Speaker
Descrizione
The restoration of fragile Mediterranean ecosystems is crucial to maintaining biodiversity and ecological stability. Deciduous oak forests are experiencing severe decline due to climate change, oak dieback, and low natural regeneration rates. Among environmental drivers, radiation is one of the most important meteorological variables measured in terrestrial ecosystems, as it regulates photosynthesis, plant growth, and forest regeneration. Our research aims to enhance regeneration success by combining vegetative propagation techniques with ecophysiological monitoring of light dynamics in Castelporziano, a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot near Rome.
The first objective focuses on vegetative propagation through epicormic shoot induction from Quercus robur branches. Statistical analyses demonstrated that genotype and nodes significantly influenced shoot emergence, while the effect of branch diameter was not statistically significant.
The second objective aims to examine the impact of light dynamics on Quercus robur regeneration in Castelporziano, investigates how fluctuating light regimes affect seedling physiology and regeneration. Continuous high-frequency measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) are being conducted in both Castelporziano and greenhouse at Tuscia University using a network of calibrated quantum sensors.
Controlled light treatments simulated sunfleck patterns, and physiological responses are assessed through gas exchange and fluorescence measurements, under variable light conditions using (LI-6800 Portable Photosynthesis System), to evaluate dynamic response of the photosynthetic, water use efficiency, and interactions with water stress. Preliminary results indicate that seedlings exposed to dynamic light conditions exhibited improved photosynthetic and water-use efficiency compared to those under constant shade. Further analyses will be carried out after completing the data collection for radiation dynamics measurements, assessing leaf morphology and growth responses.
This integrated approach, combining biotechnological techniques and ecophysiological monitoring, aims to provide guidelines for assisted regeneration of Quercus robur in Castelporziano. Our findings will support adaptive forest management, conservation, and reforestation strategies to enhance the resilience of Mediterranean oak ecosystems under changing environmental conditions.
