Francesco Carimi

---

Head of the Palermo Division of the IBBR/CNR

Nationality: Italian

Address: Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, Division of Palermo, National Research Council - Via Ugo La Malfa, 153- I-90146, Palermo, Italy

Tel: ++39 091 6574578

Fax: ++39 091 423424

E-mail: francesco.carimi@ibbr.cnr.it

Scopus Author ID: 6603794044

WoS Researcher ID: E-2954-2016

Orcid ID: 0000-0002-7700-9527

Education and Training

1987: Master of Science in Plant Science (Final mark of 110/110 with distinction) - University of Palermo, Italy. Main courses on Plant Biology, Plant Genetics, Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Agronomy

2018: National scientific qualification - Full Professor sector “Arboriculture and forest systems” (Code 07/B2)

2020: National scientific qualification - Full Professor sector “Botany” (Code 05/A1)

Skills and Strengths

- Strong management and leadership experience in planning and leading teams of researchers working on project regarding safeguard and sustainable management of bioresources in the agricultural, agro-food, environmental fields, in particular by developing applications aimed at the improvement and appraisal of agro-food and environmental productions.

- Extensive policy and coordination expertise with the transfer of knowledge to national and international scientific institutions in the field of biotechnologies applied to the genetic and sanitary improvement of crops.

- Ability to manage several scientific projects simultaneously, including monitoring, reporting, information flow, as well as laboratory and field activities.

Excellent research and analytical skills. Good oral and written communication skills.

Affiliations

- 2016: Member of Board of Directors of the Italian Network for Research in Organic Agriculture (RIRAB);

- 2010: Member of Scientific Committee of the Italian Technology Platform in Organic Farming PTBio;

- 2008: Coordinator of the Thematic Working Group “Biodiversity” of the Italian network for the research in organic farming (INROF);

- 2002: Member of Consortium of Research, Experimentation and Services for Sicilian Crop Breeding;

- 2001: Member of Research Consortium, Experimentation and Services for Sicilian nursery;

- 2000: Member - Scientific Council of Institute for Research of Citrus Genetics, CNR;

- 1999: Member of Mediterranean Citrus Network on Certification of Citrus;

- 1999: Member of Mediterranean Citrus Network of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (MeCiNet-FAO);

- 1999: Member of Ialian Society of Agricultural Genetics.

Fellowships and Awards

Two years fellowship award from National Council of Research for "DNA analysis in Citrus” tenable at Max-Planck-Institut für Züchtungsforschung, Germany - January 1990.

One year fellowship award from Angelo e Salvatore Lima Mancuso foundation for “Plant genetic Resources” - March, 1989.

Career Profile and Experience

2014-present - Head of the Section IBBR-PA of the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources of the National Research Council, Italy: Leads a team of researchers conducting molecular and cell biology researches on woody and herbaceous plants for genetic improvement and conservation of the main Mediterranean crops. Supervises PhD and Master theses of affiliated staff at the Institute of Plant Genetics, University of Palermo, University of Padua, CIHEAM IAMB - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, University of Tehran and University Bounaama Djilali of Khemis-Miliana Algeria. Main working field is genetics, breeding, and molecular markers for cultivar identification and biotechnologies for genetic and sanitary improvement of different plant species.

2006-2014 - Head of the Section of IGV-PA of the Institute of Plant Genetics of the National Research Council, Italy: Leads a team of researchers conducting experiments on plant genetics.

2003-2005 - Senior Researcher, National Council of Research, c/o University of Padua: Conducts and supervises researches on programmed cell death in model systems at Interdepartmental Research Center for Innovative Biotechnologies (CRIBI) Laboratory, University of Padua.

2000-2002 - Senior Researcher, National Council of Research, Centre for the Study of Biomembranes: Conducts and supervises research on apoptosis in model systems, Padua.

1994-2000 - Researcher, National Council of Research: Research on Citrus genetics at Institute of Citrus Genetics, Palermo.

1991-1994 - Postdoctoral fellow, National Council of Research: Research on Citrus genetics at Institute of Citrus Genetics, Palermo.

1990 - 1991 - Postdoctoral fellow, Max-Planck-Institut für Züchtungsforschung, Cologne, Germany, on DNA marker technologies in plant genomes: Research on molecular marker technologies for citrus was developed under the supervision of the director Prof. Francesco Salamini.

Scientific Activities

• More than 120 full papers published in International journals [cited about 4700 times to the present (Google Scholar), with 13 most cited publications receiving more than 80 citations each] and 16 contributions to book chapter. Holds at present an H index of 39 (Google Scholar).
• Scientific responsible of 29 national and international projects (Coordinator of project or CNR Unit), managing, under his scientific responsibility and supervision, funds amounting to approximately 29 million €.
• Associated editor and member of editorial board of scientific journals: Cells, Electronic Journal of Biotechnology.
• Ad Hoc Reviewer for several scientific journals (Acta Horticulturae; Acta Physiologiae Plantarum; African Journal of Biotechnology; Agriculture; Aquatic Botany; Biologia; BMC Biotechnology; Comptes Rendus Biologies; Electronic Journal of Biotechnology; Federation of European Biochemical Societies letters (FEBS); Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution; International Journal of Molecular Sciences; International Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation; In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant; Journal of Biotechnology; Journal of Forestry Research; Journal of Plant Growth Regulation; Plant Cell Reports; Plant Genetic Resources; Plant Growth Regulation; Planta; Plant Science; PLOS One; Physiologia Plantarum; Scientia Horticulturae; Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research; South African Journal of Botany; The Scientific World Journal; Tree Genetics & Genomes; VITIS).
• Invited speaker and chairperson at international and national congresses. More than hundred communications to national and international congresses and conferences.
• Teaching of international and national courses. Advise and direct national and international Graduate students, PhD students and Post Doc.

Coordinator or Scientific responsible of national and international projects

1. 1. Quali.Gene - Molecular analytical platform for agri-food safety, quality and authenticity ( Project n. MISE F/310022/01/X56);
   2. ENOBIT - Blockchain and IoT for genetic certification and traceability of the wine supply chain ( Project F/200001/01-03/X45);
   3. Marine Hazard - Development of innovative technologies for the identification, monitoring and remediation of sources of natural and anthropogenic contamination ( Project PON03PE_00203_1);
   4. SicilySeeds - Innovative methodologies for the recovery, multiplication, enhancement and use of spontaneous edible plants of the Sicilian flora (Project n. 08PA6201000062);
   5. I.T.O. - Innovative Models and Technologies for the quality and safety of Fruit and Vegetables products (Project n. F/050081/01-03/X32);
   6. LIFE CALMARSI - Measures of integrated conservation of Calendula maritima Guss., a rare endangered species of the Sicilian vascular flora (LIFE15 NAT/IT/000914);
   7. Collection, conservation and genetic improvement of the germplasm of grapevine minor cultivars (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) and wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris) in Sicily;
   8. Technologies and processes for the improvement of the shelf-life of products in the agri-food sector through the use of innovative edible films based on pectins (PONO1_02286);
   9. DIVIN - Development of innovative technologies for grapevine;
   10. Technological laboratories for the genetic traceability of agri-food supply chains. Sub-project: Genetic Traceability of Sicilian Wines;
   11. Genetic certification of genetic olive oil industry;
   12. DIPLOMACY - Sciences for DIPLOMACY: Multisectoral training program;
   13. Pilot project for training in the field of agri-food biotechnology;
   14. Conservation of the population of Calendula maritima Guss., a threatened species of Sicilian flora;
   15. CISIA - Innovative methods for the Made in Italy Agri-food industry. Sub-project: OR2.1.2 - Advanced tools for the genetic traceability of agro-food productions;
   16. Biological processes and environmental factors involved in the control of vegetative growth, fructification and the quality of olive oil (Olea europaea L.) in super-intensive plants. Sub-project: In vitro study of the architecture of the foliage and of the root system of olive cultivars (Olea europea L.) with different potential for vegetative growth;
   17. Me.P. - Design and Development of a Biosensor for the detection in "real-time" of Heavy Metals;
   18. C.S. - Virus Capture System;
   19. Tools and technologies for the typing and characterization of oils from Sicilian olives;
   20. Genetic and sanitary improvement of traditional Sicilian grapevine cultivars;
   21. Genetic certification of Sicilian wine;
   22. Comparison of new citrus varieties for the extension of the harvesting period and the production of fresh juices;
   23. Advanced Research in Citrus industry and their Applications;
   24. Production of improved Botrytis-tolerant Sauvignon Blanc clones combining in vitro and mutagenic technology;
   25. Conservation of the relict endemic Zelkova sicula population - Sub-project: Genetic characterization and ex situ conservation of Zelkova sicula;
   26. OLVIVA - Improvement of the olive plant nursery: varietal characterization, health and innovation of the nursery technique - Sub-project Characterization of Sicilian olive varieties;
   27. Creation of a plant germplasm bank;
   28. Collection and improvement of Sicilian vegetal genetic resources. Subproject: In vitro culture for the conservation of Sicilian plant germplasm threatened by genetic erosion;
   29. Conservation in vivo and in vitro of minor varieties of fruit trees in danger of extinction typical of Mediterranean environments.

Teaching of international and national courses and seminars

2020 January 24- 31: Coordinator of the Courses 1) ‘‘Somatic embryogenesis for sanitation’; 2) ‘Somatic embriogenesis in Citrus trough culture of stigmas/styles and immature ovules’; 3) ‘Practical training on Somatic embryogenesis trough culture of stigmas and styles’’ and planning activities related to the training’; 4) ‘Citrus Juvenility and Somaclonal Variability’; 5) ‘Cryotherapy: sanitation with liquid nitrogen’ at the Plant culture laboratory of the Directorate General of Agriculture and Livestock Research (DG of ARC) - Plant Protection Research Center - in Al Rumais, Barka, Oman;

2019 July 21 - 24: Coordinator of the Course ‘Assistance technique pour la rédaction d’un catalogue des variétés cultivées existantes et disponibles en Tunisie (A4.9.1_Phase 8)- Figuier’ within the Programme de Cooperation Technique Tuniso-Italien, Programme de Protection de l’Environnement Projet ‘Ressources phytogenetiques tunisiennes mieux conservees et valorisees’ at the Ministere de l’Equipement et de l’Amenagement Territorial et du Developpement Durable Banque Nationale de Genes, Tunis, Tunisia;

2019 January 21 - February 2: Coordinator of the Course ‘Formation sur les analyses et la caractérisation génétique (A3.3_Phase 8)- Figuier’ within the Programme de Cooperation Technique Tuniso-Italien, Programme de Protection de l’Environnement Projet ‘Ressources phytogenetiques tunisiennes mieux conservees et valorisees’ at the Ministere de l’Equipement et de l’Amenagement Territorial et du Developpement Durable Banque Nationale de Genes, Tunis, Tunisia;

2018 January 15 - February 2: Coordinator of the Course ’Formation sur l’application des normes internationales dans l’analyse, la caracterisation et l’evaluation genetique - Agrumes et vigne’ within the Programme de Cooperation Technique Tuniso-Italien, Programme de Protection de l’Environnement Projet ‘Ressources phytogenetiques tunisiennes mieux conservees et valorisees’ at the Ministere de l’Equipement et de l’Amenagement Territorial et du Developpement Durable Banque Nationale de Genes, Tunis, Tunisia;

2017 October 15 - 19: Teacher of the Course ‘La gestion d’una banque de genes - Agrumes et vigne (1.3.3)’ within the Programme de Coopération Technique Tuniso-Italien, Programme de Protection de l’Environnement Projet ‘Ressources phytogénétiques tunisiennes mieux conservées et valorisées’ at the Ministère de l’Equipement et de l’Aménagement Territorial et du Développement Durable Banque Nationale de Gènes, Tunis, Tunisia;

- 2017 June 17 - 20: Teacher of the Course ‘Evaluation des ressources génétiques - agrumes et vigne (3.2.2)’ within the Programme de Coopération Technique Tuniso-Italien, Programme de Protection de l’Environnement Projet ‘Ressources phytogénétiques tunisiennes mieux conservées et valorisées’ at the Ministère de l’Equipement et de l’Aménagement Territorial et du Développement Durable Banque Nationale de Gènes, Tunis, Tunisia;

- 2015 December 1 - 3: Supervisor of the Course ’Training of Maltese officials on sanitation of plants, in vitro techniques and plant acclimatization’ funded by Ministry for Sustainable Development, Plant Health Directorate - Plant Health Directorate - Plant Biotechnology Centre, Malta;

- 2014 May 1 - November 1: Supervisor of the Training DIPLOMAzia ’Sciences for DIPLOMACY: Multi-sectorial training program’ at IGV-CNR. ’DIPLOMAzia’ is a training multi-sectorial program generated by an agreement between the National Research Council of Italy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation aimed at training 70 young graduates and officials from North Africa, Middle East and the Balkan region (Web site: https://www.cnr.it/en/diplomazia-program);

- 2011 April 9 - May 27: Expert Mission in Algiers and Chlef (Algeria) on ‘Techniques of genetic and health improvement of citrus, grapevine and Drupacee’ (Code Activity 3.1.1A) within the Programme de Cooperation ’Plant certification program to improve fruit production in Algeria’, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Directorate General for Development Cooperation, organized by the ’Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM);

- 2010 May 30 - June 12: Supervisor of the Course ‘Plant certification program to improve fruit production in Algeria’ internship for the Algerian technicians of the ‘Centre National de Controle et de Certification des semences et plants’ (CNCC-Alger) and of the Institute Technique de l’Arboriculture Fruitière et de la Vigne (ITAFV-Alger) organized by the ‘Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM) (Activity Code 3.7.4A and 4.4.2A);

- 2009 March 26: Teacher of the Seminar entitled "Use of in vitro somatic embryogenesis in fruit crop sanitation" as part of the training program ‘Integrated Pest Management of Mediterranean Fruit Tree Crops" organized by the ‘Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM);

- 2008 January 31 - February 6: Expert Mission at Jimah Bahla Agricultural Research Station Barkat Sharaf, Oman: ‘Biotechnologies for genetic improvement of crops’ as part of a cooperation program organized by the ‘Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM);

- 2007 April 3 - 6: Teacher of the seminar entitled ‘Use of somatic embryogenesis in woody trees’ as part of a training program organized by the ‘Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM);

- 2004 December: Teacher of the Advanced Training Course "Technological Innovation for the improvement of production and agri-food processes in SMEs", organized by the Scientific and Technological Park of Sicily S.c.p.a. he gave the following lessons: Use of somatic embryogenesis in Vitis and Citrus; Cytokinins: general inducers of PCD in plants as in animals; Apoptosis in plants; Senescence and Programmed Cell Death in Plants; Somaclonal variability in Plants;

- 2003 June 17: Teacher of the seminar entitled ‘Use of somatic embryogenesis in Citrus and Vitis’ as part of a training program organized by the "Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes" (CIHEAM);

- 2003 March 7: Teacher of the seminar entitled ‘Use of biotechnologies for genetic and sanitary improvement’ as part of a training program organized by the ‘Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM);

- 2002 March 18 - 23: Expert Mission (TC INS/05/031), Project Title: ‘Mutation breeding of horticultural crops’ Project; Number: C3-INS/5/031-01-01, Counterpart: Ismiyati Sutarto, CRDIRT, BATAN, Jakarta, project Organized by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

- 2002 March 18: Seminar at the Center for Research and Development of Isotopes and Radiation Technology in Jacarta (Indonesia) entitled ‘Mutation breeding of horticultural crops and tissue culture techniques’;

- 2002 March 19: Seminar at the Agriculture University of Bogor (Indonesia) entitled ‘Citrus tissue culture mutations’;

- 2002 March 20: at the Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology in Malang (Indonesia) held a seminar entitled ‘Fruit crops and tissue culture mutations’;

- 2002 March 23: Seminar at the University of Tanjungpura in Pontianak (Indonesia) entitled ‘Tissue culture and mutation breeding’;

- 2001 June 7: Teacher of the Seminar entitled ‘The organization of a plant cell and tissue culture laboratory’ as part of a training program organized by the ‘Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM);

- 2000 October 30 - November 3: Teacher of the Courses ‘Demonstration on somatic embryogenesis from style stigma for the sanitation, conservation and free exchange of citrus germplasm’ and ‘Strategies for the safe exchange of citrus germplasm’ held in Cairo as part of a training program ‘Advanced techniques for the collection, virus detection, sanitation and conservation of citrus germplasm’ organized by the ‘Center International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes’ (CIHEAM).

Collaborations with the following national and international scientific institutions

• - Algeria - Crop Production & Sustainable Valorisation of Natural Resources Laboratory, University Djilali Bounaama, Khemis-Miliana;
• - Algeria - Department of Agronomy, University of Alger;
• - Algeria - Faculty of Science of Nature and Life, University Hassiba Benbouali, Chlef;
• - Algeria - Institut Technique de l’Arboriculture Fruitière et de la Vigne (ITAFV), Tassala-El Merdja, Birtouta;
• - Algeria - Laboratoire de Phytopathologie et Biologie Moléculaire. Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Agronomie, El Harrach, Alger;
• - Algeria - Laboratoire des Cultures in vitro, Ens Kouba, Alger;
• - Algeria - Technical Institute of Fruit Tree and Vine (ITAF), Algiers;
• - Algeria - University of Chlef, Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Science of Nature and Life, Chlef;
• - Austria - Department of Ecology and Evolution, Plant Ecology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. Salzburg;
• - Belgium - Bioversity International, Belgian office at KU Leuven;
• - Belgium - Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven;
• - China - Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou;
• - Czech Republic - Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska, Brno;
• - Czech Republic - Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Palacky University in Olomouc, Slechtitelu Olomouc;
• - Egypt - Central Laboratory of Organic Agriculture, Agricultural Research Center, Giza;
• - Egypt - Department of Genetic, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo;
• - Egypt - Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo;
• - Egypt - Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, Minia;
• - Iran - Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Genetics and breeding of vegetables, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Lorestan;
• - Iran - Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Genetics and breeding of vegetables, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran;
• - Israel - The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan;
• - Italy - Dipartimento Scientifico e Tecnologico, University of Verona, Verona;
• - Italy - Bioversity International, Maccarese, Rome;
• - Italy - Centre international de hautes études agronomiques méditerranéennes (CIHEAM), Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari;
• - Italy - CRA - Centro di Ricerca per la Viticoltura, Conegliano;
• - Italy - CRA-ORL, Unita di Ricerca per l’Orticoltura, Montanaso Lombardo;
• - Italy - Dipartimento di Biologia Evolutiva e Funzionale, University of Parma, Parma;
• - Italy - Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale, University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria;
• - Italy - Dipartimento Regionale Azienda Foreste Demaniali, Ufficio Provinciale di Siracusa, Siracusa;
• - Italy - Regione Siciliana - Dipartimento Interventi Infrastrutturali per l’Agricoltura, Palermo;
• - Italy - Research Center, Genetics and Molecular Biology Department (IASMA), San Michele all’Adige;
• - Italy - University of Padua, Department of Biology - Genetic and Plant Genomics Section;
• - Italy - University of Palermo;
• - Japan - Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki cho, Kita gun, Ikenobe;
• - New Zealand - New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Limited, Auckland;
• - Oman - Jimah Bahla Agricultural Research Station - Barkat Sharaf;
• - Romania - Department of Botany University of Cluj Napoca;
• - Romania - La Facultatea de Protectia Mediului dell’Università di Oradea;
• - Switzerland - Faculté de biologie et médecine Centre intégratif de génomique Quartier UNIL-Sorge, B’timent Génopode, Lausanne;
• - Tunisia - Center of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria. Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Hammam-Lif;
• - Tunisia - Institut National de Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie (INAT), Tunis;
• - Turkey - Department of Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Beytepe, Ankara;
• - Turkey - Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute, Antalya;
• - Turkey - Central Research Institute for Field Crops, Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Ankara;
• - Turkey - Çukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Adana;
• - Turkey - Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic, Faculty of Life Sciences, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla;
• - Turkey - Departments of Plant Pathology and Molecular Biology, Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs;
• - Turkey - Mugla University Agricultural Vocational School, Fethiye;
• - Turkey - Plant Protection Institute (AZMA), Plant Pathology Department, Yüregir, Adana;
• - Turkey -West Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute (BATEM), Plant Pathology and Molecular Biology Departments, Antalya;
• - United Kingdom - Conventions and Policy Section, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey;
• - United Kingdom - National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), The University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester;
• - USA - Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institute for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, California.

Advise and direct national and international Graduate students, PhD students, Post Doc and Training Course

• - Trifa Snoussi Hager - 2018 - Doctorat en Sciences de la Production Végétale, Université de Tunis, Tunisia; Chargée de Recherche à Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie;
• - Raji Mohammad-Reza - 2015-2017 - PhD student in Horticulture-Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics of Horticultural Crops, at the Faculty of Aburaihan Campus, Department of Horticulture Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran;
• - Haddad Benalia - 2013-2016 - PhD student in Agronomic Science, entitled "Improving the micropropagation and molecular characterization of several varieties of olive (Olea europaea L.)", University Bounaama Djilali of Khemis-Miliana, Algeria;
• - Vassallo Maurice - 2015 December 1^st - 3^rd - Executive Researcher at the Veterinary and Phytosanitary Regulation Department Plant Health Directorate - Plant Biotechnology Centre, Malta. “Training of Maltese officials on sanitation of plants, in vitro techniques and plant acclimatization”;
• - Vella Roderick - 2015 December 1^st - 3^rd - Executive Researcher at the Veterinary and Phytosanitary Regulation Department Plant Health Directorate - Plant Biotechnology Centre, Malta. “Training of Maltese officials on sanitation of plants, in vitro techniques and plant acclimatization”;
• - Sharaf Abdoallah - 2014 - Associate Professor at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Training within the DIPLOMACY project on biotechnology for the genetic improvement of crops as a Postdoc;
• - El Nagar Mahran - 2014 - Assistant Professor at Benha University, Faculty of Agriculture, Kalubia, Egypt. Training within the DIPLOMACY project on biotechnology for the genetic improvement of crops as a Postdoc;
• - Meziane Malika - 2009-2010 - Master of Science in Integrated Pest Management of Mediterranean Fruit Crops at CIHEAM/IAMB - Thesis: Improvement of protocols for the elimination of citrus virus and virus-like diseases;
• - Baysal Ömür - 2008-2011 - Post Doc. Training in Molecular Biology and Genetics; Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics Muğla Sıtkı Kocman University Faculty of Science, Muğla, Turkey;
• - Carra Angela - 2004-2010 - Research grant, National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Cell biology research;
• - Valenti Marco - 2009-2010 - University Internship - Acquisition of laboratory techniques of in vitro plant cultures;
• - Poma Maria Angela - 2009-2010 - University Internship - Plant germplasm conservation;
• - Mercati Francesco - 2009-2010 - PhD student in Biology applied to Agri-food and Forest Systems;
• - Gristina Alessandro Silvestre - 2008-2010 - PhD student in Mediterranean agro-ecosystems - Morphological and genetic characterization of populations of Capparis spinosa L. in Sicily;
• - Fiore Maria Carola - 2007-2010 - International PhD in "Environmental Agronomy" - Genetic evaluation of Sicilian ecotypes, varieties and populations of fennel;
• - Siragusa Mirko - 2006-2009 - Research grant, National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Genetic analysis of Mediterranean crops;
• - Radicini Vincenza - 2008 - Degree thesis - Genetic characterization of Zelkova sicula;
• - Giurlanda Giuseppa - 2007 - Degree thesis - Research on the identification of chloroplast microsatellites in Olea europea;
• - Graffeo Maria - 2006-2007 - University internship - Basic cell culture techniques;
• - Giannini Sergio - 2006-2007 - Research grant, National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Genetic analysis of Mediterranean crops;
• - Badalamenti Ornella - 2006-2007 - University internship - Basic cell culture techniques;
• - Del Signore Maria Beatrice - 2005 - University internship - Acquisition of basic techniques for the in vitro regeneration of plant species;
• - Tulone Alessandro - 2004-2005 - Degree thesis - Plant DNA analysis;
• - Fiore Stefania - 2004 - Research grant, National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - In vitro regeneration of plant species;
• - De Michele Roberto - 1998-2001 - Degree thesis - Analysis of apoptotic events associated with senescence in plant cells;
• - D’Accardo Carmelo - 1997-1999 - Degree thesis - In vitro regeneration of grapevine rootstocks;
• - Morgana Carmelina - 1997-1999 - Degree thesis - Somatic embryogenesis and sanitation in Vitis vinifera.

_-

Scientific responsible of national and international projects: Covered roles, activities and tasks - Period 2010-2018

1. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - ENOBIT - Blockchain and IoT for genetic certification and traceability of the wine industry (Project n. F/200001/01-03/X45)
   - ENOBIT - Blockchain e IoT per la certificazione genetica e la tracciabilità della filiera vitivinicola (Progetto n. F/200001/01-03/X45)
   Type / Financing: Fabbrica intelligente, Agrifood e Scienze della vita del PON 2014/2020, Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico (DM 5 March 2018). MISE, Concession Decree n° 3534, 12 November 2020
   Total amount of the Project (€): 1.983.000.00
   Financing Amount for CNR Unit (€): 864.250.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Infobiotech S.r.l., Corvallis S.p.A.
   Activity period: From: 01 June 2020 - To: 30 May 2023
   Project Aims: The ENOBIT project aims to design, develop and test the demonstrator of an infrastructure for the traceability of agri-food products, through the pilot application in the wine sector of the latest generation of information and communication technologies (such as blockchain and IoT) able to trace the entire supply chain from the mother plant used for the production of the rooted grafts to the bottle of wine on the shelf.
   This pilot project intends in particular to overcome the current methods for the traceability of agri-food products, developing and experimenting a technology that is at the same time:
   ● scientifically irrefutable, thanks also to the use of molecular biology techniques for traceability and genetic and health certification;
   ● based on new and innovative archiving methodologies that are unassailable and unalterable, thanks to blockchain technology;
   ● easy to use for all players in the supply chain (from primary producer to consumer) thanks to the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies;
   ● able to overcome the model centred on protection consortia and / or certification bodies, through the distributed management of information characteristic of blockchain technology;
   ● certifiable and usable by consumers themselves both through blockchain technology and through RFID, QR code, a public website and a mobile application.
   The pilot project will be aimed at the Sicilian wine industry, which on the island represents production excellence for the quality levels achieved and for the growing attention it pays to issues related to the traceability of raw materials and production processes.
   The activities in the IT area, both of Industrial research and of Experimental Development, will be divided between the two industrial partners (Infobiotech S.r.l. and Corvallis S.p.a.): OR1, OR2, OR4 and OR5.
   The activities of the research partner the National Research Council will be transversal (OR3) and inherent to the design of traceability and certification protocols, selection of mother plants (graft and rootstock), collection of propagating material, grafting, fielding of rods , extraction and preparation of the rooted cuttings, storage of the cuttings, buying and selling batch of cuttings, cultivation operations and fungicide treatments in the vineyard, analysis of the pre-harvest grapes, harvest, selection of the grapes, pressing and destemming, production and analysis of the must, yeasts and alcoholic fermentation, racking, refinement, intermediate analysis and pre-bottling analysis, bottling and labeling, storage, distribution, sale.
   The aim of the project is to offer all stakeholders involved in the wine industry a high-tech tool, capable of guaranteeing the immutability of traceability data and the availability of information in real time, integrating for the first time in a single system the information regarding nursery operations (from mother plants to grafted cuttings), field operations (from soil preparation to harvest) and cellar operations (from grape selection to bottle).
   Furthermore, all the supply chain information will be enriched by the results of analyzes carried out at the stakeholders, according to specially designed protocols and using the latest generation analytical techniques that also include varietal verification through genetic methodologies.
   
   
   2. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IBBR-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Marine Hazard - Development of innovative technologies for the identification, monitoring, remediation of sources of natural and anthropogenic contamination (Project n. PON03PE_00203_1)
   - Marine Hazard - Sviluppo di tecnologie innovative per l’identificazione, monitoraggio, remediation di sorgenti di contaminazione naturale e antropica (Progetto n. PON03PE_00203_1)
   Type / Financing: Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), National Operative Program "Research and Competitiveness 2007-2013" Axis I - Support for structural changes - Operational Objective I.3 ’Networks for Strengthening the scientific-technological potential of the Convergence Regions’ - Action I.3.1: ’High-tech districts’. - MIUR, Directorate General for Research Coordination and Development, Concession Decree n° 3267, 15 December 2015
   Total amount of the Project (€): 12.230.750.94
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 629.040.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri"; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn; Enviroconsult Srl; Orion Srl; Mater Soc. Consortile a r.l.; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Dip. Terra & Ambiente); Centro Regionale Information Communication Technology; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare; Agenzia nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile; Leonardo SpA.
   Activity period: From: 01 January 2014 - To: 12 December 2022
   Project Aims: The aim of the PON ’Marine Hazard’ project is to broaden the horizon of the impacts and phenomena of danger in the marine environment to aspects directly connected to anthropogenic impacts linked to historical and / or current phenomena, potential and / or in being, of deterioration of the system deep and coastal marine. While for many natural and anthropic phenomena (especially in coastal areas) actions are widely foreseen for the clusters of knowledge and preparation, evaluation and management (as in the case of the study, monitoring and management chains of INGV and Civil Protection for related phenomena seismology and volcanology), other potential specific hazards of the marine environment, both natural and anthropic, are in fact unknown or little studied. The Project proposes the creation of an integrated system of skills in the territory able to dealing, in a modern and effective way, with some relevant and connected environmental phenomena and / or triggered by actions of anthropogenic origin. The creation of a strong synergy between the field of scientific research, the industrial sector and decision-making and management systems in such an important sector of the country’s economy represents a crucial challenge for sustainable and modern approaches aimed at developing strategic issues.
   In a nutshell, the Project, in its complex structure, intends to offer a set of operational responses and technologically advanced solutions aimed at the knowledge, evaluation and management of potentially dangerous effects related to the use of marine resources, the health of the ecosystem and the man and the management of the marine and marine-coastal environment.
   The project actions focus on four macro-areas of primary interest in the mitigation of hazards in both coastal and deep marine environments with significant impacts on the ecosystem and human health.
   Although characterized by a strong thematic heterogeneity, the four specific actions of the project represent a wide range of areas of action of significant strategic interest for the development of entire sectors of the economy of the sea and are an example for the development of strategic activities in areas of mitigation and recovery of marine environments degraded by phenomena of natural and anthropic impact.
   IBBR’s activities are aimed at developing of integrated actions of mitigation / environmental recovery actions of degraded marine-coastal areas through the restoration of Posidonia oceanica grasslands. In particular: the most efficient techniques to remove external contaminants from P. oceanica seeds will be identified, in order to extent the conservation of the seeds in conditions of sterility. Within this macro-sector, the aim is also to investigate the role of polymorphism and genetic diversity in defining the performance of transplants and to develop investigation tools for the early identification of the response of the plant to environmental stress.
   
   
   3. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - SicilySeeds - Innovative methodologies for the recovery, multiplication, enhancement and use of spontaneous edible plants of the Sicilian flora (Project n. 08PA6201000062)
   - SicilySeeds - Metodologie e tecnologie innovative per il recupero, la moltiplicazione, la valorizzazione e l’utilizzo di piante spontanee commestibili della flora siciliana (Progetto n. 08PA6201000062)
   Type / Financing: European Regional Development Fund: PO-FESR Sicily, measure 1.1.5: support for the technological advancement of companies through the financing of pilot lines and early product validation and large-scale demonstration actions - Decree of funding 12 November 2019 Prot. No. n. 3434/ 5.S
   Total amount of the Project (€): 1.082.412.00
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 535.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: INFOBIOTECH S.r.l., ENBIOTECH S.r.l.
   Activity period: From: 19 November 2019 - To: 18 November 2022
   Project Aims: Recent studies carried out jointly by two project partners (IBBR-CNR and Enbiotech Srl) have made it possible to identify 254 edible taxa in Sicily. The main objective of the design idea is to develop kits for domestic use, consisting of an automatic, innovative and highly technological micro growth chamber, associated with seeds of Sicilian edible flora recovered, characterized and multiplied through specific protocols that will also be put developed during the project.
   The general objective of the project is the identification, recovery, characterization and enhancement of some of the edible plants of the Sicilian spontaneous flora suitable for human nutrition, through the development and application of new technologies and new protocols for industrial production seeds and home production of germinated seedlings for fresh consumption.
   Specific objective is the development and testing in prototype form of kits for home use, consisting of:
   • an innovative and highly technological micro-growth chamber, capable of applying, for each specific type of seed, specific growth protocols based on the automatic control of parameters such as lighting, humidity and temperature;
   • specific substrates for each specific type of seed, obtained from the recovery of by-products from agriculture and / or agri-food companies;
   • seeds of Sicilian edible flora recovered and genetically characterized, selected among those most in demand for domestic use.
   Intermediate objectives are as follows:
   • the collection of plant material relating to the main Sicilian genotypes of the species already identified;
   • the development of protocols for the multiplication and cultivation of the collected plant material;
   • the introduction, regeneration, propagation and in vitro conservation of valuable material;
   • the genetic characterization of the Sicilian populations of the species identified through the use of molecular markers;
   • the definition of specific growth protocols in the home environment.
   
   
   4. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - M.I.T.O. - Innovative Models and Technologies for the quality and safety of Fruit and Vegetables products (Project n. F/050081/01-03/X32)
   - M.I.T.O. - Modelli Innovativi e Tecnologie per la qualità e la sicurezza dei prodotti Ortofrutticoli (Progetto n. F/050081/01-03/X32)
   Type / Financing: ‘HORIZON2020’ European Regional Development Fund: PON I&C 2014-2020, FESR 2014/2020 - Decree of funding 4 August 2016 Prot. No. 0004763
   Total amount of the Project (€): 3.186.049.76
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 1.110.693.75
   Other Italian or foreign partners: ENBIOTECH S.r.l., APOFRUIT ITALIA Soc. Coop. Agricola
   Activity period: From: 2 January 2017 - To: 31 December 2019
   Project Aims: With this project proposal, we intend to carry out industrial research and experimental development activities, aimed at creating new products and new processes. In particular, we intend to develop new diagnostic applications in molecular biology, which are quick and usable in the field, designing and developing new instruments and reagent kits in order to: 1) research and develop new protocols and new agronomic techniques to rationalize the use of plant protection products as a function of detecting or not (in different vegetative periods) plant pathogens and mycotoxins in fruit and vegetables from integrated production; 2) genetically certify some fruit and vegetable products to scientifically demonstrate their varietal belonging; 3) verify the absence, directly during the processing phases of agri-food products ready for direct consumption, of possible pathogens dangerous for the health of consumers; 3) directing research and development activities aimed at developing a new production process for processing cut fruit ready for consumption. The activities foresee a first phase in which (from the IBBR-CNR) the molecular markers will be searched for the genetic identification of the phytopathogens, the microorganisms that release toxins and some fruit and vegetable products.
   
   
   5. Role: Coordinator of the project Francesco Carimi - Scientific Coordinator Giuseppe Garfi
   Project title:
   - LIFE CALMARSI - Measures of integrated conservation of Calendula maritima Guss., a rare endangered species of the Sicilian vascular flora (LIFE15 NAT/IT/000914)
   Type / Financing: European Commission, LIFE Program, call 2015 - CUP B72F16000700006
   Total amount of the Project (€): 1.020.982.00
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 831.204.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Regional Department of the Environment - Sicilian Region
   Activity period: From: 1 November 2016 - To: 1 November 2020
   Project Aims:
   Calendula maritima Guss. is a herbaceous plant species, with annual or short perennial life cycle depending on water availability as well as on the intensity and length of summer water stress. It plays a key functional role within a variety of coastal ecosystems, even affecting their physiognomy. Currently it often takes part to nitrophilous and ruderal communities concerned by high and continuous input of organic nutrients (stranded remains of marine phanerogams and macroalgae, faeces and food leftovers in proximity of seabird colonies, etc.), contributing remarkably to the overall biodiversity of coastal ecosystems. Despite its notable ecological amplitude and its adaptability to disturbed environments, C. maritima has a very discontinuous distribution. In fact, its area has been concerned by strong and continuous regression during the last 150 years, mainly due to habitat fragmentation triggered by intensive anthropogenic pressure. Moreover, recent studies have pointed out that hybridisation with the relative Calendula fulgida Raf. could represent a severe threat for survival of this endangered species. According to IUCN classification criteria C. maritima is ranked to the category “CR” (= Critically Endangered). The main goal of the project is the conservation of C. maritima; more in detail, specific actions aim at safeguarding the existing populations through the removal/mitigation of the main threats, such as: - Reduction and fragmentation of distribution area and further degradation of current habitats - Genetic pollution - Seasonal disturbances related to coastal use - Competition by alien invasive plant species. In order to face the above listed threats a number of actions has been identified, such as: - Reinforcement of some of the most depauperated populations through plant material of certain origin and genetic identity - Establishment of new populations - Promulgation of a protection rule specifically dedicated to the target species and applied on the whole national territory - Shared planning and management policies of sites hosting the target species populations in agreement with local bodies - Promotion of actions aimed at improving awareness of local people and stakeholders concerning the general issues of biodiversity conservation with special regard to C. maritima.
   
   
   6. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project for cultivated form Francesco Carimi - Scientific Coordinator for the wild forms Giuseppe Garfi
   Project title:
   - Collection, conservation and genetic improvement of the germplasm of grapevine minor cultivars (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) and wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris) in Sicily
   - Recupero, conservazione e valorizzazione del germoplasma di vitigni minori (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) e vite selvatica (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris) in Sicilia
   Type / Financing: Rural development programme for Sicilian Region, Department of Agricultural Resources and Food, Action 2.1.4/2 A, Decree of funding, Prot. Number 1264, 28 March 2013
   Total amount of the Project (€): 494.318.97
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 494.318.97
   Activity period: From: 28 March 2013 - To: 27 March 2018
   Project Aims: The aim of the project is the conservation together with genetic and sanitary improvement of grapevine germplasm (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) in Sicily through recovery and ex-situ conservation through the creation of a collection field of the germoplasm of 1) minor vines and / or at risk of extinction and 2) of the autochthonous relicts of wild vine (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris).
   The actions to be taken include the following activities: 1) Identification and collection of varieties of minor or endangered vines of domestic life and sylvatic populations in the whole regional territory, including the Circumsicilian islands; 2) Genetic characterization of the germplasm to be conserved; 3) Creation of a collection field for specific demonstration and dissemination actions; 4) Preparation and implementation of a website for dissemination and public consultation purposes; 5) Genetic and sanitary improvement of germplasm using the most modern biotechnologies.
   
   
   7. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Technologies and processes for the improvement of the shelf-life of products in the agri-food sector through the use of innovative edible films based on pectins (PONO1_02286)
   - Tecnologie e processi per il miglioramento della shelf-life dei prodotti del comparto agroalimentare attraverso l’uso di film edibili innovativi a base di pectine (PONO1_02286)
   Type / Financing: Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), National Operative Program "Research and Competitiveness 2007-2013" Axis I - Communication for admission to funding, MIUR, Directorate General for Research Coordination and Development, Document number 6046 of 10 June 2011 - Concession Decree Number 834, 26 November 2012
   Total amount of the Project (€): 6.691.239.00
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 1.553.023.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: IAMC-CNR, IBIM-CNR; ISAFOM-CNR, APOFRUIT Italia Soc. Coop. Agricola, Agroindustry Advanced Technologies S.p.A, CO.Ri.BLA - Consorzio di Ricerca sul Rischio Biologico in Agricoltura
   Activity period: From: 1 February 2013 - To: 30 November 2015
   Project Aims: The aim of the project is the development and testing of a technologically innovative solution, based on natural components, such as pectins extracted from citrus fruits or some antimicrobial molecules isolated from the same products on which they are applied, capable of significantly improving shelf life of fish and agricultural products. In particular, there will be an innovative gelatinous substance to be applied to the products being tested in the form of an invisible, odourless and tasteless "edible film" capable of slowing down the senescence of the products themselves by increasing their shelf-life. In detail, the studies of the program can be traced back to two macro-areas: design and development of the film production protocol on food products through the creation of the appropriate instrumentation. A procedural level, we will work for the next step starting from the identification of the "best basic pectin mix" to which, thanks to a research piano, adopted natural compounds with antimicrobial action (yeasts and / or peptides) and other natural substances (waxes) with the aim of identifying the best combination in terms of lengthening the shelf-life.
   
   
   8. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IBBR-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - DIVIN: Development of innovative technologies for grapevine
   - DIVIN: Développement des Interventions innovantes sur les cépages de Vignes
   Type / Financing: Programme Opérationnel ENPI Italie - Tunisie 2007-2013, Measure 1.1. Development and Integration of Economic Supply Chain; Communication of admission to facilities, Sicilian Region, Presidency, Department of Programmation, Service V - European Territorial Cooperation and Decentralized Development Cooperation, Prot. Number 9315, 22 May 2013
   Total amount of the Project (€): 674.107.06
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 118.318.31
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero (IAMC-CNR); Centre de Biotechnologie de Borj Cédria, Tunisia; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Tunisia; Direction Générale de la Production Agricole Ministère de l’Agriculture et des Ressources Hydrauliques, Tunisia; Associazione Strada del vino Alcamo DOC
   Activity period: From: 22 November 2013 - To: 31 July 2016
   Project Aims: The DIVIN project aims to support the integration of the wine sector, promoting innovative strategies for the analysis and genetic improvement of the typical vines of Sicily and Tunisia. The project involves the development of common strategies for the recovery and enhancement of the vines. In particular, the following activities were carried out: 1) Comparative analysis of territories and genetic and health characterization of cultivars. 2) Preparation of descriptive cards of the main autochthonous cultivars. 3) Rehabilitation of the main Sicilian and Tunisian native cultivars. 4) Development of protocols for the conservation of cultivars. 5) Planning of protocols for the genetic and health characterization of the main cultivars typical of Tunisia and Sicily. 6) Development of virus elimination protocols from cultivars.
   
   
   9. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IBBR-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Technological laboratories for the genetic traceability of agri-food supply chains. Sub-project: Genetic Traceability of Sicilian Wines
   - Laboratori tecnologici per la tracciabilità genetica delle filiere agroalimentari. Sottoprogetto: Tracciabilità Genetica dei Vini Siciliani
   Type / Financing: Call Sicilian Region Art. 128 of the regional law 12 May 2010, n. 11 and subsequent amendments and additions
   Total amount of the Project (€): 80.000.00
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 20.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Consorzio Regionale di Ricerca BioEvoluzione Sicilia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia
   Activity period: From: 19 January 2017 - To: 18 June 2017
   Project Aims: The traceability of the products of agri-food chains is becoming increasingly important for the European economy, above all because of the pressure that consumers exercise to better know not only the nutritional value of food, but also the origin and authenticity of raw materials used for their obtainment. The "molecular" traceability, based on the direct verification of the composition of a food to reconstruct the supply chain, is a fundamental tool for imposing the required measures. The targets of molecular traceability are the DNA present in the products. The presence of DNA in food during technological transformations makes its detection easier and more immediate. The following development project aims to develop a genetic traceability system for Sicilian products of the Sicilian wine production chain that can be used by operators and visible to consumers. We aim to create a system that, through the application of molecular genetic technologies, allows us to recognize the origin of grapes and wine.
   
   
   10. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Genetic certification of genetic olive oil industry
   - Campagna pilota per la certificazione genetica della filiera olivicola
   Type / Financing: Call Sicilian Region Art. 128 of the regional law 12 May 2010, n. 11 and subsequent amendments and additions
   Total amount of the Project (€): 145.000.00
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 80.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Consorzio Regionale di Ricerca BioEvoluzione Sicilia
   Activity period: From: 10 May 2015 - To: 30 November 2015
   Project Aims: For the implementation of the project ’Pilot Campaign for genetic certification of the olive oil sector’, the BES needs to undertake a scientific collaboration with the IBBR, whose activities will be delegated to the genetic certification of the olive oil sector.
   Activity carried out: The project aims to support the genetic traceability of the olive oils. The following activities were carried out within the project: a) finding and collecting the genetic databases necessary for the certification of the oil produced; b) planning of a free genetic certification pilot campaign for oils; c) issue of certifications to companies participating in the pilot project; d) development of a Cross-platform software (PC, tablet, smartphone) for results processing, sampling management, online certification release, analysis database management.
   Results obtained: creation of a platform for the genetic certification of the olive oil supply chain.
   
   
   11. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Pilot project for training in the field of agri-food biotechnology
   - Progetto pilota per la formazione nel settore delle biotecnologie agroalimentari
   Type / Financing: Operational Program Objective Convergence 2007-2013, European Social Fund, Sicilian Region - Axis IV - Human Capital: Public Notice n. 1 of January 26, 2012: Strengthening employability in the R & D system; Creation of research spin-offs; Sicilian Region - Regional Department of Education D.D.G. n. 2137 of 13/05/2014
   Total amount of the Project (€): 370.000.00
   Financing Amount for IBBR-CNR Unit (€): 370.000.00
   Activity period: From: 1 October 2014 - To: 31 October 2015
   Project Aims: The project involves the training of 9 unemployed young people living in the Sicily region in the field of agri-food biotechnology for: 1) Strengthening and developing the employability of talents with a high level of education and training, supporting their commitment and inclusion in training courses highly customized for the development of innovative business ideas; 2) Disseminate knowledge and transfer of research results by enhancing local human potential; 3) Strengthen online activities for research and technology transfer between research centres and companies; 4) Promote the work orientation of young people towards the research and innovation system and the creation of businesses in which the research and technology transfer sector is engaged.
   Activity carried out: As part of the project, the following activities were carried out for the development of the training course in the cellular and molecular biotechnology sector applied to the main sectors of the Sicilian agri-food sector. The training course also dealt with the following thematic areas: a) Business planning; b) Organization of research and development activities; c) Market and marketing analysis; d) Administration, finance and accounting; e) Intellectual protection and certification; f) Communication and relations with the territory; g) Access to public and private funds and funding; h) Community research policies; i) Community planning; l) Coordination, management and reporting of a community project; m) Organization of promotional events and territorial animation.
   
   
   12. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Conservation of the population of Calendula maritima Guss., a threatened species of Sicilian flora
   - Salvaguardia delle popolazioni di Calendula maritima Guss., specie minacciata della flora siciliana
   Type / Financing: Institut Klorane, Fondation d’Entreprise pour la Protection et la Bonne Utilisation du Patrimoine Végétal (Laboratoires Pierre Fabre) - Castres, France (http://www.institut-klorane.org/flash/fr/) - Convenzione Institut Klorane/IGV-CNR Prot. 0000757 IGV-CNR
   Total amount of the Project (€): 40.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 36.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Institut Klorane, Fondation d’Entreprise pour la Protection et la Bonne Utilisation du Patrimoine Végétal (Laboratoires Pierre Fabre) - Castres, France; Istituto Agrario “Abele Damiani” di Marsala; Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest, France (CBNB); the Group of Plant Specialists of the Mediterranean Islands of the CSE - International Union for Conservation of Nature; il Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale e Biodiversità dell’Università di Palermo (DBABUP)
   Activity period: From: 27 February 2012 - To: 26 February 2014
   Project Aims: Calendula maritima is an endemic species of Sicily particularly threatened, whose populations colonize some stretches of the coast of the Province of Trapani. In order to contribute to the conservation of this precious element of the island’s biological heritage and its habitat, a project was developed to protect the species and populations most at risk. The project has a duration of two years and is carried out by a partnership that includes the Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest, France (CBNB), the Group of Plant Specialists of the Mediterranean Islands (CSE / IUCN), the Department of Environmental Biology and Biodiversity of the University of Palermo (DBABUP), the IBBR-CNR), the Agricultural Institute ‘Abele Damiani’ of Marsala and the Regional Province of Trapani (PRTP).
   Activity carried out: Three types of targeted and complementary actions were carried out within the project. The first two aim to ensure the ex situ conservation (action 1) and in situ (action 2) of the genetic diversity of the Calendula populations, through the realization of a seed bank representative of its natural biological diversity, the realization of a nursery of conservation, the strengthening of threatened populations, the implementation of restoration actions and management of degraded habitats in which the last populations exist. The third action (action 3) is aimed at raising awareness and consists of education and information activities that will allow to enhance the actions carried out in the field and to sensitize the local population on the issues of biodiversity conservation in general. The IBBR-CNR coordinated the actions carried out in Sicily.
   Results achieved: The objectives foreseen by the project have been achieved. In fact, the condition of Calendula maritima is known in the territory of Trapani and new individuals have been successfully introduced in different areas of the coast of Trapani.
   Web Site: http://www.institut-klorane.co.uk/saving-calendula-maritima
   
   
   13. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - CISIA - Innovative methods for the Made in Italy Agri-food industry. Sub-project: OR2.1.2 - Advanced tools for the genetic traceability of agro-food productions
   - CISIA - Metodologie innovative per il Made in Italy Agroalimentare. Sottoprogetto: OR2.1.2 - Strumenti avanzati per la tracciabilità genetica delle produzioni agroalimentari
   Type / Financing: Ministry of Economy and Finance, Italy, "CISIA" law 191/2009
   Total amount of the Project (€): 437.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 80.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: CNR Institutes: ISPA; IGV; IPP; ISAFOM; ISPAAM; ISA; IVV; IBBA; IBIMET; IBAF; IBP; IGB; ICB; ITB. Other partners: DIBCA-UNIBA, DEZA-UNINA, ARBOPAVE-UNINA, DISPA-UNICT, IGA-UNIUD, DCA-UNITO, DSA-UNIMI, CRA-FG e CRA-AR. Società: Metapontum Agrobios, Barilla, Porto Conte Ricerche, Advanced Agroindustry Technology, Eureco, Agritest, Bionat Italia, EnBiotech, Molino Casillo, Molino Tandoi-Pellegrino e Marchesi Antinori. Consorzi: DOP Sardegna, Puglia Natura
   Activity period: From: 1 July 2011 - To: 30 June 2014
   Project Aims: The project plans to develop an advanced molecular diagnostic network aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of Agri-food productions. The genetic-molecular characterization of some of the organisms that contribute is then implemented at the base of these products, in order to improve production and enhance its use in relation to the production chain and the respective territory. Finally, new products / technologies will be identified for the agri-food industry, also in response to the growing demand for foods with a high health content.
   
   
   14. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Biological processes and environmental factors involved in the control of vegetative growth, fructification and the quality of olive oil (Olea europaea L.) in super-intensive plants. Subproject: In vitro study of the architecture of the foliage and of the root system of olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) with different potential for vegetative growth
   - Processi biologici e fattori ambientali coinvolti nel controllo della crescita vegetativa, della fruttificazione e della qualità dell’olio nell’olivo (Olea europaea L.) in impianti superintensivi. Sottoprogetto: Studio in vitro dell’architettura della chioma e del sistema radicale di cultivar di olivo (Olea europaea L.) con diverso potenziale di crescita vegetativa
   Type / Financing: Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) - Research Projects of National Interest (PRIN) 2008
   Total amount of the Project (€): 102.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 25.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: University of Palermo, University of Perugia; University of Naples, University of Bari
   Activity period: From: 22 March 2010 - To: 21 March 2012
   Project Aims: The traditional Italian olive farms, characterized by high production costs, are rather weak and are also supported by the European Union’s aid policy. In order to make the Italian olive oil sector more competitive in Europe and worldwide, it is necessary to look at the new, more modern, dynamic, highly productive and easily mechanized cultivation systems, such as intensive and super-intensive plants currently very widespread in Spain. The aim of the project is the in vitro study of the architecture of the root system and of the foliage in different olive cultivars with different potential for vegetative growth. Two cultivars typical of Italian areas will be compared in vitro with two low vigour Spanish cultivars, used in super-intensive systems. The study will allow to identify a possible in vitro screening protocol of clones with characters useful for the introduction of Italian cultivars, of proven qualitative value, in super intensive cultivation plants.
   Activity carried out: The architecture of the root system and the foliage in various olive cultivars with different potential for vegetative growth in vitro has been studied. Two cultivars typical of Sicilian areas, Cerasuola (high vigour) and Biancolilla (medium vigour), were compared in vitro with two Spanish cultivars (Arbequina and Arbosana) and one Greek (Koroneiki) with low vigour, used in super-intensive systems. The study made it possible to identify an in vitro clone screening protocol with characters useful for the introduction of Italian cultivars, of proven qualitative value, in super-intensive cultivation plants.
   
   
   15. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Bio.Me.P. - Design and Development of a Biosensor for the detection in "real-time" of Heavy Metals
   - Bio.Me.P. - Progetto e Sviluppo di un Biosensore per le rilevazione in "real-time" di Metalli Pesanti
   Type / Financing: European Structural Funds - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (PO FESR 2007/2013, Action 4.1.1.2); Decree granting funding, Sicilian Region, Regional Department of Productive Activities, Prot. 5747/3, 13 December 2011
   Total amount of the Project (€): 563.475.59
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 77.545.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: BioDiagene, IAMC-CNR, IBIM-CNR
   Activity period: From: 8 February 2012 - To: 7 February 2014
   Project Aims: The project is based on results obtained from the previous research "Identification and characterization of fluorescent proteins with different emission spectrum from marine organisms and applications in the environmental field", funded by the CNR. The project aims to study the effect of environmental contaminants on the fluorescent emission intensity of the "Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)" protein. This fluorescent protein, which has already been extracted from marine organisms (Aequorea coerulescens and Anemonia sulcata) and on which the first results have been obtained, will be synthesized in the laboratory so that it can be subsequently produced in medium quantities at reduced prices. The capacity of this protein will then be exploited for the design and development of a biosensor for "real-time" detection of heavy metals. In particular, the interaction characteristics between the protein and the metals will be exploited, which show a "quenching" (i.e. a reduction of the fluorescence emitted by the protein) proportional to the amount of metal present in the solution under test. Particularly interesting results have been obtained in the interaction with copper which, among other things, represents one of the most pollutants present in agriculture and that, even today, it is not possible to completely eliminate the treatment of some biological crops (such as the grapevine).
   Activity carried out: A miniaturized optoelectronic system designed for fluorescence reading has been designed that, in particular, serves to stimulate (through low power LEDs) and measure (through photodiodes) the ability to emit light of the samples under examination at different lengths wave, depending on the type of analysis to be performed. The final system was finally validated through the measurement of samples obtained through hydroponic and off-soil cultivation.
   Results obtained: Design and development of a portable and automatic instrument for detection in "real-time" of heavy metals. At the end of the project BioDiagene obtained the prototype of a unique instrument at an international level, able to perform, in real time and with low costs of use, analytical investigations for the estimation of the presence of heavy metals in the samples under examination.
   
   
   16. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - V.C.S. - Virus Capture System
   Type / Financing: European Structural Funds - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (PO FESR 2007/2013, Action 4.1.1.1); Decree granting funding, Sicilian Region, Regional Department of Productive Activities, Prot. 2254/3, 23 October 2013
   Total amount of the Project (€): 1.288.500.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 625.200.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Bionat Italia Spa, Azienda Agricola Misita, Vivai Mannone
   Activity period: From: 30 October 2013 - To: 31 December 2015
   Project Aims: Virus Capture System is a project that has led to the development of a new rapid system for the early diagnosis of pathogens present in grapevine plants. The system, based on biomolecular technologies (LAMP PCR), is capable of transmitting data outcomes, resulting from the analysis, to a remote system which feeds a georeferenced database that is used for the implementation of an agricultural decision support system. The system is simple to use and therefore can be handled by unskilled personnel while working on open fields. The results of the project are composed of a set of technologies and best practices that have been applied to the wine industry, and can be applied in all agri-food sectors, for the benefit of food security and the implementation of a global system for early detection, monitoring and predictive test surveys regarding the transmission of plant diseases.
   Results obtained: Development of diagnostic kits for pathogens in plant material using LAMP/PCR technology.
   
   
   17. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Tools and technologies for the typing and characterization of oils from Sicilian olives
   - Strumenti e tecnologie per la tipicizzazione e la caratterizzazione degli oli da olive siciliane
   Type / Financing: European Structural Funds - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (PO FESR 2007/2013, Action 4.1.1.2); Decree granting funding, Sicilian Region, Regional Department of Productive Activities, Prot. 5750, 13 December 2011
   Total amount of the Project (€): 657.150.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 288.210.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Bionat Italia
   Activity period: From: 2 February 2012 - To: 1 February 2014
   Project Aims: The aim of the project is the development of a system of genetic traceability of products of the olive industry (olives and extra virgin olive oil) that can be used by operators and visible to consumers. In particular, it aims to create a system that, through the application of molecular genetic technologies, allows recognizing the origin of the olives used in the production of commercial olive oil. Activities carried out: Methods have been developed to identify the cultivars used for the production of finished products. Within the project DNA-based markers such as chloroplast microsatellites (SSRcp) and SNP were tested and developed, whose analysis has the advantage of being associated with the PCR method, which allows amplifying small quantities of starting DNA as in the case of oils. The sequences identified were used to design specific primers to be used in Real Time PCR platforms, in order to analyze the DNA of Sicilian varieties and compare them with the profiles obtained from the autochthonous cultivar standards present in the CNR germplasm collection, to ensure and certify the authenticity of the finished product. The implications of the project results are of great importance in terms of prevention and detection of fraud, because it will be possible to verify compliance with the regulations or the presence in the finished product of genetic material that differs from that declared by the manufacturer, in a historical period in which the economic crisis is causing enormous difficulties in enhancing and spreading local productions at the expense of the cheapest but of dubious origin and quality. Results obtained during the project: 1) an analytical and methodological protocol for the identification of the varietal composition and the certification of typicality of extra virgin olive oil were designed, developed and validated; 2) an automatic analytical tool able to apply and make use of the protocol and the methodologies developed by non-specialized operators.
   
   
   18. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Genetic and sanitary improvement of traditional Sicilian grapevine cultivars
   - Recupero e valorizzazione dei vitigni tradizionali siciliani
   Type / Financing: European Structural Funds - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (PO FESR 2007/2013, Action 4.1.1.1); Decree granting funding, Sicilian Region, Regional Department of Productive Activities, Prot. 3408, 4 August 2011
   Total amount of the Project (€): 1.004.938.42
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 417.319.42
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Bionat Italia, Vivai Mannone, Consorzio Isola Bio Sicilia, Cantine Bagliesi
   Activity period: From: 3 October 2011 - To: 3 March 2015
   Project Aims: The aim of the project is to identify, within the grapevine cultivated in Sicily, biotypes with qualitative characteristics and a high sanitary standard. The focus will be mainly on Catarratto, Grillo and some black varieties with high colouring power. Through clonal selection (constantly accompanied by genetic, biochemical and sanitary analyses) new and innovative plant material will be supplied to the wine-growing and nursery companies, safe from a genetic and health point of view, with characteristics that respond to market needs, such as for example, as regards white wines, clones with low concentrations of catechins (easily oxidizable polyphenolic substances), which will allow at the moment of bottling a reduction of browning risks and a greater "shelf-life" of the wine, a problem particularly felt for some cultivars such as the Catarratto. Parallel to the clonal selection, a population of Catarratto mutants will be established, using in vitro mutational breeding, characterized by a short internode and therefore by a reduced development, to rationalize the execution of cultivation techniques. For this purpose, in vitro regenerated somatic embryos are subjected to mutagenic treatment, at the end of which the mutagenized individuals will be selected. Mutagenized plants are transferred to the open field for further morphological and physiological observations. Finally, for the viruses elimination from the most interesting clones of Catarratto and Grillo, somatic embryogenesis will be used, an innovative in vitro rehabilitation technique that eliminates many viruses with high efficiency.
   Activity carried out: Clonal selection activities were carried out in the main wine-growing areas of the region. From the most interesting selected clones, embryogenic lines were regenerated; from these new plants have been regenerated in vitro that have been subjected to sanitary analyses to verify their health status. Furthermore, new mutated clones were produced by subjecting the embryogenic cell lines to treatment with mutagens.
   Results obtained: Genetic improvement of some native Sicilian grapevines, using classical and innovative techniques (clonal selection, somatic embryogenesis and mutagenesis). In particular, new clones of traditional Sicilian grapevines with important "commercial" characteristics have been regenerated in vitro after removal of viruses.
   
   
   19. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Genetic certification of Sicilian wine
   - Certificazione Genetica del vino di Origine Siciliana
   Type / Financing: Rural development programme for Sicilian Region, Department of Agricultural Resources and Food, Action 1.2.4, Decree of funding, Prot. 1362, 11 October 2011
   Total amount of the Project (€): 965.664.25
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 173.833.42
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Azienda Vinicola Benanti, Aziende Agricole Planeta, Cantine Settesoli, Azienda Agricola Bonivini, Vivaio Luigi Saladino, Cantina Sociale Primavera, Cantine Siciliane Riunite, Graham e Associati
   Activity period: From: 17 November 2011 - To: 17 May 2014
   Project Aims: The purpose of the project is to achieve a new certification of the wine industry based on innovative genetic and biogeochemical methods. This new certification allows identifying, in a precise and scientific way, the product (genetic method) and the territory of origin (biogeochemical method). At the end of the project some Sicilian products (selected as pilot) will be certified with the new certification of genetic and biogeochemical quality. In particular, the leading company (Bionat Italia) intends to set up a laboratory for the certification of typicality and provenance of wines, offering services to companies in the wine industry.
   Activity carried out: The 17 Sicilian grapevine cultivars and the main clones present in the typical production areas were collected and genetically and sanitary characterized. DNA has been extracted from the various products of the wine chain, and amplified with molecular markers for genetic traceability. In particular, molecular markers were identified for the recognition of different varieties. Protocols for the traceability of wines have been developed.
   Results obtained: Development of molecular genetic traceability technologies for the characterization of products of the wine chain (grafted grafts, grapes, must and wine), which allows to recognize / discriminate the products of vines during the different production phases.
   
   
   20. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Comparison of new citrus varieties for the extension of the harvesting period and the production of fresh juices
   - Introduzione di nuove varietà di agrumi destinate alla diversificazione del periodo di raccolta ed alla produzione di succhi freschi
   Type / Financing: Rural development programme for Sicilian Region, Department of Agricultural Resources and Food, Action 1.2.4, Decree of funding, Prot. 1048, 22 August 2011
   Total amount of the Project (€): 427.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 69.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Agroindustry Advanced Technologies S.p.a., ISAFOM-CNR, Citrus growers
   Activity period: From: 26 September 2011 - To: 25 September 2013
   Project Aims: The project aims to transfer the knowledge acquired by CNR, to transfer innovation with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of companies that want to use new varieties / citrus clones to expand the fruit harvesting calendar.
   Activity carried out: The studies and researches supported are aimed at enhancing and improving the quality of citrus production with a view to increasing the competitiveness of companies in the sector. The qualitative improvement and the valorization of the product are obtained also with the increase of the varietal panorama and the extension of the cultivation and harvesting period. The application phase of these researches, aimed at introducing new varieties, leads to the strengthening of competitiveness within a market that must withstand the impact of the globalization of markets for marketing, even in non-EU areas. In this context, the cultivation of early and late citrus varieties will increase the commercial outlets occupying market niches with more profitable prices.
   Results obtained: As part of the project, new clones / varieties, created by the CNR, were identified, capable of extending the collection calendar. New genotypes suitable for both traditional fresh consumption and new squeezing systems have been identified.
   
   
   21. Role: Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Advanced Research in Citrus industry and their Applications - Subproject: Gene isolation from a BAC library of Citrus sinensis cv. Vanilla by means of overgo probes
   - Ricerche Avanzate in Agrumicoltura e loro Applicazioni - Sottoprogetto: Isolamento genico da una BAC library di Citrus sinensis cv. Vaniglia mediante overgo probes
   Type / Financing: Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, MiPAAF
   Total amount of the Project (€): 3.850.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 108.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: University of Catania, University of Messina, University of Palermo, University of Reggio Calabria, CRA
   Activity period: From: 1 August 2008 - To: 26 February 2010
   Project Aims: he project aims to improve some Citrus Industry sectors to obtain improved varieties, applying biotechnologies aimed at cost reduction, to the creation of new production segments, with the final assumption of increasing the competitiveness of Italian citrus farming.
   Activity carried out: Oligonucleotides 25-50 bases (overgo probes) were selected. The selected ‘unique oligo’ were used as the locus-specific PCR primers for the insertion of ESTs in a genetic linkage map, and as probes for screening the BAC library for the search for specific genes.
   Results obtained: The research led to the isolation and sequencing of about 25.000 different ‘unigene’.
   
   
   22. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Production of improved Botrytis-tolerant Sauvignon Blanc clones combining in vitro and mutagenic technology
   Type / Financing: ISAT grant by the Royal Society of New Zealand, MAF Sustainable Farming Fund L07/038
   Total amount of the Project (€): 35.900.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 6.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Plant & Food Research, Palmerstone North, New Zealand; Marlborough Grapevine Growers
   Activity period: From: 7 December 2007 - To: 4 September 2009
   Project Aims: The objective of the project was to establish suitable laboratory protocols for producing somatic embryos of Sauvignon blanc, New Zealand’s premier grapevine cultivar, for use in mutagenesis to generate mutants with useful agronomic traits, in particular resistance to Botrytis. The plan was to use a chemical mutagen that results in point mutations without changing the flavour profile. The new clonal selections generated using the technology developed in the project will be acceptable to the wine industry as the process of generating new genetic variability does not involve genetic modification and is faster than other classical methods of breeding.
   Activity carried out: A) Testing embryogenic potential of different grapevine plant tissue We tested the suitability of both leaf (available throughout the year) and floral (seasonal) explants for producing somatic embryos by culturing explants in different tissue culture media. Somatic embryos are embryos produced from somatic (non-reproductive) tissue, and the resulting plants are genetically identical to the mother plant. Leaf or petiole explants did not produce somatic embryos reliably so we concentrated on flower explant. The efficiency of two methods was compared for inducing somatic embryos in tissue culture. We incorporated three cultivars in our experiments Riesling and Chardonnay in addition to the planned Sauvignon blanc. We tested the readiness with which ovaries, stigmas and styles, whole pistils, anthers with filaments, cut flower buds and whole flowers produced somatic embryos. We also tested the age at which flower buds were most likely to produce somatic embryos in order to optimise our protocol. All the experiments were conducted in a completely randomised design with a minimum of three replicates to allow statistical analysis of the data and significant differences to be identified among the treatments. B) Isolating Botrytis cultures and methods for maintaining them without losing virulence. We collected Botrytis-infected grape material in Marlborough, cultured the specimens on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated them at 22°C for 5 days. Cultures that grew from the specimens were identified as Botrytis cinerea. For long-term storage, the cultures were grown to 7 days when spores of the pure culture developed. Spores and mycelia were taken from these cultures, mixed in Cryobank beads in glycerol, and maintained at -20 °C. The stored cultures were retrieved after long-term storage and their pathogenicity was tested using grape leaves from in-vitro-grown susceptible cultivars. The virulent cultures are being used to test the susceptibility of mutant populations, both in vitro and in the greenhouse. C) Testing the efficacy of chemical mutagens for generating mutants from somatic embryos Finally, we tested the effect of ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS) and diethyl sulphate (DES), two potent mutagens, on the growth and survival of somatic embryos. We treated somatic embryos with different plant growth regulators in an attempt to produce secondary somatic embryos in mutagen-treated populations that would result in non-chimeric solid mutants. Plants resulting from these experiments were maintained in tissue culture and acclimatised to greenhouse conditions for transfer to Marlborough.
   Results obtained: Regeneration of improved clones of Sauvignon blanc with an increased resistance to Botrytis for New Zealand’s growers.
   Additional information: The final report on the project can be downloaded from the site:
   http://maxa.maf.govt.nz/sff/about-projects/search/L07-038/final-report.pdf
   Further information can be found on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, New Zealand website: http://maxa.maf.govt.nz/sff/about-projects/search/L07-038/index.htm
   
   
   23. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Conservation of the relict endemic Zelkova sicula population - Sub-project: Genetic characterization and ex situ conservation of Zelkova sicula
   - Conservazione della popolazione endemica relitta di Zelkova sicula - Sottoprogetto: Caratterizzazione genetica e conservazione ex situ della popolazione endemica di Zelkova sicula
   Type / Financing: Project funded by the Ministry for the Environment and Territory Protection
   Total amount of the Project (€): 60.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 40.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Legambiente ONLUS, Municipality of Buccheri (SR)
   Activity period: From: 12 July 2007 - To: 11 December 2009
   Project Aims: The Zelkova genus, a typical element of European forest flora in the preglacial period, has definitively become extinct throughout continental Europe following the Quaternary glaciations. Recently in Sicily (1991) a population of a new species for science has been discovered, described with the name of Zelkova sicula. This population, which is the only one so far known, is represented by about 200 individuals spread over an extremely small area and subjected to a strong anthropic pressure. According to the studies conducted so far, the current ecological context in which this relict population is moving away from a state of bioclimatic optimum, which makes the survival of the species critical. Considering the exceptional scientific and biogeographical value of Zelkova sicula, the particular state of relicity in which it currently finds itself and the delicate balance that characterizes its current natural habitat, specific measures of protection are absolutely necessary to ensure its survival and improve the prospects for conservation of the species. With this project the CNR, Legambiente and the Ministry of the Environment propose to start the recovery and conservation of Zelkova sicula. The activity of the CNR is developed in four well-defined phases: 1) census of the current population of Z. sicula; 2) Study of intraspecific variability through DNA analysis (SSR molecular markers); 3) Production of propagation material (cuttings authorized by genetically different plants); 4) Ex-situ conservation at the CNR experimental field present in Sicily.
   Activity carried out: The activity foreseen in the project was carried out through the collaboration between Legambiente Sicilia and CNR that have surveyed the population of Z. sicula represented by about 200 individuals. The station in which the species is located falls within a state-owned area extending over 500 ha, owned by the Municipality of Buccheri (SR), largely affected by forest complexes, currently in a state of strong decay due to a heavy and prolonged anthropic disturbance. The entire population of Zelkova is concentrated on an extremely small area (about 200 x 15 m), which essentially develops along a small impluvium. After the census, samples of leaves were collected from all the individuals surveyed. The samples were analyzed at the CNR molecular biology laboratories. After the study of intraspecific variability through the use of molecular markers (SSR), we proceeded with the production of rooted cuttings picking up the propagation material from the selected plants.
   Results obtained: Results of the project: 1) information on the consistency of the relict population and on intraspecific variability through DNA analysis (SSR molecular markers); 2) Production of propagation material (cuttings authorized by the selected plants); 3) Ex-situ conservation at the CNR experimental field present in Sicily; 4) implementation of education and awareness campaigns, included in the context of Countdown 2010, the strategy proposed by the IUCN to promote initiatives that aim to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. Other information: The project has allowed extending the search for new populations of the species in areas potentially suitable for hosting Z. sicula. The investigations allowed discovering a new population previously unknown and genetically different from the first population discovered in 1991. The results were published in the work: Garfì G, Carimi F, Pasta S, Rüh J, Trigila S (2011) Additional insights on the ecology of the relic tree Zelkova sicula. By Pasquale, Garfì and Quézel (Ulmaceae) after the discovery of a new population. Flora-Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, 206: 407-417.
   
   
   24. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Improvement of the olive plant nursery: varietal characterization, health and innovation of the nursery technique (OLVIVA) - Sub-project Characterization of Sicilian olive varieties
   - Qualificazione del vivaismo olivicolo: caratterizzazione varietale, sanitaria e innovazione della tecnica vivaistica (OLVIVA) - Sottoprogetto Caratterizzazione delle varietà siciliane di olivo
   Type / Financing: Inter-regional Research Project
   Total amount of the Project (€): 838.800.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 25.200.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: The project involves 25 research institutions operating throughout the country in the field of varietal characterization, phytopathological diagnosis and nursery. The activities involve 12 Italian regions: Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Lazio, Sardinia, Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily
   Activity period: From: 5 December 2005 - To: 28 September 2007
   Project Aims: The project aims, for the first time in Italy, the identification of protocols at national level for the conservation, multiplication, sanitation and genetic characterization of the Italian olive germplasm. The project involved 26 different research units located throughout the national territory that operated in the Regions involved in the Program (Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Lazio, Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia). The project aimed to develop biomolecular technologies able to establish with certainty the identity of the varieties of greatest interest for the olive growing and nursery of the Regions involved in the Program, solve the cases of synonymy and provide analytical tools for the genetic certification of the material propagation.
   Activities carried out: The activities carried out within the project are: a) the characterization (pomological, molecular, plant diseases susceptibility) of the main cultivars of national and regional interest; b) the verification of the health status of the material under study through the application of innovative and standardized phytopathological diagnosis techniques (viral agents; Verticillium dahliae, Phytophthora spp.); c) sanitation from viral agents; d) the development of models of integrated management of the nursery for the production of olive propagation material, including an integrated protection strategy with low environmental impact.
   Results obtained: The results obtained in the project are shown below: 1) Molecular and morphological characterization and genotyping of the main olive varieties for the regions involved in the Project; 2) Identification of genetic relationships between varieties of different regions and solution of cases of synonymy and homonymy; 3) Development of a diagnostic platform for the rapid recognition of the identity of the most important olive varieties; 4) Identification of sanitary material improved for the production of primary sources of clones and varieties of interest; 5) Sanitation of the plant material infected by viral agents covered by the phytosanitary certification legislation; 6) Experimentation of phytopathological diagnosis techniques for the early detection of pathogens that may compromise plant health in nurseries (Verticillium dahliae, Phytophthora spp.); 7) Validation of innovative and eco-compatible techniques for the prevention of the spread of fungal diseases in the nursery; 8) Definition of innovative propagation techniques and evaluation of the effects of mycorrhizae on the quality of the nursery material; 9) Production of 70 primary sources of health clones / olive varieties improved.
   
   
   25. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Creation of a plant germplasm bank
   - Creazione di una banca dati del germoplasma vegetale
   Type / Financing: Objective 1 programme, Regional Operational Programme for Sicily 2000/2006
   Total amount of the Project (€): 3.800.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 385.152.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: 1) University of Palermo; 2) CEVASABI C / o CUTGANA; Istituto Sperimentale per la Cerealicoltura; 4) CNR Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (ISAFOM); 5) Istituto Sperimentale per la Floricoltura di Sanremo; 6) Stazione Consorziale Sperimentale di Granicoltura per la Sicilia; 7) Istituto Sperimentale per l’Agrumicoltura; 8) Nebrodi Natural Park; 9) Ente Parco Valle dei Templi; 10) University of Catania
   Activity period: From: 3 November 2005 - To: 2 November 2007
   Project Aims: The project aims to reduce the genetic erosion of the Sicilian plant genetic germplasm, especially for species of agricultural and forestry interest. The aim of the project is therefore the creation of a "plant germplasm bank", widespread in the high natural areas of the "Sicilian ecological network", able to preserve the genetic heritage of species and ecotypes of agricultural and forestry interest that determine the "Historical and traditional landscape" of the territory of Sicily and also characterizing natural environments of particular conservation interest.
   Activity carried out: The IGV-CNR within the project carried out the activities for the recovery, genetic characterization and sanitation of the citrus germplasm present in the Sicilian territory.
   Results obtained: 1) Establishment of a citrus germplasm bank in the experimental fields of the CNR constituted by over 650 accessions; 2) Genetic profiles of the recovered germplasm; 3) Sanitation from viruses of Sicilian historical varieties through in vitro culture techniques.
   
   
   26. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the IGV-CNR Unit
   Project title:
   - Collection and improvement of Sicilian vegetal genetic resources. Subproject: In vitro culture for the conservation of Sicilian plant germplasm threatened by genetic erosion
   - Recupero e valorizzazione delle risorse genetiche vegetali siciliane. Sottoprogetto: Coltura in vitro per la conservazione del germoplasma vegetale siciliano minacciato da erosione genetica
   Type / Financing: Sicilian Region
   Total amount of the Project (€): 896.500.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CN R Unit (€): 120.000.00
   Other Italian or foreign partners: Regional Department of Agriculture and Forests Sicily, Department of Structural Interventions - Service IX, University of Palermo, University of Catania, Institute of Plant Pathology - CRA, Rome
   Activity period: From: 13 October 2005 - To: 12 October 2007
   Project Aims: his project aims to identify and characterize the typical varieties of Sicily to genetically characterize them and to preserve them by identifying suitable strategies to protect the exploitation of the collected germplasm. It also aims to identify and localize the minor ecotypes and carry out a characterization study, first in situ and then in collection fields with the help of varietal descriptors for each species.
   Activity carried out: The sub-project has developed a research activity aimed at the in vivo and in vitro conservation of Sicilian genetic resources to avoid the risks of genetic erosion. The main objective of the subproject is to develop more efficient protocols for the in vitro maintenance of Sicilian plant germplasm.
   Results obtained: 25 different protocols have been identified for the introduction and in vitro conservation of the Sicilian species of greatest interest for Sicily.
   
   
   27. Role: Scientific Coordinator of the project
   Project title:
   - Conservation in vivo and in vitro of minor varieties of fruit trees in danger of extinction typical of Mediterranean environments
   - Conservazione in vivo ed in vitro di varietà minori di fruttiferi in via di estinzione tipici degli ambienti Mediterranei
   Type / Financing: Sicilian Region
   Total amount of the Project (€): 75.000.00
   Financing Amount for IGV-CNR Unit (€): 75.000.00
   Activity period: From: 31 January 2005 - To: 30 January 2007
   Project Aims: The project aims to preserve in situ and ex situ the plant germplasm present in Sicily and to carry out a program of genetic improvement of the traditional varieties of the territory.
   Activity carried out: a) Identification and exploitation of the germplasm of wild species and neglected and suitable for the recovery of marginal areas, medicinal plants, under-used plants and forest plants; b) Development of markers for varietal identification, and definition of genetic determinants of valuable characteristics; c) Study of inter-and intra-specific genetic variability; d) Evaluation of genetic erosion; e) Ex situ conservation, in situ, on farm of genetic resources; f) Monitoring and study of the evolution and functional role of adaptive diversity; g) Study of the genetic structure and population dynamics of cultivated species, related species, herbaceous and tree species; h) in vitro mutational breeding of typical varieties.
   Results obtained: The most advanced technologies for the conservation and genetic improvement of Sicilian plant germplasm, including cryopreservation and mutational breeding in vitro, have been developed. In total 10 different conservation protocols at low temperatures and 5 mutational protocols have been developed. Furthermore, the genetic characterization of part of the Sicilian germplasm was carried out by analyzing 326 accessions.

Publications ISI/SCOPUS

1. athirana R, Carimi F (2024) Plant Biotechnology - An Indispensable Tool for Crop Improvement. Plants 13, 1133, DOI: 10.3390/plants13081133, WOS: 001211064300001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85191610647;
2. Melzi Y, La Bella F, Gristina AS, Zerbo M, Khelifi D, Bechkri S, Puccio G, Carimi F, Fici S, Mercati F (2024) Genetic differentiation of the Capparis spinosa group in the Mediterranean area. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, 63, 125794, DOI: 10.1016/j.ppees.2024.125794, WOS: 001229172100001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85190143953;
3. De Michele R, Sutera A, Bonaviri C, Spinelli P, Carimi F (2024) Fruit encasing preserves the dispersal potential and viability of stranded Posidonia oceanica seeds. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 6218, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56536-x, WOS: 001185787000015, SCOPUS: s2.0-85187885586;
4. Borghi M, Pacifico D, Crucitti D, Squartini A, Berger MMJ, Gamboni M, Carimi F, Lehad A, Costa A, Gallusci P, Fernie AR, Zottin M (2024) Smart selection of soil microbes for resilient and sustainable viticulture. The Plant Journal, 118, 1258-1267, DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16674, WOS: 001157746900001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85184722124;
5. Pathirana R., Carimi F (2023) Studies on improving the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) and optimising ethyl methanesulfonate treatment for mutation induction. Plants, 12(24), 4126, DOI: 10.3390/plants12244126, WOS: 001136130300001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85180522128;
6. Carra A, Catalano C, Pathirana R, Sajeva M, Inglese P, Motisi A, Carimi F* (2023) Increased zygote-derived plantlet formation through in vitro rescue of immature embryos of highly apomictic Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae). Plants 12(15), 2758, DOI: 10.3390/plants12152758, WOS: 001045590000001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85167619066;
7. Catalano C, Carra A, Carimi F*, Motisi A, Sajeva M, Butler A, Lucretti S, Giorgi D, Farina A, Abbate L (2023) Somatic embryogenesis and flow cytometric assessment of nuclear genetic stability for Sansevieria spp.: An approach for in vitro regeneration of ornamental plants. Horticulturae, 9, 138, DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae9020138, WOS: 000938746700001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85149248630;
8. Neri F, Crucitti D, Negrini F, Pacifico D, Ceredi G, Carimi F, Lolas MA, Collina M, Baraldi E (2023) New insight into morphological and genetic diversity of Phlyctema vagabunda and Neofabraea kienholzii causing bull’s eye rot on apple and pear. Plant Pathology 72(2), 268-289, DOI: 10.1111/ppa.13662, WOS: 000878277900001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85141394479;
9. Catalano C, Carra A, Carimi F, Motisi A, Abbate L, Sarno M, Carrubba A (2022) Long-term field evaluation of conventional vs.micropropagated plants of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. Agronomy, 12, 2756, DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12112756, WOS: 000894928000001;
10. Catalano C, Carra A, Carimi F, Motisi A, Abbate L, Sarno M, Carrubba A (2022) Long-term field evaluation of conventional vs.micropropagated plants of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. Agronomy, 12, 2756, DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12112756, WOS: 000894928000001;
11. Catalano C, Abbate L, Carimi F, Carra A, Gristina AS, Motisi A, Pasta S, Garfì G (2022) Propagation of Calendula maritima Guss. (Asteraceae) through biotechnological techniques for possible usage in phytotherapy. Agronomy, 12, 2788, DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12112788, WOS: 000883390500001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85141872379;
12. Neri F, Crucitti D, Negrini F, Pacifico D, Ceredi G, Carimi F, Lolas MA, Collina M, Baraldi E (2022) New insight into morphological and genetic diversity of Phlyctema vagabunda and Neofabraea kienholzii causing bull’s eye rot on apple and pear. Plant Pathology, DOI: 10.1111/ppa.13662, WOS: 000878277900001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85141394479;
13. Pathirana R, Carimi F (2022) Management and utilization of plant genetic resources for a sustainable agriculture. Plants 11(15), 2038, DOI: 10.3390/plants11152038, WOS: 000840222800001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85136931616;
14. Catalano C, Abbate L, Fatta Del Bosco S, Motisi A, Carimi F, De Michele R, Mercati F, D’Onghia AM, Carra A (2022) Different cell types affect the transition from juvenile to mature phase in Citrus plants regenerated through somatic embryogenesis. Plants 11(14), 1811, DOI: 10.3390/plants11141811, WOS: 000831570300001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85136196881;
15. Puccio G, Crucitti A, Tiberini A, Mauceri A, Taglienti A, Palumbo Piccionello A, Carimi F, van Kaauwen M, Scholten O, Sunseri F, Vosman B, Mercati F (2022) WRKY gene family drives dormancy release in onion bulbs. Cells 11(7):1100, DOI: 10.3390/cells11071100, WOS: 000782034900001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85126973578;
16. Raji MR, Lotfi M, Tohidfar M, Ramshini H, Sahebani M, Alifar M, Baratian M, Mercati F, De Michele R, Carimi F (2022) Multiple fungal diseases resistance induction in Cucumis melo through co-transformation of different pathogenesis related (PR) protein genes. Scientia Horticulturae 297:110924, DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2022.110924, WOS: 000820256900005, SCOPUS: s2.0-85123869683;
17. Crucitti D, Chiapello M, Oliva D, Forgia M, Turina M, Carimi F, La Bella F, Pacifico D (2022) Identification and molecular characterization of novel mycoviruses in Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts of oenological interest. Viruses 14(1):52, DOI: 10.3390/v14010052, SCOPUS: s2.0-85122017426;
18. Arcidiacono M, Catalano C, Motisi A, Sajeva M, Carimi F, Carra A (2021) Influence of culture conditions on in vitro asymbiotic germination of Anacamptis longicornu and Ophrys panormitana (Orchidaceae). Plants 10(11):2543, DOI: 10.3390/plants10112543, WOS: 000727339400001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85119413598;
19. Catalano C, Abbate L, Motisi M, Crucitti D, Cangelosi V, Pisciotta A, Di Lorenzo R, Carimi F*, Carra A (2021) Autotetraploid emergence via somatic embryogenesis in Vitis vinifera induces marked morphological changes in shoots, mature leaves, and stomata. Cells DOI: 10.3390/cells10061336, SCOPUS: s2.0-85107415852;
20. Mahfoudhi N, Selmi I, Elair M, Garfi G, Pasta S, Carimi F, Pacifico D (2021) First report of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 in wild vines (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) in Tunisia. Journal of Plant Pathology DOI: 10.1007/s42161-021-00848-8, WOS: 000641667500003, SCOPUS: s2.0-85104760202;
21. Garfì G, Carimi F, Fazan L, Gristina AS, Kozlowski G, Livreri Console S, Motisi A, Pasta S (2021) From glacial refugia to hydrological microrefugia: factors and processes driving the persistence of the climate relict tree Zelkova sicula. Ecology and Evolution 11:2919-2936, DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7253, WOS: 000621506700001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85101496831;
22. Faddetta T, Abbate L, Alibrandi P, Arancio W, Siino D, Strati F, De Filippo C, Fatta Del Bosco S, Carimi F, Puglia AM, Cardinale M, Gallo G, Mercati F (2021) The endophytic microbiota of Citrus limon is transmitted from seed to shoot highlighting differences of bacterial and fungal community structures. Scientific Reports 11, 7078, ISSN: 2045-2322, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86399-5, WOS: 000636358400021; SCOPUS: s2.0-85103571671;
23. Abbate L, Mercati F, Di Noto G, Heuertz M, Carimi F, Fatta Del Bosco S, Schicchi R (2020) Genetic distinctiveness highlights the conservation value of a Sicilian manna ash germplasm collection assigned to Fraxinus angustifolia (Oleaceae). Plants 9:1035, DOI: 10.3390/plants9081035, WOS: 000572563800001, SCOPUS: s2.0-85090514137;
24. Toppino L, Barchi L, Mercati F, Acciarri N, Perrone D, Martina M, Gattolin S, Sala T, Fadda S, Mauceri A, Ciriaci T, Carimi F, Portis E, Sunseri F, Lanteri S, Rotino GL (2020) A new intra-specific and high-resolution genetic map of eggplant based on a RIL population, and location of QTLs related to plant anthocyanin pigmentation and seed vigour. Genes, 11(7):745, DOI: 10.3390/genes11070745, WOS: 000554258400001, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85087634214;
25. Pasta S, La Rosa A, Garfì G, Marcenò C, Gristina AS, Carimi F*, Guarino R (2020) An updated checklist of the Sicilian native edible plants: preserving the traditional ecological knowledge of century-old agro-pastoral landscapes. Frontiers in Plant Science. 11:388, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00388, WOS: 000556626100001, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85084794380;
26. Selmi I, Pacifico D, Lehad A, Stigliano E, Crucitti D, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N (2020) Genetic diversity of Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus isolates from Tunisian grapevine germplasm. Plant Pathology. 69(6):1051-1059, DOI: 10.1111/ppa.13183, WOS: 000527543300001, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85083844216;
27. Haddad B, Gristina AS, Mercati F, Saadi AE, Aiter N, Martorana A, Sharaf A, Carimi F (2020) Molecular analysis of the official Algerian olive collection highlighted a hotspot of biodiversity in the central Mediterranean Basin. Genes. 11(3):303, DOI: 10.3390/genes11030303, WOS: 000529189000067, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85081562392;
28. Oddo E, Abbate L, Inzerillo S, Carimi F, Motisi A, Sajeva M, Nardini A (2020) Water relations of two Sicilian grapevine cultivars in response to potassium availability and drought stress. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 148:282-290, DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2020.01.025, WOS: 000515194700028, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85078156773;
29. De Michele R, La Bella F, Gristina AS, Fontana F, Pacifico D, Garfi G, Motisi A, Crucitti D, Abbate L, Carimi F* (2019) Phylogenetic relationship among wild and cultivated grapevine in Sicily: a hotspot in the middle of the Mediterranean Basin. Frontiers in Plant Science 10:1506, ISSN: 1664-462X, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01506, WOS: 000505565000001, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85076681786;
30. Pacifico D, Squartini A, Crucitti D, Barizza E, Lo Schiavo F, Muresu R, Carimi F*, Zottini M (2019) The role of the endophytic microbiome in the grapevine response to environmental triggers. Frontiers in Plant Science 10:1256, ISSN: 1664-462X, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01256, WOS: 000497658900001, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85074134367;
31. Zito P, Tavella F, Pacifico D, Campanella V, Sajeva M, Carimi F, Ebmer AW, Dötterl S (2019) Interspecific variation of inflorescence scents and insect visitors in Allium (Amaryllidaceae - Allioideae). Plant Systematics and Evolution 305(9):727-741, ISSN: 0378-2697, DOI: 10.1007/s00606-019-01601-6, WOS: 000491084500002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85069917804;
32. Mercati F, Fontana I, Gristina AS, Martorana A, El Nagar M, De Michele R, Fici S, Carimi F* (2019) Transcriptome analysis and codominant markers development in caper, a drought tolerant orphan crop with medicinal value. Scientific Reports 9:10411, ISSN: 2045-2322, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46613-x, WOS: 000475845400015, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85069540691;
33. Carra A, Catalano C, Badalamenti O, Carimi F, Pasta S, Motisi A, Abbate L, La Bella F, Fazan L, Kozlowski G, Garfì G (2019) Overcoming sexual sterility in conservation of endangered species: the prominent role of biotechnology in the multiplication of Zelkova sicula (Ulmaceae), a relict tree at the brink of extinction. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 137:139-148, ISSN: 0167-6857, DOI: 10.1007/s11240-019-01558-x, WOS: 000462031300013, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85059870406;
34. Faddetta T, Abbate L, Renzone G, Palumbo Piccionello A, Maggio A, Oddo E, Scaloni A, Puglia AM, Gallo G, Carimi F, Fatta Del Bosco S, Mercati F (2018) An integrated proteomic and metabolomic study to evaluate the effect of nucleus-cytoplasm interaction in a diploid citrus cybrid between sweet orange and lemon. Plant Molecular Biology 98:407-425, ISSN: 0167-4412, DOI: 10.1007/s11103-018-0787-9, WOS: 000450658300009, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85055717653;
35. Selmi I, Lehad A, Pacifico D, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N (2018) Prevalence and genetic diversity of Grapevine virus A in Tunisia. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 57(2), 237-244, ISSN: 0031-9465, DOI: 10.14601/Phytopathol_Mediterr-22123, WOS: 000444708200002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85089818906;
36. Allegra A, Gallotta A, Carimi F, Mercati F, Inglese P, Martinelli F (2018) Metabolic profiling and post-harvest behavior of ‘Dottato’ fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit covered with an edible coating from O. ficus-indica. Frontiers in Plant Science 9:1321, ISSN: 1664-462X, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01321, WOS: 000443722400001, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85053082000;
37. Zito P, Tavella F, Sajeva M, Carimi F, Dötterl S (2018) Inflorescence scents of Calendula maritima, C. suffruticosa subsp. fulgida, and their hybrid. International Journal of Plant Sciences 179(5):415-421, ISSN: 1058-5893, DOI: 10.1086/697240, WOS: 000433464300007, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85046756509;
38. Polat I, Baysal O, Mercati F, Gümrükcü E, Sülü G, Kitapcı A, Devran Z, Carimi F (2018) Characterization of Botrytis cinerea isolates collected on pepper in Southern Turkey by using molecular markers, fungicide resistance genes and virulence assay. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 60:151-159, ISSN: 1567-7257, DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.02.019, WOS: 000428317200021, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85042853721;
39. Zito P, Serraino F, Carimi F, Tavella F, Sajeva M (2018) Inflorescence-visiting insects of a functionally dioecious wild grapevine. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 65(5):1329-1335, ISSN: 0925-9864, DOI: 10.1007/s10722-018-0616-7, WOS: 000431788800002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85042172289;
40. Raji MR, Lotfi M, Tohidfar M, Zahedi B, Carra A, Abbate L, Carimi F (2018) Somatic embryogenesis of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) and genetic stability assessment of regenerants using flow cytometry and ISSR markers. Protoplasma 255(3):873-883, ISSN: 0033-183X, DOI: 10.1007/s00709-017-1194-9, WOS: 000430302400015, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85038128212;
41. Haddad B, Carra A, Saadi A, Haddad N, Mercati F, Gristina AS, Boukhalfa S, Djillali A, Carimi F (2018) In vitro propagation of the relict Laperrinne’s olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. laperrinei). Plant Biosystems 152(4):621-630, ISSN: 1126-3504, DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2017.1306002, WOS: 000432652900006, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85016471006;
42. Selmi I, Pacifico D, Harbi Ben Slimane M, Garfi G, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N (2018) First report of grapevine Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus in wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera spp. sylvestris) in Tunisia. Plant Disease 102(2):458, ISSN: 0191-2917, DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-05-17-0780-PDN, WOS: 000423496600076, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85041355067;
43. Bouamama-Gzara B, Selmi I, Chebil S, Melki I, Mliki A, Ghorbel A, Carra A, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N (2017) Elimination of Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3, Grapevine rupestris stem pitting associated virus and Grapevine virus A from a Tunisian cultivar by somatic embryogenesis and characterization of the somaclones using ampelographic descriptors. The Plant Pathology Journal 33:561-571, ISSN: 1598-2254, DOI: 10.5423/PPJ.OA.06.2017.0122, WOS: 000417010100004, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85036651012;
44. Selmi I, Lehad A, Pacifico D, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N (2017) First report of Grapevine Virus E and Grapevine Virus F in Tunisian grapevines. Journal of Plant Pathology 99(2):543, ISSN: 1125-4653, DOI: 10.4454/jpp.v99i2.3904, WOS: 000410696900053, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85026635988;
45. Selmi I, Pacifico D, Lehad A, Garfi G, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N (2017) Occurrence of grapevine virus A in wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) in Tunisia. Journal of Plant Pathology 99(3):799-817, ISSN: 1125-4653, DOI: 10.4454/jpp.v99i3.3983, WOS: 000418566300068, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85039715721;
46. Meziane M, Frasheri D, Carra A, Boudjeniba M, D’Onghia AM, Mercati F, Djelouah K, Carimi F (2017) Attempts to eradicate graft-transmissible infections through somatic embryogenesis in Citrus ssp. and analysis of genetic stability of regenerated plants. European Journal of Plant Pathology 148(1):85-95, ISSN: 0929-1873, DOI: 10.1007/s10658-016-1072-x, WOS: 000399024900009, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84992740798;
47. Gristina AS, De Michele R, Garfì G, La Mantia T, Fontana I, Spinelli P, Motisi A, Carimi F* (2017) Urgent need for preservation of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. Subsp. vinifera) germplasm from small circum-Sicilian islands as revealed by SSR markers and traditional use investigations. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 64(6):1395-1415, ISSN: 0925-9864, DOI: 10.1007/s10722-016-0444-6, WOS: 000404901300021, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84988664622;
48. Fatta Del Bosco S, Napoli E, Mercati F, Abbate L, Carimi F, Ruberto G (2017) Somatic cybridization for Citrus: polyphenols distribution in juices and peel essential oil composition of a diploid cybrid from Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tan.) and sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.). Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 64(2):261-275, ISSN: 0925-9864, DOI: 10.1007/s10722-015-0348-x, WOS: 000394345800003, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84949508090;
49. Pasta S, Garfì G, Carimi F, Marcenò C (2017) Human disturbance, habitat degradation and niche shift: the case of the endemic Calendula maritima Guss. (W Sicily, Italy). Rendiconti Lincei 28(2):415-424, ISSN: 2037-4631, DOI: 10.1007/s12210-017-0611-5, WOS: 000401766800014, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85014081126;
50. Pacifico D, Crucitti D, Stigliano E, Ciuffo M, Vallino M, Carimi F (2016) First Report of Colombian datura virus in Mandragora autumnalis in Sicily, Italy. Plant Disease 100(11):2338-2339, ISSN: 0191-2917, DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-04-16-0445-PDN, WOS: 000385608800070;
51. Carimi F, Carra A, Panis B, Pathirana R (2016) Strategies for conservation of endangered wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi). Acta Horticulturae 1115:81-86, ISSN: 0567-7572, DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1115.13, WOS: 000391249600013, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84973530116;
52. Carra A, Sajeva M, Abbate L, Siragusa M, Pathirana R, Carimi F* (2016) Factors affecting somatic embryogenesis in eight Italian grapevine cultivars and the genetic stability of embryo-derived regenerants as assessed by molecular markers. Scientia Horticulturae 204:123-127, ISSN: 0304-4238, DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2016.03.045, WOS: 000375887700015, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84963537261;
53. Sommella E, Pepe G, Pagano F, Conte G, Carimi F, Tenore GC, Novellino E, Manfra M, Russo M, Campiglia P (2016) Rapid screening of antioxidant anthocyanins in autochthonous Nero d’Avola grape clones by pre-column DPPH reaction coupled to UHPLC-UV/Vis-IT-TOF: a strategy to combine chemical data and genetic diversity. Food Analytical Methods 9(10):2780-2790, ISSN: 0367-2530, DOI: 10.1007/s12161-016-0472-z, WOS: 000382701600010, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84960355082;
54. Zito P, Scrima A, Sajeva M, Carimi F, Dötterl S (2016) Dimorphism in inflorescence scent of dioecious wild grapevine. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 66:58-62, ISSN: 0305-1978, DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2016.03.003, WOS: 000379281300010, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84960915424;
55. Carra A, Bambina M, Pasta A, Garfì G, Badalamenti O, Catalano C, Carimi F*, Sajeva M (2016) In-vitro regeneration of Calendula maritima Guss. (Asteraceae), a threatened plant endemic to Western Sicily. Pakistan Journal of Botany 48(2):589-593, ISSN: 05563321, WOS: 000377612400022, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84962741309;
56. Badalamenti O, Carra A, Oddo E, Carimi F*, Sajeva M (2016) Is in vitro micrografting a possible valid alternative to traditional micropropagation in Cactaceae? Pelecyphora aselliformis as a case study. SpringerPlus 5(201):1-4, ISSN: 2193-1801, DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-1901-6, WOS: 000371416800017, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84959355395;
57. Pacifico D, Stigliano E, Sposito L, Spinelli P, Garfì G, Gristina AS, Fontana I, Carimi F (2016) Survey of viral infections in spontaneous grapevines from natural environments in Sicily. European Journal of Plant Pathology 145(1):189-197, ISSN: 0929-1873, DOI: 10.1007/s10658-015-0785-6, WOS: 000373994100017, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84944534430;
58. Pathirana R, McLachlan A, Hedderley D, Panis B, Carimi F (2016) Pre-treatment with salicylic acid improves plant regeneration after cryopreservation of grapevine (Vitis spp.) by droplet vitrification. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 38(1):1-12, ISSN: 0137-5881; DOI: 10.1007/s11738-015-2026-1, WOS: 000368015100012, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84951292238;
59. Ruisi P, Longo M, Martinelli F, Di Miceli G, Frenda AS, Saia S, Carimi F, Giambalvo D, Amato G (2015) Morpho-agronomic and genetic diversity among twelve Sicilian agro-ecotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris). The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences 25(3):716-728, ISSN: 1018-7081, WOS: 000357664600017, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84934278719;
60. Pathirana R, McLachlan A, Hedderley D, Carra A, Carimi F, Panis B (2015) Removal of leafroll viruses from infected grapevine plants by droplet vitrification. Acta Horticulturae 1083:491-498, ISSN: 0567-7572, DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1083.64, WOS: 000378616100064, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84949644217;
61. De Michele R, Carimi F, Frommer WB (2014) Mitochondrial Biosensors. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 48(1):39-44, ISSN: 1357-2725, DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.12.014; WOS: 000332049500005, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84892635601;
62. Ruberti C, Barizza E, Bodner M, La Rocca N, De Michele R, Carimi F, Lo Schiavo F, Zottini M (2014) Mitochondria change dynamics and morphology during grapevine leaf senescence. PLoS One 9(7): e102012, ISSN: 1932-6203, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102012, WOS: 000338763800058, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84904259019;
63. Gristina AS, Fici S, Siragusa M, Fontana I, Garfì G, Carimi F (2014) Hybridization in Capparis spinosa L.: molecular and morphological evidence from a Mediterranean island complex. Flora-Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants 209(12):733-741, ISSN: 0367-2530, DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2014.09.002, WOS: 000348005700008, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84919467901;
64. Polat I, Baysal O, Mercati F, Kitner M, Cohen Y, Lebeda A, Carimi F (2014) Characterization of Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates from Europe and Asia using ISSR and SRAP molecular markers. European Journal of Plant Pathology 139(3):641-653, ISSN: 0929-1873, DOI: 10.1007/s10658-014-0420-y, WOS: 000337091300018, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84901984330;
65. Baysal Ö, Lai D, H-H Xu, Siragusa M, Çalışkan M, Carimi F, Teixeria da Silva JA, Tör M (2013) A proteomic approach provides new insights into the control of soil-borne plant pathogens by Bacillus species. PLoS One 8(1):e53182, ISSN: 1932-6203, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053182, WOS: 000313480000038, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-34548415333;
66. Garfì G, Mercati F, Fontana I, Collesano G, Pasta S, Vendramin GG, De Michele R, Carimi F (2013) Habitat features and genetic integrity of wild grapevine Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi populations: a case study from Sicily. Flora-Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants 208(8-9):538-548, ISSN: 0367-2530, DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2013.08.005, WOS: 000325905600008, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84884415057;
67. Baysal Ö, Karaaslan Ç, Siragusa M, Allesandro R, Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Teixeira Da Silva J (2013) Molecular markers reflect differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum forma speciales on tomato and forma on eggplant. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 47:139-147, ISSN: 0305-1978, DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2012.10.005; WOS: 000317166400022, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-848716;
68. Carra A, Sajeva M, Abbate L, Siragusa M, Sottile F, Carimi F* (2012) In vitro plant regeneration of caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from floral explants and genetic stability of regenerants. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 109(2):373-381, ISSN: 0167-6857, DOI: 10.1007/s11240-011-0102-9, WOS: 000304662900017, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84859430289;
69. Fiore MC, Carimi F, Carra A, Sunseri F (2012) Efficient plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in bulbing fennel using immature flowers explants. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Plant 48(5):440-445, ISSN: 1054-5476, DOI: 10.1007/s11627-012-9441-4, WOS: 000309481200002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84867098439;
70. Meziane M, Boudjeniba M, Frasheri D, D’Onghia AM, Carra A, Carimi F, Haddad N, Boukhalfa S, Braneci S (2012) Regeneration of Algerian Citrus germplasm by stigma/style somatic embryogenesis. African Journal of Biotechnology 11(25):6666-6672, ISSN: 1684-5315, DOI: 10.5897/AJB10.2485;
71. Carra A, Del Signore MB, Sottile F, Ricci A, Carimi F* (2012) Potential use of new diphenylurea derivatives in micropropagation of Capparis spinosa L. Plant Growth Regulation 66(2):229-237, ISSN: 0167-6903, DOI: 10.1007/s10725-011-9645-3, WOS: 000302573400002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84858434193;
72. Meziane M, Boudjeniba M, Frasheri D, D’Onghia AM, Carra A, Carimi F (2012). A first attempt on sanitation of Algerian Citrus genotypes by stigma/ style somatic embryogenesis. Acta Horticulturae 940:713-718, ISSN: 0567-7572, DOI: 10.17660/actahortic.2012.940.100, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84872180184;
73. Carimi F*, Mercati F, De Michele R, Fiore MC, Riccardi P, Sunseri F (2011) Intra-varietal genetic diversity of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar ‘Nero d’Avola’ as revealed by microsatellite markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 58(7):967-975, ISSN: 0925-9864, DOI: 10.1007/s10722-011-9731-4, WOS: 000294956900002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-80052827982;
74. Garfì G, Carimi F, Pasta S, Rüh J, Trigila S (2011) Additional insights on the ecology of the relic tree Zelkova sicula Di Pasquale, Garfì et Quézel (Ulmaceae) after the finding of a new population. Flora-Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants 206(5):407-417, ISSN: 0367-2530, DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2010.11.004, WOS: 000291839400001, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-79955075765;
75. Baysal O, Mercati F, Ikten H, Yildiz RC, Carimi F, Aysan Y, Teixeira da Silva JA (2011) Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganesis: tracking strains using their genetic differentiations by ISSR markers in Southern Turkey. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 75(3):113-119, ISSN: 0885-5765, DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2010.10.002, WOS: 000286658100006, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-79151486355;
76. La Mantia T, Carimi F, Di Lorenzo R, Pasta S (2011) The agricultural heritage of Lampedusa (Pelagie Archipelago, South Italy) and its key role for cultivar and wildlife conservation. Italian Journal of Agronomy 6(2):106-110, ISSN: 1125-4718, DOI: 10.4081/ija.2011.e17, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84857281987;
77. Ruisi P, Siragusa M, Di Giorgio G, Graziano D, Amato G, Carimi F, Giambalvo D (2011) Pheno-morphological, agronomic and genetic diversity among natural populations of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) collected in Sicily, Italy. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 58(2):245-257, ISSN 0925-9864, DOI: 10.1007/s10722-010-9565-5, WOS: 000287328200006, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-79951555882;
78. Baysal O, Siragusa M, Gümrükcü E, Zengin S, Carimi F, Sajeva M, Teixeira da Silva JA (2010) Molecular Characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. melongenae by ISSR and RAPD Markers on Eggplant. Biochemical Genetics 48(5-6):524-537, ISSN: 0006-2928, DOI: 10.1007/s10528-010-9336-1, WOS: 000277425600015, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-77953133317;
79. Carimi F*, Mercati F, Abbate L, Sunseri F (2010) Microsatellite analyses for evaluation of genetic diversity among Sicilian grapevine cultivars. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 57(5):703-719, ISSN 0925-9864, DOI: 10.1007/s10722-009-9506-3, WOS: 000277241100008, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-77952010881;
80. De Michele R, Formentin E, Todesco M, Toppo S, Carimi F, Zottini M, Barizza E, Ferrarini A, Delledonne M, Fontana P, Lo Schiavo F (2009) Transcriptome analysis of Medicago truncatula leaf senescence: similarities and differences in metabolic and transcriptional regulations as compared with Arabidopsis, nodule senescence and nitric oxide signalling. New Phytologist 181(3):563-575, ISSN: 0028-646X, DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02684.x, WOS: 000262486500007, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-58249098509;
81. Baysal O, Siragusa M, Ikten H, Polat I, Gümrükcü E, Yigit F, Carimi F, Teixeira da Silva JA (2009) Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici races and their genetic discrimination by molecular markers in West Mediterranean region of Turkey. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 74(1):68-75, ISSN: 0885-5765, DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2009.09.008, WOS: 000274300600011, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-74149093426;
82. Siragusa M, Carimi F* (2009) Development of specific primers for cpSSR analysis in caper, olive and grapevine using consensus chloroplast primer pairs. Scientia Horticulturae 120(1):14-21, ISSN: 0304-4238, DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2008.09.002, WOS: 000265935300004, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-59349084693;
83. Pathirana R, Cheah LH, Carimi F, Carra A (2009) Low temperature stored Botrytis cinerea in cryobank maintains pathogenicity in grapevine. Cryoletters 30(1):84-84, ISSN: 0143-2044, WOS: 000264430300023;
84. Zottini M, Barizza E, Costa A, Formentin E, Ruberti C, Carimi F, Lo Schiavo F (2008) Agroinfiltration of grapevine leaves for fast transient assays of gene expression and for long-term production of stable transformed cells. Plant Cell Reports 27(5):845-853, ISSN: 0721-7714, DOI: 10.1007/s00299-008-0510-4, WOS: 000254879100005, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-42149119520;
85. Sajeva M, Carra A, De Pasquale F, Carimi F (2008) Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from pistil transverse thin cell layers of lemon (Citrus limon). Plant Biosystems 142(2):199-203, ISSN: 1126-3504, DOI: 10.1080/11263500802150258, WOS: 000258265900002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-49549092738;
86. Zottini M, Costa A, De Michele R, Ruzzene M, Carimi F, Lo Schiavo F (2007) Salicylic acid activates nitric oxide synthesis in Arabidopsis. Journal of Experimental Botany 58(6):1397-1405, ISSN: 0022-0957, DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erm001, WOS: 000246446200015, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-34548415333;
87. Siragusa M, Carra A, Salvia L, Puglia AM, De Pasquale F, Carimi F* (2007) Genetic instability in calamondin (Citrus madurensis Lour.) plants derived from somatic embryogenesis induced by diphenylurea derivatives. Plant Cell Reports 26(8):1289-1296, ISSN: 0721-7714, DOI: 10.1007/s00299-007-0326-7, WOS: 000248383200018, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-34547289640;
88. Zottini M, Barizza E, Bastianelli F, Carimi F, Lo Schiavo F (2006) Growth and senescence of Medicago truncatula cultured cells are associated with characteristic mitochondrial morphology. New Phytologist 172(2):239-247, ISSN: 0028-646X, DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01830.x, WOS: 000240606400007, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-33748793092;
89. Carra A, De Pasquale F, Ricci A, Carimi F* (2006) Diphenylurea derivatives induce somatic embryogenesis in Citrus. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 87(1):41-48, ISSN: 0167-6857, DOI: 10.1007/s11240-006-9132-0, WOS: 000241164200006, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-33749656090;
90. Carimi F*, Zottini M, Costa A, Cattelan I, De Michele R, Terzi M, Lo Schiavo F (2005) NO signaling in cytokinin-induced programmed cell death. Plant Cell and Environment 28(9):1171-1178, ISSN: 0140-7791, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2005.01355.x, WOS: 000231284300010, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-33745255328;
91. Carimi F*, Barizza E, Gardiman G, Lo Schiavo F (2005) Somatic embryogenesis from stigmas and styles of grapevine. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Plant 41(3):249-252, ISSN: 1054-5476, DOI: 10.1079/IVP2004617, WOS: 000230506000010, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-21244457264;
92. Zottini M, Terzi M, De Michele R, Lo Schiavo F, Carimi F (2005) NO signaling and cytokinins. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 141:238, ISSN 1095-6433, DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.05.019, WOS: 000202991601199;
93. Carimi F*, Terzi M, De Michele R, Zottini M, Lo Schiavo F (2004) High levels of the cytokinin BAP induce PCD by accelerating senescence. Plant Science 166(4):963-969, ISSN: 0168-9452, DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2003.12.016, WOS: 000220163600017, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-1542321165;
94. Morgana C, Di Lorenzo R, Carimi F* (2004) Somatic embryogenesis of Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Sugraone) from stigma and style culture. Vitis - Journal of Grapevine Research 43(4):169-173, ISSN: 0042-7500, WOS: 000227033200003, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-12344329730;
95. Carimi F*, Zottini M, Formentin E, Terzi M, Lo Schiavo F (2003) Cytokinins: new apoptotic inducers in plants. Planta 216(3):413-21, ISSN: 0032-0935, DOI: 10.1007/s00425-002-0862-x, WOS: 000180820800007, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0037986302;
96. Quatrini P, Gentile M, Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Puglia AM (2003) Effect of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Glomus mosseae on acclimatisation and development of micropropagated Citrus limon (L.) Burm. Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology 78(1):39-45, ISSN: 0022-1589, DOI: 10.1080/14620316.2003.11511584, WOS: 000181056600008, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0037241399;
97. Zottini M, Formentin E, Scattolin M, Carimi F, Lo Schiavo F, Terzi M (2002) Nitric oxide affects plant mitochondrial functionality in vivo. FEBS Letters 515(1-3):75-78, ISSN 0014-5793, DOI: 10.1016/S0014-5793(02)02438-9, WOS: 000175022500015, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0037181491;
98. Fiore S, De Pasquale F, Carimi F*, Sajeva M (2002) Effect of 2.4-D and 4-CPPU on somatic embryogenesis from stigma and style transverse thin layers of Citrus. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 68(1):57-63, ISSN: 0167-6857, DOI: 10.1023/A:1012944100210, WOS: 000172384500006, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0036174896;
99. D’Onghia AM, Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Djelouah K, Martelli GP (2001) Elimination of citrus psorosis virus by somatic embryogenesis from stigma and style cultures. Plant Pathology 50(2):266-269, ISSN: 0032-0862, DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3059.2001.00550.x, WOS: 000168429300015, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0035058343;
100. Carimi F*, Caleca V, Mineo G, De Pasquale F, Crescimanno FG (2000) Rearing of Prays citri on callus derived from lemon stigma and style. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 95(3):251-257, ISSN 0013-8703, DOI: 10.1023/A:1004020310036, WOS: 000087169200004, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0034051354;
101. Carimi F*, De Pasquale F, Crescimanno FG (1999) Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from pistil thin cell layers of Citrus. Plant Cell Reports 18(11):935-940, ISSN: 0721-7714, DOI: 10.1007/s002990050687, WOS: 000082300400008, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0032783764;
102. De Pasquale F, Giuffrida S, Carimi F* (1999) Minigrafting of shoots, roots, inverted roots and somatic embryos for rescue of in vitro Citrus regenerants. Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science 124(2):152-157, ISSN: 0003-1062, DOI: 10.21273/JASHS.124.2.152, WOS: 000078681600007, SCOPUS: s2.0-0033065642;
103. Carimi F*, Tortorici MC, De Pasquale F, Crescimanno FG (1998) Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from undeveloped ovules and stigma/style explants of sweet orange navel group [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.]. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 54(3):183-189, ISSN: 0167-6857, DOI: 10.1023/A:1006113731428, WOS: 000079183500007, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0032461468;
104. Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Puglia AM (1998) In vitro rescue of zygotic embryos of sour orange, Citrus aurantium L., and their detection based on RFLP analysis. Plant Breeding 117(3):261-266, ISSN: 0179-9541, DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0523.1998.tb01936.x, WOS: 000075128600011, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0031852136;
105. Carimi F*, Di Lorenzo R, Crescimanno FG (1997) Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis in carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) from ovule culture. Scientia Horticulturae 70(1):73-79, ISSN: 0304-4238, DOI: 10.1016/S0304-4238(97)00034-4, WOS: A1997YB87400009, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0030724187;
106. D’Onghia AM, De Pasquale F, Carimi F, Savino V, Crescimanno FG (1997) Somatic embryogenesis from style culture as possible means for virus elimination in Citrus. Journal of Phytopathology 145(2-3):77-79, ISSN: 0931-1785, DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0434.1997.tb00367.x, WOS: A1997XG20300004, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0002909591;
107. Carimi F*, De Pasquale F, Crescimanno FG (1995) Somatic embryogenesis in Citrus from styles culture. Plant Science 105(1):81-86, ISSN: 0168-9452, DOI: 10.1016/0168-9452(94)04032-C, WOS: A1995QK33900009, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0029167866;
108. Sajeva M, Carimi F (1995) Micropropagation of cacti and other succulent plants. Plant Biosystems 129(2):60, ISSN: 1126-3504, DOI: 10.1080/11263509509431064, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84969113282;
109. Sajeva M, Carimi F, Van Jaarsveld E (1995) In vitro propagation of Aloe polyphylla siionland ex pillans (Aloaceae). Plant Biosystems 129(2):61, ISSN: 1126-3504, DOI: 10.1080/11263509509431064, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-84969117145;
110. De Pasquale F, Carimi F*, Crescimanno FG (1994) Somatic embryogenesis from styles of different cultivars of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. Australian Journal of Botany 42(5):587-594, ISSN: 0067-1924, DOI: 10.1071/BT9940587, WOS: A1994PT25700008, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0028190051;
111. Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Crescimanno FG (1994) Somatic embryogenesis from styles of lemon (Citrus limon). Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 37(2):209-211, ISSN: 0167-6857, DOI: 10.1007/BF00043619, WOS: A1994PT25700008, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0028028812;
112. Sajeva M, Carimi F, Crescimanno FG (1994) In vitro propagation and rescue of a clone of Nolina recurvata (Lem.) Hemsley (Agavaceae). Plant Biosystems 128(1):266, ISSN: 1126-3504, DOI:10.1080/11263509409437107, WOS: A1994MQ60200009;
113. Inglese P, Barbera G, Carimi F (1994) The effect of different amounts of cladode removal on reflowering of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller). Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 69(1):61-65, ISSN: 0022-1589, DOI: 10.1080/14620316.1994.11515249, WOS: A1994MQ60200009, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0028042759;
114. Barbera G, Carimi F, Inglese P, Panno M (1992) Physical, morphological and chemical changes during fruit development and ripening in three cultivars of prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 67(3):307-312, ISSN: 0022-1589, DOI: 10.1080/00221589.1992.11516253, WOS: A1992HY12000003;
115. Barbera G, Carimi F, Inglese P (1992) Past and present role of the indian-fig prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, Cactaceae) in the agriculture of Sicily. Economic Botany 46(1):10-20, ISSN 0013-0001, DOI: 10.1007/BF02985249, WOS: A1992HM74700002, SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-0002208591;
116. Barbera G, Carimi F, Leone F (1988) Effects of different levels of water stress on yield and quality of lemon trees. Citriculture 1(4):717-722, ISBN:3-8236-1136-4, WOS: A1989BT66J00086

Book Chapters

1. Pathirana R, Carimi F (2024) Plant Biotechnology and Crop Improvement. MDPI Books, pp. 326, DOI: 10.3390/books978-3-7258-1308-7, ISBN: 978-3-7258-1308-7;
2. Pasta S, La Rosa A, Garfì G, Marcenò C, Gristina AS, Carimi F, Guarino G (2020) An Updated Checklist of the Sicilian Native Edible Plants: Preserving the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Century-Old Agro-Pastoral Landscapes. In: P. Smýkal, E. Von Wettberg, T.M. Davis (eds) Wild Plants as Source of New Crops. Frontiers Media SA, pp 128-142, DOI: 10.3389/978-2-88966-143-5;
3. Carra A, Carimi F, Bettoni JC, Pathirana R (2019) Progress and challenges in the application of synthetic seed technology for ex situ germplasm conservation in grapevine (Vitis). In: Faisal M., Alatar A. (eds) Synthetic Seeds. Springer, Cham. DOI : 10.1007/978-3-030-24631-0_21, ISBN: 978-3-030-24631-0;
4. Abbate L, Ben Hadj Alouane RB, Askri F, Ben Mohamed H, Bouamama B, Carimi F, et al. (2016) Carte génétique des principales vignes autochtones Siciliennes et Tunisiennes. Arti Grafiche Campo s.r.l. - Alcamo, pp. 58;
5. Carimi F, D’Onghia AM, Carra A, Djelouah K (2013) Somatic embryogenesis and virus elimination in Citrus. In: Aslam J, Srivastava PS, Sharma MP (Eds.) Somatic Embryogenesis and Gene Expression. Narosa Publishing House, pp 124-145. ISBN: 9788184872279;
6. Carimi F, Pathirana R, Carra A (2013) Somatic Embryogenesis and Agrobacterium Mediated Genetic Transformation in Vitis. In: Aslam J, Srivastava PS, Sharma MP (Eds.) Somatic Embryogenesis and Genetic Transformation in Plants. Narosa Publishing House, pp 179-218. ISBN 9788184872279;
7. La Mantia T, Sottile F, Carimi F (2013) La frutticoltura delle isole circumsiciliane. In: Frutti dimenticati e biodiversità recuperata. I1 germoplasma frutticolo e viticolo delle agricolture tradizionali itliane. Casi studio: Isole della Sicilia, Lombardia, Quademi Natura e Biodiversità n. 5. pp. 25-30. ISBN : 978-88-448-0588-3;
8. Gamboni M, Carimi F, Migliorini P (2012) Mediterranean diet: an integrated view. In: Sustainable Diets and Biodiversity - Direction and solutions for policy, research and action. Burlingame B and Dernini S (Ed.). FAO Publisher, pp 262-273. ISBN 9789251072882;
9. Carimi F, Pathirana R, Carra A (2012) Biotechnologies for grapevine germplasm management and improvement. In: Grapevines: Varieties, Cultivation and Management, Petra V. Szabo and Jorge Shojania (Eds.). Nova Science Publishers, New York, 8:199-249. ISBN 9781621003618;
10. Pasta S, Garfì G, La Bella F, Rühl J, Carimi F (2011) An overview on the human exploitation of Sicilian native edible plants. In: Wild Plants: Identification, Uses and Conservation, Ryan E. Davis (Ed.). Nova Science Publishers, New York. 6: 195-268. ISBN 9781612099668;
11. Meziane M, Frasheri D, Carra A, Djelouah K, Carimi F, D’Onghia AM (2009) Citrus sanitation methods for the elimination of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). In: D’Onghia AM, Djelouah K, Roistacher CN (Eds.) Citrus Tristeza Virus and Toxoptera citricidus: a serious threat to the Mediterranean citrus industry. Bari: CIHEAM-IAMB, Options Méditerranéennes: Série B. Etudes et Recherches, 65: 177-180. ISBN 2853524361;
12. De Michele R, Zottini M, Lo Schiavo F, Carimi F (2006) Cross Talk between Nitric Oxide and Growth Regulators. In: Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology: Advances and Topical Issues (1st Edition), Teixeira da Silva JA (Ed.), Global Science Books, London, UK, 3: 37-43. ISBN 4903313069;
13. Carimi F (2005) Chapter 26. Somatic embryogenesis protocol: Citrus. In: Protocol for Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants, Jain SM & Gupta PK (Eds.). Springer, Dordrecht. Vol 77 pp 321-343. ISBN 9781402029844, DOI 10.1007/1-4020-2985-3_26;
14. Carimi F, De Pasquale F (2003) Chapter 20. Micropropagation of Citrus. In: Jain M & Ishii K (Eds.), Micropropagation of woody trees and fruits. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston/Dordrecht/London. Vol 75 pp 589-619. ISBN 9789401039642. DOI 10.1007/978-94-010-0125-0_20;
15. Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Fiore S, D’Onghia AM (2001) Sanitation of citrus germplasm by somatic embryogenesis and shoot-tip grafting. In: Improvement of the citrus sector by the setting up of the common conservation strategies for the free exchange of healthy citrus genetic resources. In D’Onghia AM, Menini U & Martelli GP (Eds.). Bari: CIHEAM-IAMB, Options Méditerranéennes: Série B. Etudes et Recherches, 33: 61-65. ISBN 2853522261;
16. Carimi F, De Pasquale F, D’Onghia AM (2001) Conservation strategies of citrus germplasm: in vitro and in vivo. In D’Onghia AM, Menini U & Martelli GP (Eds.) Improvement of the citrus sector by the setting up of the common conservation strategies for the free exchange of healthy citrus genetic resources. Bari: CIHEAM-IAMB, Options Méditerranéennes: Série B. Etudes et Recherches, 33: 67-72. ISBN 2853522261;
17. Carimi F (2001) Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in citrus for sanitation and in vitro In: D’Onghia AM, Menini U & Martelli GP (Eds.) Improvement of the citrus sector by the setting up of the common conservation strategies for the free exchange of healthy citrus genetic resources. Bari: CIHEAM-IAMB, Options Méditerranéennes: Série B. Etudes et Recherches, 33: 115-128. ISBN 2853522261;
18. D’Onghia AM, Djelouah K, Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Savino V, Catalano L, Scillipoti O (2001). Country programmes. Italy. In D’Onghia AM, Menini U & Martelli GP (Eds.) Improvement of the citrus sector by the setting up of the common conservation strategies for the free exchange of healthy citrus genetic resources. Bari: CIHEAM-IAMB, Options Méditerranéennes: Série B. Etudes et Recherches, 33: 171-179. ISBN 2853522261.

Publications, Books and Articles

The full list of my publications is at the following URL:

• http://scholar.google.it/citations?user=b0V2F2QAAAAJ&hl=en
• http://www.cnr.it/people/francesco.carimi
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesco_Carimi
• http://ibbr.cnr.it/ibbr/people/francesco-carimi

Selected Publications

(full list available at CNR People)

Smart selection of soil microbes for resilient and sustainable viticulture

Borghi M, Pacifico D, Crucitti D, Squartini A, Berger M, Gamboni M, Carimi F, Lehad A, Costa A, Gallusci P, Fernie A, Zottini M

Year: 2024

Increased Zygote-Derived Plantlet Formation through In Vitro Rescue of Immature Embryos of Highly Apomictic Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae)

Carra A, Catalano C, Pathirana R, Sajeva M, Inglese P, Motisi A, Carimi F

Year: 2023

Somatic Embryogenesis and Flow Cytometric Assessment of Nuclear Genetic Stability for Sansevieria spp.: An Approach for In Vitro Regeneration of Ornamental Plants

Catalano C, Carra A, Carimi F, Motisi A, Sajeva M, Butler A, Lucretti S, Giorgi D, Farina A, Abbate L

Year: 2023

New insight into morphological and genetic diversity of Phlyctema vagabunda and Neofabraea kienholzii causing bull’s eye rot on apple and pear

Neri F, Crucitti D, Negrini F, Pacifico D, Ceredi G, Carimi F, Lolas MA, Collina M, Baraldi E

Year: 2023

Studies on improving the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) and optimising ethyl methanesulfonate treatment for mutation induction

Pathirana R., Carimi F

Year: 2023

Propagation of Calendula maritima Guss. (Asteraceae) through biotechnological techniques for possible usage in phytotherapy

Catalano C, Abbate L, Carimi F, Carra A, Gristina AS, Motisi A, Pasta S, Garfì G

Year: 2022

Different cell Types Affect the Transition from Juvenile to Mature Phase in Citrus Plants Regenerated through Somatic Embryogenesis

Catalano C, Abbate L, Fatta Del Bosco S, Motisi A, Carimi F, De Michele R, Mercati F, D’onghia AM, Carra A

Year: 2022

Long-term field evaluation of conventional vs. micropropagated plants of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium

Catalano C, Carra A, Carimi F, Motisi A, Abbate L, Sarno M, Carrubba A

Year: 2022

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Novel Mycoviruses in Saccharomyces and Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts of Oenological Interest

Crucitti D, Chiapello M, Oliva D, Forgia M, Turina M, Carimi F, La Bella F, Pacifico D

Year: 2022

New insight into morphological and genetic diversity of Phlyctema vagabunda and Neofabraea kienholzii causing bull’s eye rot on apple and pear

Neri F, Crucitti D, Negrini F, Pacifico D, Ceredi G, Carimi F, Lolas MA, Collina M, Baraldi E

Year: 2022

Management and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for a Sustainable Agriculture

Pathirana R, Carimi F

Year: 2022

WRKY Gene Family Drives Dormancy Release in Onion Bulbs

Puccio G, Crucitti A, Tiberini A, Mauceri A, Taglienti A, Palumbo Piccionello A, Carimi F, van Kaauwen M, Scholten O, Sunseri F, Vosman B, Mercati F

Year: 2022

Multiple fungal diseases resistance induction in Cucumis melo through co-transformation of different pathogenesis related (PR) protein genes

Raji MR, Lotfi M, Tohidfar M, Ramshini H, Sahebani N, Aalifar M, Baratian M, Mercati F, De Michele R, Carimi F

Year: 2022

Influence of Culture Conditions on In Vitro Asymbiotic Germination of Anacamptis longicornu and Ophrys panormitana (Orchidaceae)

Arcidiacono M, Catalano C, Motisi A, Sajeva M , Carimi F, Carra A

Year: 2021

Autotetraploid emergence via somatic embryogenesis in Vitis vinifera induces marked morphological changes in shoots, mature leaves, and stomata

Catalano C, Abbate L, Motisi M, Crucitti D, Cangelosi V, Pisciotta A, Di Lorenzo R, Carimi F, Carra A

Year: 2021

The endophytic microbiota of Citrus limon is transmitted from seed to shoot highlighting differences of bacterial and fungal community structures

Faddetta T, Abbate L, Alibrandi P, Arancio W, Siino D, Strati F, De Filippo C, Fatta Del Bosco S, Carimi F, Puglia AM, Cardinale M, Gallo G, Mercati F

Year: 2021

From glacial refugia to hydrological microrefugia: Factors and processes driving the persistence of the climate relict tree Zelkova sicula

Garfì G, Carimi F, Fazan L, Gristina AS, Kozlowski G, Livreri Console S, Motisi A, Pasta S

Year: 2021

First report of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 in wild vines (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) in Tunisia

Mahfoudhi N, Selmi I, Elair M, Garfi G, Pasta S, Carimi F, Pacifico D

Year: 2021

Genetic distinctiveness highlights the conservation value of a Sicilian manna ash germplasm collection assigned to Fraxinus angustifolia (Oleaceae)

Abbate L, Mercati F, Di Noto G, Heuertz M, Carimi F, Fatta del Bosco S, Schicchi R

Year: 2020

Molecular analysis of the official Algerian olive collection highlighted a hotspot of biodiversity in the Central Mediterranean Basin

Haddad B, Gristina AS, Mercati F, Saadi AE, Aiter N, Martorana A, Sharaf A, Carimi F

Year: 2020

Water relations of two Sicilian grapevine cultivars in response to potassium availability and drought stress

Oddo E, Abbate L, Inzerillo S, Carimi F, Motisi A, Sajeva M, Nardini A

Year: 2020

An updated checklist of the Sicilian native edible plants: preserving the traditional ecological knowledge of century-old agro-pastoral landscapes

Pasta S, La Rosa A, Garfì G, Marcenò C, Gristina AS, Carimi F, Guarino R

Year: 2020

Genetic diversity of Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus isolates from Tunisian grapevine germplasm

Selmi I, Pacifico D, Lehad A, Stigliano E, Crucitti D, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N

Year: 2020

A New Intra-Specific and High-Resolution Genetic Map of Eggplant based on a RIL Population, and Location of QTLs Related to Plant Anthocyanin Pigmentation and Seed Vigour

Toppino L, Barchi L, Mercati F, Acciarri N, Perrone D, Martina M, Gattolin S, Sala T, Fadda S, Mauceri A, Ciriaci T, Carimi F, Portis E, Sunseri F, Lanteri S, Rotino GL

Year: 2020

Overcoming sexual sterility in conservation of endangered species: the prominent role of biotechnology in the multiplication of Zelkova sicula (Ulmaceae), a relict tree at the brink of extinction

Carra A, Catalano C, Badalamenti O, Carimi F, Pasta S, Motisi A, Abbate L, La Bella F, Fazan L, Kozlowski G, Garfì G

Year: 2019

Phylogenetic relationship among wild and cultivated grapevine in Sicily: a hotspot in the middle of the Mediterranean Basin

De Michele R, La Bella F, Gristina AS, Fontana I, Pacifico D, Garfi G, Motisi A, Crucitti D, Abbate L, Carimi F

Year: 2019

Transcriptome analysis and codominant markers development in caper, a drought tolerant orphan crop with medicinal value

Mercati F, Fontana I, Gristina AS, Martorana A, El Nagar M, De Michele R, Fici S, Carimi F

Year: 2019

The role of the endophytic microbiome in the grapevine response to environmental triggers

Pacifico D, Squartini A, Crucitti D, Barizza E, Lo Schiavo F, Muresu R, Carimi F, Zottini M

Year: 2019

Metabolic Profiling and Post-harvest Behavior of “Dottato” Fig (Ficus carica L.) Fruit Covered With an Edible Coating From O. ficus-indica

Allegra A, Gallotta A, Carimi F, Mercati F, Inglese P, Martinelli F

Year: 2018

An integrated proteomic and metabolomic study to evaluate the effect of nucleus-cytoplasm interaction in a diploid citrus cybrid between sweet orange and lemon

Faddetta T, Abbate L, Renzone G, Palumbo Piccionello A, Maggio A, Oddo E, Scaloni A, Puglia AM, Gallo G, Carimi F, Fatta Del Bosco S, Mercati F

Year: 2018

Characterization of Botrytis cinerea isolates collected on pepper in Southern Turkey by using molecular markers, fungicide resistance genes and virulence assay

Polat Ä, Baysal Ö, Mercati F, Gümrükcü E, Sülü G, Kitapci A, Araniti F, Carimi F

Year: 2018

Somatic embryogenesis of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) and genetic stability assessment of regenerants using flow cytometry and ISSR markers

Raji MR, Lotfi M, Tohidfar M, Zahedi B, Carra A, Abbate L, Carimi F

Year: 2018

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Grapevine virus A isolates in Tunisia

Selmi I, Lehad A, Pacifico D, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N

Year: 2018

First report of Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus in wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera spp. sylvestris) in Tunisia

Selmi I, Pacifico D, Harbi Ben Slimane M, Garfi G, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N

Year: 2018

Inflorescence-visiting insects of a functionally dioecious wild grapevine

Zito P, Serraino F, Carimi F, Tavella F, Sajeva M

Year: 2018

Inflorescence scents of Calendula maritima, C. suffruticosa subsp. fulgida, and their hybrid

Zito P, Tavella F, Sajeva M, Carimi F, Dötterl S

Year: 2018

Inflorescence scents of Calendula maritima, Calendula suffruticosa subsp. fulgida, and their hybrid

Zito P, Tavella F, Sajeva M, Carimi F, Dötterl S

Year: 2018

Elimination of Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3, Grapevine rupestris stem pitting associated virus and Grapevine virus A from a Tunisian cultivar by somatic embryogenesis and characterization of the somaclones using ampelographic descriptors

Bouamama-Gzara B, Selmi I, Chebil S, Melki I, Mliki A, Ghorbel A, Carra A, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N

Year: 2017

Somatic cybridization for Citrus: polyphenols distribution in juices and peel essential oil composition of a diploid cybrid from Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tan.) and sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.)

Fatta Del Bosco S, Napoli E, Mercati F, Abbate L, Carimi F, Ruberto G

Year: 2017

Urgent need for preservation of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. subsp. vinifera) germplasm from small circum-Sicilian islands as revealed by SSR markers and traditional use investigations

Gristina AS, De Michele R, Garfì G, La Mantia T, Fontana I, Spinelli P, Motisi A, Carimi F

Year: 2017

In vitro propagation of the relict laperinne’s olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. Laperrinei)

Haddad B, Carra A, Saadi A, Haddad N, Mercati F, Gristina AS, Boukhalfa S, Djillali A, Carimi F

Year: 2017

Attempts to eradicate graft-transmissible infections through somatic embryogenesis in Citrus ssp. and analysis of genetic stability of regenerated plants

Meziane M, Frasheri D, Carra A, Boudjeniba M, D’Onghia AM, Mercati F, Djelouah K, Carimi F

Year: 2017

Human disturbance, habitat degradation and niche shift: the case of the endemic Calendula maritima Guss. (W Sicily, Italy)

Pasta S, Garfì G, Carimi F, Marcenò C

Year: 2017

First report of Grapevine Virus E and Grapevine Virus F in Tunisian grapevines

Selmi I, Lehad A, Pacifico D, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N

Year: 2017

First report of grapevine Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus in wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera spp. sylvestris) in Tunisia

Selmi I, Pacifico D, Harbi Ben Slimane M, Garfi G, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N

Year: 2017

Occurrence of grapevine virus A in wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) in Tunisia

Selmi I, Pacifico D, Lehad A, Garfi G, Carimi F, Mahfoudhi N

Year: 2017

Is in vitro micrografting a possible valid alternative to traditional micropropagation in Cactaceae? Pelecyphora aselliformis as a case study

Badalamenti O, Carra A, Oddo E, Carimi F, Sajeva M

Year: 2016

Strategies for conservation of endangered wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi)

Carimi F, Carra A, Panis B, Pathirana R

Year: 2016

In-vitro regeneration of Calendula maritima Guss. (Asteraceae), a threatened plant endemic to western Sicily

Carra A, Bambina M, Pasta S, Garfi G, Badalamenti O, Catalano C, Carimi F, Sajeva M

Year: 2016

Factors affecting somatic embryogenesis in eight Italian grapevine cultivars and the genetic stability of embryo-derived regenerants as assessed by molecular markers

Carra A, Sajeva M, Abbate L, Siragusa M, Pathirana R, Carimi F

Year: 2016

First report of Colombian datura virus in Mandragora autumnalis in Sicily, Italy

Pacifico D, Crucitti D, Stigliano E, Ciuffo M, Vallino M, Carimi F

Year: 2016

Pre-treatment with salicylic acid improves plant regeneration after cryopreservation of grapevine (Vitis spp.) by droplet vitrification

Pathirana R, McLachlan A, Hedderley D, Panis B, Carimi F

Year: 2016

Rapid Screening of Antioxidant Anthocyanins in Autochthonous Nero d’Avola Grape Clones by Pre-column DPPH Reaction Coupled to UHPLC-UV/Vis-IT-TOF: a Strategy to Combine Chemical data and Genetic Diversity

Sommella E, Pepe G, Pagano F, Conte G, Carimi F, Tenore GC, Novellino E, Manfra M, Russo M, Campiglia P

Year: 2016

Dimorphism in inflorescence scent of dioecious wild grapevine

Zito P, Scrima A, Sajeva M, Carimi F, Dötterl S

Year: 2016

Isolation and Identification of Bacillus megaterium Bacteriophages via AFLP Technique

Elmaghraby I, Carimi F, Sharaf A, Marei E, Hammad A

Year: 2015

Survey of viral infections in spontaneous grapevines from natural environments in Sicily

Pacifico D, Stigliano E, Sposito L, Spinelli P, Garfì G, Gristina AS, Fontana I, Carimi F

Year: 2015

Removal of leafroll viruses from infected grapevine plants by droplet vitrification

Pathirana R, McLachlan A, Hedderley D, Carra A, Carimi F, Panis B

Year: 2015

Pre-treatment with salicylic acid improves plant regeneration after cryopreservation of grapevine (Vitis spp.) by droplet vitrification

Pathirana R, McLachlan A, Hedderley D, Panis B, Carimi F

Year: 2015

Morpho-agronomic and genetic diversity among twelve Sicilian agro-ecotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris)

Ruisi P, Longo M, Martinelli F, Di Miceli G, Frenda AS, Saia S, Carimi F, Giambalvo D, Amato G

Year: 2015

Mitochondrial biosensors

De Michele R, Carimi F, Frommer WB

Year: 2014

Hybridization in Capparis spinosa L.: molecular and morphological evidence from a Mediterranean island complex

Gristina AS, Fici S, Siragusa M, Fontana I, Garfì G, Carimi F

Year: 2014

Characterization of Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates from Europe and Asia using ISSR and SRAP molecular markers

Polat I, Baysal O, Mercati F, Kitner M, Cohen Y, Lebeda A, Carimi F

Year: 2014

Mitochondria change dynamics and morphology during grapevine leaf senescence

Ruberti C, Barizza E, Bodner M, La Rocca N, De Michele R, Carimi F, Lo Schiavo F, Zottini M

Year: 2014

A proteomic approach provides new insights into the control of soil-borne plant pathogens by Bacillus species

Baysal Ö, Lai D, Xu H-H, Siragusa M, Caliskan M, Carimi F, Teixeria da Silva JA, Tör M

Year: 2013

Molecular markers reflect differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum forma speciales on tomato and forma on eggplant

Baysal à-, Karaaslan à‡, Siragusa M, Allesandro R, Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Teixeira Da Silva J

Year: 2013

Somatic embryogenesis and virus elimination in Citrus

Carimi F, D’Onghia Am, Carra A, Djelouah K

Year: 2013

Somatic Embryogenesis and Agrobacterium Mediated Genetic Transformation in Vitis

Carimi F, Pathirana R, Carra A

Year: 2013

Habitat features and genetic integrity of wild grapevine Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi populations: A case study from Sicily

Garfì G, Mercati F, Fontana I, Collesano G, Pasta S, Vendramin GG, De Michele R, Carimi F

Year: 2013

Biotechnologies for grapevine germplasm management and improvement.

Carimi F, Pathirana R, Carra A

Year: 2012

Potential use of new diphenylurea derivatives in micropropagation of Capparis spinosa L.

Carra A, Del Signore MB, Sottile F, Ricci A, Carimi F

Year: 2012

In vitro plant regeneration of caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from floral explants and genetic stability of regenerants

Carra A, Sajeva M, Abbate L, Siragusa M, Sottile F, Carimi F

Year: 2012

Efficient plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in bulbing fennel using immature flowers explants

Fiore Mc, Carimi F, Carra A, Sunseri F

Year: 2012

Mediterranean diet: an integrated view

Gamboni M, Carimi F, Migliorini P

Year: 2012

Agenda strategica della ricerca per le produzioni e i prodotti biologici - una visione al 2030

Gamboni M, Trematerra P, Micheloni C, Canali S, Mengheri E, Marino D, Migliorini P, Altomare C, Baldacchino F, Barbieri S, Bazzocchi C, Bernardo U, Campanelli G, Canali S, Capone GC, Carbonaro M, Carimi F, Ciancio A, Di Felice V, Di Marco S, Greco M, Ierna A, Letardi A, Marino D, Mengheri E, Micheloni C, Migliorini P, Quaranta F, Raccuia S, Rea G, Roccuzzo G, Romanazzi G, Sgrulletta D, Sulas L, Trematerra P, Tripaldi C, Vizioli V, Gamboni M

Year: 2012

A first attempt on sanitation of Algerian Citrus genotypes by stigma/ style somatic embryogenesis

Meziane M, Boudjeniba M, Frasheri D, D’onghia Am, Carra A, Carimi F

Year: 2012

Regeneration of Algerian Citrus germplasm by stigma/style somatic embryogenesis.

Meziane M, Boudjeniba M, Frasheri D, D’onghia Am, Carra A, Carimi F, Haddad N, Boukhalfa S, Braneci S

Year: 2012

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganesis: tracking strains using their genetic differentiations by ISSR markers in Southern Turkey

Baysal O, Mercati F, Ikten H, Yildiz RC, Carimi F, Aysan Y, Teixeira da Silva JA

Year: 2011

Intra-varietal genetic diversity of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar ‘Nero d’Avola’ as revealed by microsatellite markers

Carimi F, Mercati F, De Michele R, Fiore MC, Riccardi P, Sunseri F

Year: 2011

Additional insights on the ecology of the relic tree Zelkova sicula Di Pasquale, Garfì et Quézel (Ulmaceae) after the finding of a new population

Garfì G, Carimi F, Pasta S, Rühl J, Trigila S

Year: 2011

An Overview on the Human Exploitation of Sicilian Native Edible Plants

Pasta S, Garfì G, La Bella F, Rühl J, Carimi F

Year: 2011

Pheno-morphological, agronomic and genetic diversity among natural populations of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) collected in Sicily, Italy

Ruisi P, Siragusa M, Di Giorgio G, Graziano D, Amato G, Carimi F, Giambalvo D

Year: 2011

Microsatellite analyses for evaluation of genetic diversity among Sicilian grapevine cultivars

Carimi F, Mercati F, Abbate L, Sunseri F

Year: 2010

Citrus sanitation methods for the elimination of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV)

Meziane M, Frasheri D, Carra A, Djelouah K, Carimi F, D’Onghia AM

Year: 2009

Cross Talk between Nitric Oxide and Growth Regulators. In: Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology: Advances and Topical Issues

De Michele R, Zottini M, Lo Schiavo F, Carimi F

Year: 2006

Somatic embryogenesis protocol: Citrus

Carimi F

Year: 2005

Micropropagation of Citrus

Carimi F, De Pasquale F

Year: 2003

Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in citrus for sanitation and in vitro conservation

Carimi F

Year: 2001

Conservation strategies of citrus germplasm: in vitro and in vivo

Carimi F, De Pasquale F, D’Onghia AM

Year: 2001

Sanitation of Citrus germplasm by somatic embryogenesis and shoot-tip grafting

Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Fiore S, D’Onghia AM

Year: 2001

Country programmes. Italy

D’Onghia AM, Djelouah K, Carimi F, De Pasquale F, Savino V, Catalano L, Scillipoti O

Year: 2001