variance relationship, multistage sampling.

Observations on the development and the behaviour ofMalacosoma neustrium (L.) (Lep. Lasiocampidae) Larvae In a northern Sardinia cork oak stand the development of MaLacosoma neustrium larvae, starting from egg hatch, was studied in order to verify the number of larval instars, characterise the nests built during the different instars and show a possible periodicity of their daily activity. The data obtained by direct open field observations (n. 16 cork oak trees infested with 22 egg masses) and laboratory rearing (25°C~ RH=60%) using cork oak leaves as food source for larvae, were analysed. In the selected area, temperature, relative humidity, global radiation (MJ/m 2) and rainfall (hourly and daily average data) were recorded. The insect completed 5 instars both in the field and in the laboratory; each in star was properly defined by using head capsule (cps) and frass (frs) measurements (Hcps=559.05; Hfrs=541.43; dJ.=4, P<0,05; Kruskal-Wallis's test). Up to 3 rd instar, the ...

Serra G., Luciano P. , Gilioli G. - Observations on the spatial distribution of green oak leaf-roller moth eggs in Sardinian oak forests. Third contribution: Sampling design in Quercus pubescens Willd. Forest stands In order to design a method for monitoring the abundance of Tortrix viridana L. eggs in Iarge forest areas, the spatial distribution of the egg-clusters was investigated in eight Quercus pubescens WilId. stands in centra! Sardinia. In each area ofbetween 300 and 1000 ha, a three-stage sampling was conducted: 8 one-hectare pIots per area, 8 trees per pIot, 4 termina! branches per tree. The egg-clusters on the branches were counted in the Iaboratory. During the survey, the average time taken by a team of two sampIers was reckoned (6.5, 1.5 and 4.5 minutes respectiveIy to identify a pIot within the area, a tree within the pIot, and the colIecting and checking of a branch). Using Kuno's method for multistage sampIing, we determined, for each area, the optimaI alIocation ...

Durante il triennio 2006-2008, in un vigneto sito in agro di Alghero (Sassari) è stato condotto uno studio sulla cocciniglia cotonosa della vite, Planoc-coccus ficus, teso a valutare la dinamica di popolazio-ne dell'insetto e la sua distribuzione spaziale nella pianta. Le osservazioni hanno interessato un vigneto costituito da piante di cultivar Vermentino, allevate a tendone e condotte in asciutto ma con un buon apporto idrico garantito dalla presenza di una falda superficiale. L'andamento dei voli dei maschi della cocciniglia è stato seguito attraverso le catture setti-manali a trappole innescate col feromone specifico, mentre l'abbondanza e la distribuzione dell'infesta-zione sulla pianta sono state stimate col conteggio degli stadi preimmaginali e delle femmine presenti su ceppo, cordoni, tralci, foglie e grappoli. I risultati delle osservazioni indicano che P. ficus sverna riparato sotto il ritidoma prevalentemente come femmina fecondata, sebbene siano presenti ...

During 2002 in Sardinia, field studies were conducted in a summer sown cultivation of transgenic corn, expressing the Cry1Ab toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (i.e., Bt corn), in order to evaluate the potential impact on beneficial insects. Crop resistance of Bt corn hybrid Compa and its non Bt isoline Dracma to corn borers, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) and Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre), was observed. The attacks by the two pests were always lower in Bt corn than in non-Bt corn plots: at the end of October 5.9 and 19.3 larvae of corn borers per plant were counted in Bt and non-Bt corn respectively. The infestation of aphids, mainly Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), was of the same level in both Bt and non-Bt plots. No significant differences were found between Bt and non-Bt corn for predator counts (mirids, anthocorids, syrphids, chrysopids, coccinellids and arachnids) on sample plants. However the total number of coccinellids, mainly Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.), captured by...

Observations on spatial distribution of Jacobiasca lybica were carried out in two vineyards in southern Sardinia during 1999 -2000. Leafhopper density did not differ between primary and secondary shoot leaves, while the majority of nymphs were found on shoots facing to North and on mid-shoot leaves. The vineyards were divided into blocks (rows) that turned out to contribute little to explanation of the variance but a high variability between individual plants was observed. Taylor's power law was used to analyse leafhopper spatial distribution on vineyard and indicated an aggregated pattern. Also sample size requirements for fixed levels of precision were determined by using estimated variance-mean relationship obtained from Taylor's power law regression.

Damage caused by Jacobiasca Iybica (Berg. & Zan.) (Homoptera Cicadellidae Typhlocybinae) fo vines in Sardinia In the two-year period 1999-2000 an investigation was carried out in 3 vineyards of red wine grape varieties (l Carignano and 2 Monica) in southem Sardinia to determine the arnount of darnage caused by the cicadellid Jacobiasca lybica (Berg. & Zan.). In each vineyard, taking 30 equally vigorous vines, a weekly count was done of the number of leafhoppers on 50 Jeaves of each plant. An estimate was also made of the percentage of Jeaf surfaces showing the characteristic reddish colour due to the phytophagous pest sucking the juìces. At the grape harvest the sugar content of the yield of each plant was measured. In the two years of the study, with preimaginal stage density lower than 0.25 insectlleaf, no evident signs of damage were found, neither was there a significant correlation between the sugar content of the musts and the "leafhopper-daylleaf' burden (seasonal su...

The spatial distribution of the egg-clusters of the green oak leaf roller moth, Tortrix viridana L., was studied in Sardinia on deciduous oaks stands during 1997-99. A sampling design to estimate the population density in extensive sampling survey based on the Kuno's technique was reported.

A study was conducted in a vineyard of Southern Sardinia from 2002 to 2004 to determine the effect of soil management on grape pest populations. Observations were carried out in two plots of 0.5 ha each of the white berry cultivar "Malvasia": one with soil cultivation and weed removal, and the other with natural ground cover since 1995. In that environment, during summer, resident vegetation dries up and does not compete with the grapevine for water and nutrients. The results showed that leafhoppers and thrips populations were not influenced by the ground cover. The attacks of European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) were always higher in the tilled plot, which showed a percentage of damaged bunches at harvest of 12%, 42% and 14% in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. In contrast, these values were of 2%, 13% and 8%, respectively, in the cover crop plot. These differences could be due to the fact that grapevines of the cover crop plot had less vigorous sprouts that produce...

Control oJ the defoliator lepidopterous Lymantria dispar in corh-oah forests: an example oJ research innovation transJer to the Jield - Results regarding the microbiological control of Lymantria dispar, in Sardinian corh-oak forests in the spring of 2001 , are reported. Ten thousand hectares of Jores t were treated with a product containing Bacillus thU1ingiensis kurstaki (Foray 48B). The product, Jormulated as a flowable concentrate, was dist1ibuted at 4 l/ha, at ultra-Iow volume, by an helicopter havingJour micronairs, when more than 80% oJ the Iarvae were at II and III instars. The treatments efficiently protected the canopy oJ corhoak trees against the insect, whose mortality rate ranged f rom 75 to 99%.

A preliminary analysis of COI and COII (1875 bp) gene variability was carried out in Sardinian populations of the Green oak leaf roller Tortrix viridana. The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic structure and mitochondrial haplotype variation in populations associated with deciduous (Quercus pubescens) and evergreen (Q. suber and Q ilex) oaks. Forty-four haplotypes out of 87 individuals were found: three haplotypes showed a high frequency (23%, 16% and 10%) and were largely shared among populations. Hierarchical AMOVA showed no significant differentiation grouping populations for geographic areas or oak species, in spite of significant divergences structuring populations for different duration in egg development (early- vs late-hatching). However a high haplotype diversity (H = 0.94) and a low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.004) have been observed.

During 2006-2007, the seasonal spatial distribution of Planococcus ficus throughout the vine was studied in a "Tendone system" trained vineyard, situated in the North of Sardinia (Italy). Male flights were monitored by pheromone-baited traps, whereas eggs, crawlers, nymphs and females abundance was estimated by counting on trunk, canes, spurs, leaves and bunches. Vine mealybug developed throughout all the year in cryptic location under the bark of trunk and arms, overwintering principally as fecundated female, or eggs in ovisacs. In April, the majority of crawlers were found under the bark and, after bud break, also around the base of new shoots. Females of this generation were detected in June, and crawlers of the second generation moved toward basal leaves. Females of this generation peaked at the end of July, and the crawlers of the third generation colonised grape bunches in late July-August. The maximum female density was recorded in October and, after the leaf qualit...

During 2007 and 2009, aerial spray trials were carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness of four Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) formulations against gypsy moth infestations in North Sardinian cork oak forests. Based on randomized-blocks, the experimental design involved three replicates on 25-50ha-plots for each of the following thesis: 1. Untreated Control; 2. Foray 48B(S), flowable concentrate formulation used for standard application, containing 12.7 BIU/L; 3. Foray 48B(N), flowable concentrate formulation including new safety ingredients, containing 12.7 BIU/L; 4. Foray 76B, flowable concentrate formulation containing 20 BIU/L; 5. VBC-60074, dry flowable formulation containing 64 BIU/kg. A good efficacy was recorded in trials with Foray 48B(S), Foray 48B(N) and Foray 76B. These formulations caused mortality rates greater than 80% and adequately protected trees from defoliation. The dry flowable formulation, VBC-60074, produced the lowest efficacy probably in rela...

Nel triennio 2009-2011 è stata effettuata a Santa Maria La Palma (Alghero) una sperimentazione con lo scopo di valutare l’effi cacia del nuovo insetticida spirotetramat contro le infestazioni estive di Planococcus fi cus. Il prodotto ha mostrato elevata effi cacia quando impiegato in associazione o in alternativa ai fosforganici tradizionalmente utilizzati contro la cocciniglia farinosa ed è selettivo nei confronti dei principali nemici naturali. È comunque fondamentale adottare un approccio integrato con accorgimenti di natura colturale per ridurre la capacità di accrescimento delle popolazioni della cocciniglia e intervenire sulla seconda generazione di neanidi.