ACE-SAP project
Alpine ecosystems in a Changing Environment:
Biodiversity Sensitivity and Adaptive Potential
ACE-SAP
3rd Annual General Meeting
19-20 May 2010
Mt. Zugna – Rifugio Monte Zugna
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACTS OF EACH PROJECT ACTIVITY AND WORK PACKAGE ..............................................................
A1 -BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION .............................................................................................................
A1-wp1 - Adaptive genetic variation in the highly endangered Salmo carpio L. 1758 .........................................................
A1-wp2 - Conservation genetics of three threatened vertebrate species ...............................................................................
A1-wp3 - Taxonomic delimitation and conservation biology of three endemic plant taxa ...................................................
A1-wp4 - Flora of Mt. Baldo .................................................................................................................................................
A2 - ADAPTATION - AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS .....................................................................................
A2-wp1 - Genetic diversity and adaptive traits in the filamentous cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens .......................
A2-wp2 - Target species: Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh .......................................................................................
A2-wp3 - The adaptive potential of natural populations of two aquatic insect species in relation to temperature
variations and pollutants .......................................................................................................................................................
A3 - ADAPTATION - LAND ENVIRONMENTS ...........................................................................................
A3-wp 1 - Adaptation in Alpine Conifers ..............................................................................................................................
A3-wp2 - Cold regulated genes and cold tolerance in Brassicaceae ....................................................................................
A3-wp3 - Common frog landscape genetics ..........................................................................................................................
A3-wp4 - Molecular basis of host-parasite interaction .........................................................................................................
A4 - MODELLING ........................................................................................................................................
A4-wp1 - Climatic Modelling ................................................................................................................................................
A4-wp2 - GIS modelling - landscape genetics ......................................................................................................................
A4-wp3 - Ecological Modelling ............................................................................................................................................
A5 - POPULARISATION ...............................................................................................................................
A5-wp1 - Dissemination ........................................................................................................................................................
NOTES.................................................................................................................................................................................
ACE-SAP PEOPLE ............................................................................................................................................................
HOUSEKEEPING DETAILS ..........................................................................................................................................
ACE-SAP 3rd Annual General Meeting, 19-20 May 2010 - Rifugio Monte Zugna
19 May 2010 schedule
9:00-9:30
9:30-10:00
10:00-10:30
10:30-10:45
Welcome - David Neale, Scientific Coordinator; Franco Finotti, Director
MCR.
A1-WP1 Adaptive genetic variation in the highly endangered Salmo
carpio L.- Paolo Gratton FEM
A1-WP2 Conservation genetics of three threatened vertebrate species –
Cristiano Vernesi FEM
Coffee break
10:45-11:15
A1-WP3 Taxonomic delimitation and conservation of three endemic plant
taxa – Simone Fior FEM
11:15-11:45
11:45-12:15
A1-WP4 Flora of Mt Baldo – Lorenzo Marini MCR
A2-WP1 Genetic diversity and adaptive traits in the filamentous
cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens – Domenico D'Alelio FEM
A2 - WP2 Target species: Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh – Marco
Cantonati MTSN
12:15-12:45
12:45-13:45
Lunch
A2-WP3 – The adaptive potential of natural populations of two aquatic
insect species in relation to temperature variations and pollutants –
Valeria Lencioni MTSN
14:15-14:45
A3-WP 1 Adaption in Alpine Conifers – Elena Mosca UCD
14:45-15:15
A3-WP2 Cold Regulated (Cor) genes and cold tolerance in Brassicaceae
– Lino Ometto FEM
15:15-15:45
A3 – WP3 Common frog Landscape genetics – Cristiano
Vernesi FEM
13:45-14:15
15:45-16:00
16:00-16:30
Coffee break
A3 – WP4 Molecular basis of host parasite interaction – Barbara
Crestanello FEM
A4-WP1: Climatic modelling – Piero Cau FEM
A4-WP2 Gis modelling– Landscape genetics – Duccio Rocchini
16:30-17:00
17:00-17:30
FEM
17:30-18:00 A4 - WP3. Ecological modelling – Luca Bolzoni FEM
18:00-18:30
A5-WP1 – Dissemination – Franco Finotti MCR
19.30-22.30 Evening meal
social programme: after dinner, guided visit to the MCR Astronomic Observatory, at
walking distance from the meeting venue
20 May 2010 schedule
9:00-9:15 Self-Evaluation opening - David Neale, Scientific Coordinator.
9:15-10:30 Intra-Activity breakout group sessions
10:30-11:00 Coffee break
11:00-12:00 Intra-Activity breakout group reports and discussion
12:00-13:30 Lunch
13:30-14:30 Inter-Activity breakout group sessions
14:30-15:00 Coffee Break
15:00-16:00 Inter-Activity breakout group reports and discussion
16:00-16:30 Summary and wrap up
Key to acronyms and details
FEM - Fondazione Edmund Mach
MCR - Museo Civico di Rovereto
MTSN - Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali
UCD - University of California, Davis
Abstracts of each project activity and work package
A1 -Biological Conservation
A1-wp1 - Adaptive genetic variation in the highly endangered Salmo carpio L. 1758
Participants: Paolo Gratton, Andrea
Gandolfi
Within the S. trutta complex, Salmo carpio
exhibits very specific ecological features,
including gregarious behaviour,
planktonic diet and peculiar reproductive
biology. It is therefore commonly accepted
as a ‘true’ species, strictly endemic to the
Garda lake and critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The carpione is a middle-sized trout, attaining a maximum size and weight of 35-40 cm and
ca. 500 g. Exceptional specimens may reach 50 cm and 1 kg. The body shape is characterized
by relatively small head. The background colour is silver grey, with small blackish dots on the
back. During spawning seasons there is some sexual dimorphism, with males showing a dark
bronzed background and blackish fins.
Eggs are laid in two spawning seasons (peaking in December-January and July-August,
respectively) in deep (50-200 m) lakebeds with plenty of oxygen.
The species has gregarious attitudes, particularly during seasonal migration between
spawning and foraging areas. The diet of Salmo carpio is mostly zooplanktonic.
Genetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear data led different authors to propose a hybrid
origin for S. carpio, by secondary contact in recent times of different evolutionary lineages of
the S. trutta complex. This hypothesis is consistent with the post-glacial origin of the Garda
lake. Admitting that S. carpio might have a hybrid origin does not negate its recognition as a
species under the Phylogenetic Species Concept as it is an independent and diagnosable
lineage. Moreover, the adaptive differentiation from the two parental lineages adds interest
for the species in an evolutionary context.
Some peculiar features of the S. carpio life-cycle could lie within the wide range of phenotypic
plasticity of the S. trutta complex, and be a direct effect of the Genotype-Environment
interactions in the specific environmental conditions and factors faced in the Garda lake (e.g.
trophic spectrum). However, behavioural and life-history traits directly associated to
reproduction (two spawning seasons a year and spawning areas in deep waters of the lake)
that create a strong reproductive barrier isolating the carpione from the lacustris phenotype
of the S. trutta complex, sympatric in the Garda Lake, are likely to represent a rapid adaptive
(genetic?) response to a strong selection imposed by the environment. Divergent natural
selection (selection on ecologically relevant traits that favours different alleles in different
environments) could have been the main driver to the incipient ecological speciation within
the Garda lake.
The aim of this WP is to characterize neutral and potentially functional polymorphisms
(SNPs) in the Salmo carpio genome. Putatively neutral polymorphic loci available from other
salmonid species will be assayed and compared to genetic variation in genes potentially under
positive selection (candidate genes), which will be preliminarily searched for by comparison
of expression profiles (DNA microarrays, Quantitative Real-Time PCR assays).
The description of genetic variation, according to this approach, will be a valuable tool for i)
phylogenetic and population studies within the S. trutta complex, and ii) to formulate new
hypotheses on the S. carpio rapid adaptive evolution and incipient speciation.
A1-wp2 - Conservation genetics of three threatened vertebrate species
Participants: Luca Cornetti, Barbara Crestanello, Michele
Menegon, Elena Pecchioli, Paolo Pedrini, Cristiano Vernesi.
The main goal is to provide a preliminary ecological and
molecular survey of three vertebrate species, selected for their
conservation value.
The species of this WP are: common lizard (Zootoca vivipara),
yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) and rock ptarmigan
(Lagopus muta).
The common lizard is an Eurasian lacertid that has both viviparous and oviparous
populations. The first are widely distributed from British Isles to northeastern Asia
(Takenaka, 1991); the latter have only been observed in Slovenia, Italian NE Alps, Prealps.
According to mitochondrial DNA and karyotype, oviparous populations from Slovenia and
Italian Prealps belong to a different subspecies, Z. v. carniolica (Surget-Groba et al 2002). In
Trentino Z. v. carniolica has been recently discovered (Menegon et al., 2003), being relegated
to low and middle altitude bogs. Z. vivipara is considered one of the vertebrate taxa facing the
highest risk of extinction within the regional boundary.
B. variegata, is distributed over much of central and southern Europe with an altitudinal
range from 100 to 2100 m, while it prefers low-mid altitudes. The species has experienced
some local extinctions and population declines. In Italy it is present to the north of river Po
with fragmented populations. Populations of this species might be locally threatened by the
loss of suitable habitat due to anthropogenic pressure (e.g. transportation and discharge of
pollutants into wetlands; from Amphibia Data, IUCN) and mycosis. The species is listed on
Appendix II of the Berne Convention, on Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats
Directive. In Trentino there are evidences of rapid decline of some population of B. variegata
(Caldonazzi et al. 2002).
The rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta helvetica) is a bird inhabiting the arctic and alpine tundra
of North America and northern Eurasia. Isolated populations are found on mountain chains of
southern Europe (Holder & Montgomerie, 1993). This species can be considered well adapted
to high altitude and cold environment, being therefore particularly sensitive to perturbations
posed by global warming and human activities. In fact some range contractions with local
extinctions have been reported (Flint, 1995). The isolated and fragmented Alpine populations
are facing several threats: habitat fragmentation and degradation linked to climate change,
tourism activities and overhunting (Ménoni & Magnani 1998, Zeitler & Glänzer 1998). The
subspecies, L. m. helvetica, is added in Annex I of EU Wild Birds Directive; it is considered
Vulnerable in Italian Red List and “Endangered” in Trentino.
Taking advantage of previous research conducted by participants, we will first provide basic
information about where natural populations occur across Trentino and about habitat
selectivity. This allows carefully selecting sampling sites, which should be equally subdivided
between the Eastern and the Western side of Adige valley.
Molecular analyses will involve determination of nucleotide sequence variation at
mitochondrial DNA and allele frequency estimation at some (6-10) nuclear microsatellites.
Statistical data analysis will address estimation of genetic diversity within population and
differentiation among populations by means of standard approaches (e.g. nucleotide diversity,
expected heterozygosity, Fst, AMOVA, etc.) and more advanced coalescent-based
methodologies (Bayesian estimation of migration rate, effective population size and time of
divergence in non equilibrium models, individual-based assignment, etc.)
Whenever possible, the results of genetic analyses will be integrated with spatial ecological
features in order to correlate the size and quality of the habitat with the level of genetic
variation and differentiation for each species.
A1-wp3 - Taxonomic delimitation and conservation biology of three endemic plant taxa
Participants: Thomas Abeli, Alessio Bertolli, Costantino Bonomi, Simone Fior, Margherita
Lega, Gilberto Parolo, Filippo Prosser, Graziano Rossi, Claudio Varotto
Species richness is a traditional measure of
biological diversity. It relies on the number of
species present in a given habitat or region. The
proper taxonomic definition of endemic taxa,
potentially more threatened with extinction
than widespread relatives, is therefore
particularly relevant to set conservation
priorities aimed at maintaining biodiversity.
The identification of the closest relative (sister
group) of a given taxon is moreover relevant for
comparative studies, e.g. to compare the inter
and intra-population genetic variation of the
two taxa.
Erysimum aurantiacum a narrow endemic species
In the Alps several endemic taxa have a dubious taxonomic
position. Two interesting case
of the southern edge of the Brenta Dolomites
studies are taxa belonging to Brassicaceae, provisionally called Brassica repanda subsp.
baldensis Bertolli & Prosser and Erysimum aurantiacum Leyb. Both these species are narrow
endemics of the South-Eastern Alps with a very limited distribution.
Brassica repanda subsp. baldensis Bertolli & Prosser is a Brassica repanda subspecies
described for the first time only two years ago (Bertolli and Prosser, 2007, Willdenowia 37:
191-198). It has the closest morphological affinities to B. repanda subspecies of the eastern
Iberian Peninsula (subsp. blancoana, subsp. cadevallii and in particular subsp. maritima) and
not to the three subspecies known from the Alps and NE Italy.
Erysimum aurantiacum Leyb. differs form the closely related species E. rhaeticum and E.
sylvestre by a few traits. The most relevant difference, however, is the orange pigmentation of
its petals, a trait which inspired the name given to this taxon.
Another endemic taxon present in this region is Aquilegia thalictrifolia Schott & Kotschy. This
taxon is recognized as a true species, but its sister species is not known. The species shows
signs of decline associated to habitat change expected as a consequence of the ongoing climate
change may seriously threaten this species. Moreover, little is known about the conservation
status of this plant (population ecology and dynamics).
Both in the case of B. repanda subsp. baldensis Bertolli & Prosser and E. aurantiacum Leyb. a
phylogenetic reconstruction based on molecular markers will be carried out to determine the
taxonomic status of this taxa. The phylogenetic reconstruction of A. thalictrifolia Schott &
Kotschy will allow the identification of its sister group.
Genetic analyses of all taxa under study will be carried out to characterize the genetic
variation within and among populations. Microsatellite markers developed for Arabidopsis
and close relatives will be tested in both B. repanda subsp. baldensis Bertolli & Prosser and E.
aurantiacum Leyb. Other SSR markers may be developed within the frame of this project. A
good number of SSR markers already available for Aquilegia species will be applied to the
genetic characterization of A. thalictrifolia Schott & Kotschy populations.
In 2009 twelve populations of Aquilegia were studied in detail, collecting data on population
size and reproductive biology. The main results revealed that the populations have a scattered
distribution through the range. Population size ranged from about 10 to more than 500
individuals and density is, in some cases, very high (up to 16 plants/m2).
Population biology studies showed that the plant is self-compatible, and despite its reduced
distribution, it has a good reproductive performance, as revealed by the analysis of seed set
and flower production. Measurements of fluctuating asymmetry revealed that all the
populations are under the same level of environmental/genetic stress, even the most isolated
and small populations. Genetic analyses, based on the same individuals selected for FA
measures, will surely add further insights for the interpretation of this pattern of FA.
The germination trials started in autumn 2009 and were designed to test the initial
hypothesis of a morpho-physiological dormancy requiring sequential warm and cold
stratification, based on preliminary data gathered in 2006. Initial results are partially in
contrast with the hypothesis, showing that dormancy can be removed without a warm
stratification period and no alternating temperatures are necessary in the germination stage.
As widely indicated for the Ranunculaceae the embryo is underdeveloped, a cold stratification
period is necessary and sufficient to remove both the morphological and the physiological
component of dormancy. Once dormancy is broken, seeds germinate similarly (>80%) in dark
and light conditions, and/or under alternating and constant germination temperatures.
A1-WP4 - FLORA OF MT. BALDO
Participants: Lorenzo Marini, Alessio Bertolli, Filippo Prosser
Objectives: to find priority conservation actions for a wide but circumscribed mountain
territory, using as indicator all vascular flora. The collected information is extended to a wide
territory and to all vascular flora, even if not detailed.
Mt Baldo (66-2218 m, 411 km2) is ecologically various and well delimited by Lake Garda and
Adige Valley. Moreover Mt Baldo is one of the more famous floristic area of the world.
Calzolari in 1566 wrote the first field flora. Linnaeus in his Flora Alpina (1756) gave to Mt
Baldo the same importance as Swiss or Pyrenees.MCR collected data from this territory in
order to create a database.
The database consists on 30.000 records bibliography and herbarium data (from 1554 up to
now) and on 140.000 records collected on the field in the years 1991-2008. The data
structure is: taxon, locality (observation site), date, altitude (min-max), observer(s). All data
collected on the field are georeferenced (with points, polylines or regions), but we have not
quantitative and ecological information. For each observation site we have generally recorded
only part of the taxa.
At the time we checked and georeferenced the whole dataset, with bot field, bibliographical
and collection data.
We are gathering environmental data and we are choosing the grid for further elaboration.
We also expect to infer good information in order to plan conservation actions.
In the meantime the flora of M. Baldo was published.
This volume constitute the first attempt of a complete flora (vascular plants) of the Monte Baldo.
The work is opened by a general section where the history of the floristic exploration of the M.
Baldo, the research methods and the results of some data elaborations are exposed. It proceeds with
the special illustrated section where the 1952 wild or naturalized species (or subspecies), certainly
present on the M. Baldo, are presented. This means that in just 390 km2, equal to 0,2 % of the
alpine region, the 43 % of the entire alpine flora grows on the M. Baldo. For each species there is a
picture, a descriptive text, an innovative point distribution map and other informations (the first
botanist who have recorded a species on this mountain chain, the level of threat for the provinces of
Trento and Verona, altitudinal range, etc.). This work is the first flora published in Italy which
report a so large amount of information elements. In appendix other 180 occasional species and 394
taxa signalled for mistake are commented. At the end, the volume is completed by the list of
localities and dates of each picture, by 1000 references and an analytic index of 5390 items
comprehensive of the main synonymous and common names.
Achillea virescens (Fenzl) Heimerl
Eryngium campestre L.
Cardamine heptaphylla (Vill.) O. E. Schulz
Dictamnus albus L.
A2 - Adaptation - Aquatic Environments
A2-wp1 - Genetic diversity and adaptive traits in the filamentous cyanobacterium
Planktothrix rubescens
Participants: Domenico D’Alelio, Andrea Gandolfi, Monica Tolotti, Leonardo Cerasino,
Adriano Boscaini, Giovanna Flaim, Graziano Guella, Nico Salmaso.
Planktothrix rubescens (DeCandolle ex Gomont) Anagnostidis et Komárek 1988
(Cyanoprokaryota; Order: Oscillatoriales; Family: Phormidiaceae; Subfamily: Phormidioideae)
is a freshwater microcystins-producing filamentous cyanobacterium living in the planktonic
environment, in both meso-eutrophic and strongly thermally stratifying large lakes and
stagnant waters, where it produces red water blooms during the summer season; in winter, it
often colours the water red under the ice.
In the frame of the project ACE-SAP, natural populations of Planktothrix rubescens have
been collected during the summer season from a set of key lakes in Trentino and other
regions, distributed along morphometric (with focus on maximum depth), altitudinal and
trophic gradient, where water temperature, light and chemical dynamics have been
investigated in detail. Environmental samples, collected from the water column by using
phytoplankton nets, Schroeder sampler and oceanographic bottles, have been used for the
isolation of monoclonal cultures. About 300 strains of P. rubescens have been brought in
culture, material for genetic and metabolomic analysis have been stored and a replicate
culture for each strain was also cryopreserved for future use. To date, biomolecular analysis
on genes involving the production of cellular gas-vesicles – structures providing a selfdirected buoyancy regulation when filaments float into a stable water column – have been
carried out on all the abovementioned strains. Three variants have been detected for the
multicopy gene coding for the outer envelope of the gas vesicle (gvpC), i.e. the more variable
component of this cell structure. The tested strains clustered in two main groups with respect
to gvpC: one group showed both variants gvpC20 and -C16 and a second one, the sole variant C20. Clones belonging to these two groups are reported in the literature to build gas vesicle
with different strength, the critical pressure ranging 1-1.2 and 0.8-0.9 MPa, respectively. In
our dataset, strains able to produce the strongest gas vesicle were detected mainly in the
deepest lakes. This is in accordance with the hypothesis that the strength of gas vesicles is an
adaptive trait which can potentially counteract the mechanical damage caused by hydrostatic
pressure when the winter lake-circulation carries the cell in the deeper layers of the water
column. As a consequence, the higher the mixed-layer depth, the higher the abundance of
filaments with stronger gas vesicles. However, the two groups were virtually equivalent in
lakes Garda and Como, probably due to a faster summer growth rate in filaments having
weaker gas vesicles. As an exception, a large fraction of strains able to produce the strongest
gas vesicles were detected in the shallow lake Pusiano. This idiosyncrasy could be due to the
recent immigration of a population previously selected in the closeby and deeper Lake Como.
A late-winter/early spring sampling and the isolation of additional strains are
currently in progress. New cultures will be analysed for gvpC in order to test whether the
winter deep circulation actually selects for filaments with stronger gas vesicle in the deepest
lakes. Moreover, upon identification of temperature and light optima for different strains
representative of natural populations of Planktothrix, the expression of gvpC genes will be
investigated in cultures under stressing conditions (e.g. temperature, light, pressure) together
with the analysis of target secondary metabolites.. In addition, both strains corresponding to
environmental samples and pure cultures are currently characterized metabolically. Analysis
of the secondary metabolites and membrane lipid profiles are currently carried out through
advanced mass spectrometric techniques (MALDI/TOF and LC-ESI-ION TRAP).
A2-wp2 - Target species: Bangia atropurpurea
(Roth) C. Agardh
Participants: Marco Cantonati, Daniel Spitale, Alessia
Scalfi, Nicola Angeli, Graziano Guella, Rita
Frassanito, Cristian Strim, Carlo Andreoli, Nicoletta La Rocca, Isabella Moro, Katia Sciuto
Bangia atropurpurea is widely distributed in freshwater habitats (rivers and lakes in North
America, Europe, and Asia). Concerning the distribution in Lake Garda, B. atropurpurea occurs
mainly on rocky substrata in the central-northern Garda, and sporadically in the southern part. B.
atropurpurea typically occurs in the upper and mid eulittoral zones. Here it experiences, both
diurnally and seasonally, extreme environmental fluctuations, resulting in desiccation, freezing,
osmotic and radiation stress (including UV). Since L. Garda experiences wide seasonal water-level
fluctuations, Bangia is supposed to be adapted to a very stressful habitat. Understanding the
mechanisms of resistance to UV exposure and desiccation of B. atropurpurea is the main aim of our
study within the ACE_SAP Project.
A first interesting result of our team, currently submitted to an international journal, was that
B. atropurpurea has a non-random spatial structure of its phenological stages. B. atropurpurea has
uniseriate filaments which can become multiseriate by anticlinal cell divisions. Multiseriate
filaments at maturity release archeospores, which germinate and give uniseriate filaments. By
studying the filaments arrangement at fine spatial scale along the littoral gradient, we found a high
density of multiseriate filaments well above the waterline, whereas uniseriate filaments were
confined below. Interestingly, the two kinds of filaments are different concerning their proportion
of bioorganic compounds, suggesting a coordinate interplay between physio-morphological
regulation and spatial arrangement of reproductive stages. This characteristic is an important
achievement towards the understanding of the stress tolerance in B. atropurpurea.
Since the beginning of 2008, the seasonal cycle of B. atropurpurea has been studied by
means of frequent (fortnightly, monthly) sampling surveys in two sites of the Lake Garda (eastern
shore, northern part of the lake). Results showed that the species diversity peaks below the stressful
zone occupied by B. atropurpurea (at a depth of 51 ± 22 cm, standard deviation). In addition, for B.
atropurpurea the efficient regulation of its growth along the fluctuating gradient was interpreted as
an adaptive trait giving advantage over the less promptly species. The spatial and temporal niche of
B. atropurpurea and and of the chlorophyte Monostroma cf. membranaceum was widely
overlapped only in the early spring, while later their optimal habitat was clearly different. This
result suggested a partial niche segregation between these two species and a potential interaction,
the importance of which might change with time.
Moreover, the distribution of the target species in the whole lake has been investigated
considering six localities, and, within each one, an impacted and a non-impacted site. Diatoms
epiphytic on B. atropurpurea were studied in the two main sampling localities while epilithic
diatom communities (used also for an ecological characterization of the shores) were investigated in
the six localities. We recently could analyse similar samples collected in 1975-80 by Prof. Horst
Lange-Bertalot: environmental quality of the shores will be reconstructed and compared with our
diatom-based present-day data.
During the early spring 2010, we started a field experiment in which artificial substrata
(limestone tiles) previously colonized by B. atropurpurea are translocated to obtain two main
treatments: (i) moisture level (hydrated and exposed to air) and (ii) radiation (ambient, ambient
minus UVA, and ambient minus UVA and UVB). Within these main treatments, we will study the
response of B. atropurpurea with ecological, morphological, target metabolites analysis, and
genetic approaches. Candidate genes will be selected on the basis of literature and preliminary
ecological, morphological, ultrastructural, and bioorganic analyses, and compatibly with the
availability of rhodophyte sequences and the possibility to choose primers and/or specific probes
allowing the unambiguous analysis of Bangia messengers excluding potential contamination due to
epiphytic diatoms sometimes present in samples collected in nature (e.g., genes related to
photosyntesis, and possibly other genes involved in structural and metabolic responses). The
expression of the selected genes at the different experimental conditions will be assessed by RTPCR and/or real time PCR. Stress induced by desiccation and by different radiation types will be
evaluated by morphological and ultrastructural analysis, paying special attention to cellular
membranes organization and to the stress-protection compounds.
Results were presented at international congresses: Central European Diatom Meeting,
Utrecht, The Netherlands; North American Benthological Society Meeting, Grand Rapids, MI,
USA; 7th International Symposium “Use of Algae for Monitoring Rivers”, Luxembourg; 13th
Meeting of the German Phycological Society, Lake Constance, Germany.
Publication of the results is underway; 3 submitted papers:
 The asexual reproductive stages of the rhodophyte Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh
are finely arranged in the eulittoral-zone
 Temporal pattern in macroalgal diversity, niche overlap and shape of species response along
the rocky littoral gradient of Lake Garda, Italy
 Using different epilithic-diatom assemblage metrics for an ecological characterization
of the shores of Lake Garda.
A2-wp3 - The adaptive potential of natural populations of two aquatic insect species in
relation to temperature variations and pollutants
Participants: Valeria Lencioni, Paola Bernabò, Luigi Caputi, Valentina Grazioli, Graziano
Guella, Olivier Jousson, Tommaso Sandron.
Abstract:
Knowledge as to how aquatic insects will potentially react and adapt in face of increasing
human impacts is one of the major challenge in prediction of future freshwater biodiversity
trends.
Two main drivers of biodiversity change have been
individuated, global warming and land use. In relation to
these drivers, two adaptive traits were selected, resistance
to adverse temperature conditions and resistance to
pollutants, in three target insect species (Diptera:
Chironomidae): the cold stenothermal and stenotope
Pseudodiamesa branickii (Nowicki, 1873) and Diamesa
cinerella Meigen, 1935 and the euriecious Chironomus
riparius Meigen, 1804. The former two are frequent in cold
Pseudodiamesa branickii
mountain springs and streams (<7-8 °C), the latter colonizes
warm and eutrophic lakes and rivers and
agricultural/industrial waste waters. The general aim of this WP is to give new insights to
understand: 1) how could aquatic insects react to the oncoming temperature variation related
to global climate change; 2) how aquatic insects from polluted freshwaters develop toxic
resistance and detoxification capacity. This by the i) characterisation of genetic determinants
of resistance to abiotic stresses in natural populations of the two selected target species and
ii) definition of the role of metabolites such as proteins and sugars and of the membrane lipid
composition in development of such resistances.
Five candidate genes have been indicated as determinants for resistance to cold and warm
temperature (hsc70, hsp70, hsp90, afps) and to pollutants (cytP450). Heat shock proteins are
known to be involved in temperature variation resistance
in many organisms, as well as antifreeze proteins in cold
resistance and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in
detoxification processes.
Experiments have been carried out on IV instar larvae of P.
branickii and D. cinerella collected in the Noce Bianco
(Trentino) and in the S. Apollonia-Frigidolfo (Lombardy)
streams, and on IV instar larvae of C. riparius collected in
the Rio Gola stream (Trentino) and reared in the
laboratory. Survival curves will be performed on larvae
Chironomus riparius
exposed to different temperatures and toxic compounds.
The expression levels of all genes will be analysed in stressed
and control larvae via quantitative real-timeRT-PCR. The main
membrane lipid components (fatty acids, glycerolipids and
phospholipids) will be characterized with mass spectrometry
techniques. Particular attention will be paid to
lysophospholipids and phospholipids, membrane constituents
that are expected to change in response to freezing, both in
the acyl chains and/or in their polar heads. The identification
and quantification of cryoprotectans such as polyols and sugars involved in cold hardiness
will be also carried out by different spectroscopic techniques.
Overall, the experimental approach outlined will lead to a better understanding of the abiotic
factors that represent major selective constrains to various aquatic taxa.
A3 - Adaptation - Land Environments
A3-wp 1 - Adaptation in Alpine Conifers
Participants: Elena Mosca, Erica Di Pierro, Nicola La Porta, Giovanni G. Vendramin, Piero
Belletti, David B. Neale.
Coniferous trees form the dominant plant species in many alpine landscapes, which are
subject to climate change and other anthropogenic factors. Alpine coniferous species in the
Italian Alps may be responding to climate change by adapting to the modified environmental
conditions or by migrating to more suitable habitats. Our goal is quantify and understand the
standing adaptive genetic diversity in alpine conifers so that we may obtain a baseline
reference to monitor genetic change in populations. Moreover, this study will provide useful
information for forestry management, such as diagnostic tools for assisted migration
according to the species potential distribution. We focus on five most important conifer
species in the Alps: Pinus cembra L., Larix decidua Mill., Pinus mugo Turra, Abies alba Mill and
Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.
To begin, we have studied the level of DNA sequence polymorphism in four species (Picea
abies was investigated in a prior study). For each species, 12 individuals were sampled from
several locations across European mountains. Nearly 750 genes previously developed in
loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were re-sequenced in the target species to identify single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). All genes were assigned into three categories according to
their putative functions: candidate, control and demographic genes. The latter genes were
used to assess which demographic model fits better with the data by applying Approximate
Bayesian Computation. The three-epoch model fits better for the two pines and the Abies alba
Mill, while Larix decidua Mill. data were more suitable to a two-epoch model. Neutrality was
tested under both the standard neutral model and the three-epoch model.
In order to determine the complex patterns of the adaptation to changing environment,
almost 900 trees for each species were sampled across European Alps (Fig 1). The sampling
was designed so that it may cover both the geographical distribution of the species and the
peculiarity related to a local adaptation.
In our sampling we try to combine the following environmental factors: elevation,
North/South aspect, West/East orographic side of Adige river, lime- or silicate-soil type.
Using the re-sequencing data, a genotyping chip for each species will be designed and
genotyping will be conduced for the sampled trees.
Fig 1: Sampling
locations for the five
species in Italy and in
Trentino and Alto
Adige/Südtirol
Provinces.
A3-wp2 - Cold regulated genes and cold tolerance in Brassicaceae
Participants: Lino Ometto, Luisa Bresadola, Claudio Varotto.
The response to adverse abiotic factors is a key adaptive response in plants. Like other sessile
organisms, plants are forced to cope with circadian and seasonal changes in both the type and
the levels of environmental stress. For instance, sudden temperature drops are a common
source of stress, especially in high altitude mountain regions. To cope with low temperatures,
plants have developed a series of physiological adaptations that are normally triggered by
cold exposure. Several transcription factors, as CBF, ZAT and ICE1 genes, are key molecular
switches that, upon perception of cold stress, activate a signalling cascade involving the upregulation of more than 500 cold responsive genes (reviewed in Ruelland et al. 2009). This
suite of genes takes then part into the physiological changes that accompany the onset of cold
resistance. It exists now a quite detailed understanding of the activation mechanism of such
transcription factors in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. However, little is still known
about the relative importance of transcription factors and of cold responsive gene in the
remarkable cold resistance observed in high altitude plants (orophytes). The comparison
among congeneric species adapted to different altitudes may provide a good model system to
address this point. In particular, the analysis of molecular evolution of these genes can
provide precious hints on the possible action of
positive selection for cold adaptation.
To this purpose, we selected two Arabidopsis
relatives that are adapted to disjoint altitudinal
ranges: Cardamine resedifiolia, a species
growing above 1800 m of altitude, and C.
impatiens, a species normally growing below 1200
m.
The identification of the genes with higher
adaptive value with regard to cold adaptation
will be carried out using different approaches.
First, we will identify for both Cardamine
species the A. thaliana transcription factors and
cold responsive ortholog genes. To this purpose,
we will use high throughput sequencing
technologies (Roche 454) and a suite of
bioinformatics tools. Then, based on each gene
sequence evolution pattern (i.e. dN/dS ratio) we
will assess 1) the evolutionary rate of the two
Cardamine orthologues comparison to the
Arabidopsis one and 2) the eventual action of
positive selection (i.e. identification of candidate
genes). Second, the interspecific analysis of molecular evolution will be complemented by
intra-specific measurements of nucleotide variation for around 12 candidate genes (and an
equivalent number of neutral genes) in selected populations from both species. Finally, we
will compare the expression levels of a set of genes in C. resedifolia and C. impatiens during
cold exposure. Regulation of gene expression can be target of positive selection, including
selection to adapt to cold habitats. Hence, genes showing differences in expression are good
candidates for the differential cold resistance of these two species.
The most promising candidates identified by (either) the sequence evolution and expression
level approaches may be functionally tested in A. thaliana for their ability to modulate the
adaptive response to cold stress through genetic transformation.
A3-wp3 - Common frog landscape genetics
Participants: Luca Cornetti, Barbara Crestanello, Michele
Menegon, Elena Pecchioli, Paolo Pedrini, Cristiano
Vernesi
The common frog (Rana temporaria) is an anuran
amphibian widespread across Europe. In the Alps it
shows altitudinal and anthropogenic gradients that
provide a suitable model to study adaptive responses to global change. As most amphibians,
the common frog is sensitive to changes in levels of abiotic stresses. Beside, fungal diseases
affect many amphibians whose diffusion has been linked to global warming (Pounds et al,
2006). Due to all these threats the amphibians are facing a major global decline becoming
more threatened than birds or mammals. Evidence of coding genes directly associated to
adaptive traits is still lacking, but some studies found a significant positive relationship
between fitness related traits and the amount of variability at neutral markers as
microsatellites (Lesbarrères et al, 2005; Johansson et al, 2007).
With this study we aim at understanding which are the most relevant environmental variables
(e.g. altitude, mean annual temperature, precipitation, etc.) responsible for the observed
patterns of intra-population variability and inter-population genetic differentiation when
comparing natural populations adapted to different ecological features.
This objective will be accomplished adopting a landscape genetics approach: genetic data will
be correlated to a set of pre-defined environmental features within a GIS-based framework.
The flow chart of this activity can be summarized as follows: careful selection of populations
displaying supposedly different adaptation regimes; sampling of a reasonable amount of
individuals from each population (at least 15-20) recording, whenever possible, the GPS
coordinates for every single specimen; typing the samples at 15-20 microsatellites loci;
retrieving from available databases the information about the environmental features of the
sampling areas; analysing the correlation between genetic and environmental data in a
Bayesian framework by adopting a Reversible
Jump Markov Chain algorithm which allows to simultaneously take into account several
different models.
We strongly believe that, taking advantage of similar approaches pursued in taxa studied in
other WPs and Activities and sampled at the same sites as common frog, this activity will
permit distinguishing species-specific factors from factors being relevant in all species and
therefore likely to be relevant for the whole ecosystem.
A3-wp4 - Molecular basis of host-parasite interaction
Participants: Barbara Crestanello, Annapaola Rizzoli, Fausta Rosso, Valentina Tagliapietra,
Cristiano Vernesi.
This activity is mainly aimed at trying to better
identify the molecular basis of the adaptive
response to host-parasite interaction, focusing on a
wide array of infective agents, including viruses,
bacteria and helminths. The two species selected
are Apodemus flavicollis and Tetrao tetrix.
Apodemus flavicollis, common name yellow-necked
field mouse, is widespread throughout Europe
showing large temporal variation in abundance,
with periodical population peaks mostly related to seed production (Angelstam et al., 1987).
Climate warming and land use changes are currently considered the main causes of
demographic increase in some rodent species including Apodemus sp. These species are now
recognised among the most important reservoirs of emerging human diseases in Europe
(http://www.eden-fp6project.net.).
Immunogenetics provides insights into the relative influence of genetic variation and
environmental factors on host-pathogen interactions. An association between MHC class II
genes and Puumala hantavirus infection in vole has been recently recorded (Deter et al,
2008). Specific rodent-borne viruses and tick borne diseases will be selected for the yellownecked field mouse species on the basis of previous investigation.
The black grouse Tetrao tetrix, is among the threatened galliform species in Europe (Storch &
Segelbacher, 2001). Habitat fragmentation, hunting pressure, predation, climate change and
disease are considered among the major threats. In Trentino, the species is undergoing a
progressive reduction both in spatial distribution and density, with temporal fluctuation in
abundance. Previous epidemiological studies performed in different areas of Trentino showed
that this species harbours several helminth species; some of them, as Ascaridia compar, may
be relevant in processes of parasite mediated competition. Insofar few immunogenetic studies
have carried out on this species.
The general objective of this activity is twofold: 1) identification of the relationship between
specific alleles of candidate genes and resistance to pathogens. 2) assessment of the specific
alleles frequency in the different populations.
While for black grouse it seems now affordable only the analysis of genes of class II of the
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), in the yellow-necked field mouse we will take
advantage of the large genomic resources of the closely phylogenetically related domestic
mouse for analysing not only MHC genes but also other candidate loci. Since pathogens have
different pathways, in terms of intracellular or extracellular activity, this differentiation is
crucial for the selection of specific immune-related genes. We will consider some loci of the
Interferon (IFN) and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene families which are involved in the
response against intracellular pathogens .
In the same specimens typed at neutral markers, we will therefore analyse molecular
variation in MHC genes and in IFN and TNF genes by means of resequencing. Conducting
veterinary analyses on the same specimens, by means of serological, parasitological and
molecular assays, depending on the pathogens investigated, will allow testing the hypothesis
that specific alleles can confer resistance to pathogens, thus unveiling the basis of adaptation
to disease resistance. The evaluation, by means of maximum likelihood and Bayesian
methods, of the ratio of synonymous versus non-synonymous substitutions will allow
understanding which is the most likely selective regime acting on the loci under examination.
The frequency of these supposed specific alleles in the different populations will be correlated
with the most relevant environmental features of each population so to try to understand the
ecological drivers of adaptation to pathogens.
A4 - Modelling
A4-wp1 - Climatic Modelling
Participants: Piero Cau, Emanuele Eccel
The production of a high-resolution climate characterization is the focus of the investigation
on the existing time series of temperature, precipitation and derived climatic indicators.
Particularly for the past 20 – 30 years, possible links will be sought between the assessed
climatic shifts and the observable changes in Trentino’s biota. In order to define in a high
spatial detail the state of the physical environment and its
evolution, first of all the present conditions will be assessed.
A4-WP2 will collaborate to produce a spatial interpolation on
the main climatic quantities: temperature, precipitation, direct
indices (such as absolute maximum, mean, extreme values)
and derived indices (e.g., length of vegetative season, monthly
rain days, etc...). According to the different use of processed
data, the integration time will range from day (for derivation of
indices) to ten-day or monthly periods (for average values).
Aiming to a snapshot of the present conditions, it would be
advisable to relate the investigation to the most recent data,
rather than to the standard canonical climatic period 19611990, at least for some species (namely animals). Therefore
the majority of the available historical series dating back to
about 30 years will be considered - several dozens in Trentino
- having care to sample the little-anthropised territory as well as possible. More detail will be
sought in “target areas”, significant for sampling, as Mt. Baldo. Also series from neighbouring
regions (South Tyrol, Lombardy, Veneto) will be considered, in order to improve spatial
coverage at border areas. For areas not contiguous with the province of Trento,
corresponding climatic series will be provided. Particular requirements, such as the climatic
characterization of radiation indices, air humidity, soil temperature, snow cover,
microclimatic features, will be taken into account where possible. The selected instrumental
series will undergo validation, aiming to excluding clearly or probably erroneous data from
the analysis, data gap filling, and homogenisation, to tackle major measure shifts due to
station displacements, instrument changes, data collection protocols, or systematic erroneous
periods.
By using the same climatic quantities, attention will be drawn on the most recent change,
happened in the last 20 - 30 years and whose consequences may be already observable.
Secondly, climatic evolution scenarios will be considered, suitably downscaling data to reach a
sound quantitative expression of the climatic signal for the future (about 50 years); the above-
mentioned instrumental series will be used for this purpose. Output from general circulation,
coupled atmosphere - ocean models (AO-GCM) will be the base for climatic projections.
An increase in time resolution, useful for the calculation of some important climatic indices,
will be carried out by producing simulated series with weather generating algorithms,
yielding daily resolution from the monthly model output. These algorithms will be calibrated
with homogenised station daily series. Climatic evolution will be represented by expressing
the relevant climatic features of the period in the thirty year time-slices that correspond to the
European project ENSEMBLE standard: 1961-1990 (benchmark period), 2021-2050, and
2071-2100.
A4-wp2 - GIS modelling - landscape genetics
Participants: Cristina Castellani, Matteo Marcantonio, Markus Neteler, Duccio Rocchini
Genetic diversity is important for the maintenance
of the viability and the evolutionary and adaptive
potential of populations and species.
Two previously separate research areas, genetics
and landscape ecology have been integrated into a
new discipline “landscape genetics”. This combined
approach merges population genetics, landscape
ecology and spatial statistics, typically performed in
a GIS (Geographical Information System)
environment. The combination of genetic markers
with related spatio-environmental data is used to
examine population demographics and evolutionary processes. For this purpose, genetic
characteristics of a species are mapped across a landscape. Neutral markers such as
mitochondrial and Y chromosome haplotypes, microsatellite frequencies, single-nucleotide
polymorphisms as well as genetic markers like the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
allele frequencies are used.
Genetic diversity can be adaptive or neutral. Selectively neutral genetic variation is generally
believed to not have any direct effect on the fitness of the species. From patterns of neutral
genetic diversity and differentiation demographic and evolutionary events like bottleneck,
expansion, isolation, gene flow, divergence can be inferred. Adaptive markers, in contrast, are
subject to selection constraints and are, therefore, better suited for study response to
environmental changes. The opportunity to analyse neutral and adaptive variation in a GIS
framework makes it possible to start evaluating the putative role of biotic and abiotic factors
in shaping how the overall genetic diversity and differentiation is distributed in a determined
area.
For instance, the genetic and landscape ecological data can be analysed for identifying
barriers, gradients or transitions thus obtaining crucial information about connectivity among
natural populations. By separating historic and recent gene flow, global and local changes may
be identified which lead to changes, sometimes resulting in a loss of biodiversity. As an
advantage, landscape genetics does not usually require to distinguish discrete populations in
advance. Analyses are performed at population as well as individual level.
We'll collect and integrate field data with GIS and climatic data, e.g. to find current and
potential faunal corridors in Trentino. For key species, hypothesis will be discussed about
population dimensions, measured as effective population size by means of molecular markers,
with regards to expected temperature increase, precipitation decrease and increasing human
impact on the territory. As outcome, predictive maps for the next 50 years will be created
which display the expected population changes from today to future. As a result of our
landscape genetics studies, the role of landscape variables in shaping genetic diversity and
population structure will be better understood. The outcome is relevant for managing
properly the genetic diversity of threatened and endangered populations. The study of genetic
differences would permit to locate biodiversity hotspots or, in a time series, to investigate
whether levels of biodiversity has changed.
A4-wp3 - Ecological Modelling
Participants: Luca Bolzoni, Roberto Rosà
Mathematical and statistical models
have been playing a very important
role in the development and
understanding of ecology and
epidemiology.
To investigate the temporal responses
to various stressors on the dynamics
of endangered species in Trentino, a
series of theoretical models will be
developed within this activity. In
particular, the dynamics of hostparasite interaction will be explored considering the effect of climate and land-use changes. A
series of models will be developed to examine the potential competition between different
host species mediated by parasites including the effect of habitat fragmentation on hostparasite interaction. Afterwards, seasonal dynamic models will be implemented for
addressing the effect of climatic variables (e.g. temperature and precipitation) on parasite life
cycles and the consequent impact on host population dynamics. A case study for these class of
models will be the system including alpine galliformes (e.g. Tetrao tetrix and Alectoris graeca
saxatilis) and their nematode parasites (e.g. Ascaridia spp.) known to affect host dynamics.
A different class of predictive models will be developed to assess the direct consequences of
biodiversity changes to human health. In this case the model case study will include wild
rodents, such as Apodemus flavicollis, being a reservoir of several zoonotic pathogens
transmissible to humans, both directly and through tick bites. Epidemiological models for
rodent-borne and tick-borne diseases will be developed to examine the dynamics of different
zoonosis maintained by rodents in Trentino and transmitted to humans directly or through
ticks. The establishment and potential spread of different diseases will be evaluated and
particular attention will be posed to the effect of host biodiversity, both in terms of species
richness and specific host density, on disease transmission.
The general approach will be based on a combination of model development and analysis,
parameter estimates and sensitivity analysis. Interactive multi-platform software for
numerical and statistical analysis will be used to produce simulations taking into
consideration different scenarios.
A5 - Popularisation
A5-wp1 - Dissemination
Participants: Franco Finotti,
Claudia Beretta, Eleonora Zen,
Cristiana Martinelli, Daniele
Simoncini, Lorenzo Girardi,
Alessandro Girardi, Ettore Sartori
Ace-sap is a complex project, where researchers from many different institutions, following
different research paths, will obtain shared results in order to offer a new key to better
understand the Alpine environment, its changes and future threats and opportunities for its
biodiversity, also providing new prediction tools and models for a careful environmental
management and assessment.
Wp5 has the task of synthesizing and disseminating the project’s scientific results in order to
spread a new environmental consciousness and an ecological awareness based on shared
sustainable development principles.
The ace-sap dissemination plan is aimed at reaching the widest possible audience: public
administrators, private and public institutions involved in environmental management and
assessment, researchers, students, educational departments, voluntary associations, a general
audience.
A further WP5 important aim is to encourage the ‘internal communication’ among ace-sap
researchers, to make it easier for them to meet (physically or virtually) and to exchange data
and ideas.
Among the dissemination strategies adopted:







the creation of a constantly updated website with a geo-referenced archive
database on the studied species.
a monthly acesap web-magazine where to
find articles about biodiversity and news
about the acesap project
Acesap channel: a web-tv with a thematic
channel on biodiversity
A virtual forum where researchers can
always meet and exchange ideas
A password-protected web directory,
shared by the Ace-sap project members,
where to upload data on the studied
species, minutes, meeting agendas etc.
the creation of educational materials and activities on the project’s themes
the production of an educational travelling exhibition



the organization of workshops and seminars both for acesap researchers and for a
general audience
the production of an educational Dvd documenting the whole project
the publication of articles on the local and national press
NOTES


























































































































































































































ACE-SAP People
ABELI, Thomas
Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Ecologia del territorio
Via S. Epifanio, 14 - 27100 Pavia
e-mail: thomas.abeli@unipv.it
Tel.: 0382984854, Fax: 038234240, Mob.: 3387038738
ANGELI, Nicola
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Limnologia
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: angeli@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270383, Fax: 0461270376, Mob.: 3404630596
BERETTA, Claudia
Museo Civico di Rovereto
B.go S. Caterina, 41 - 38068 Rovereto (TN)
e-mail: berettaclaudia@museocivico.rovereto.tn.it
Tel.: 0464452800, Fax: 0464439487, Mob.: -3928438053
BERNABÒ, Paola
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Limnologia
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: paola.bernabo@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461882741, Fax: -, Mob.: - 3479445388
BERTOLLI, Alessio
Museo Civico di Rovereto
B.go S. Caterina, 41 - 38068 Rovereto (TN)
e-mail: bertollialessio@museocivico.rovereto.tn.it
Tel.: 0464452800, Fax: 0464439487, Mob.: BOLZONI, Luca
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: luca.bolzoni@nemo.unipr.it
Tel.: 0461939545, Fax: -, Mob.: 3408090018
BONOMI, Costantino
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Botanica
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: bonomi@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270381, Fax: 0461270376, Mob.: 3483044940
BRESADOLA, Luisa
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige
e-mail: luisa.bresadola@gmail.com
Tel.: 0461615602, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.:
CANTONATI, Marco
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Limnologia
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: cantonati@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270342, Fax: 0461270376, Mob.: 3209224755
CAPUTI, Luigi
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Idrobiologia
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: luigi.caputi@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: -, Fax: -, Mob.: 3491464993
CASTELLANI, Cristina
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: cristina.castellani@iasmait
TEL.: 0461270381
CAU, Piero
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: piero.cau@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615395, Fax: -, Mob.: 3473958292
CERASINO, Leonardo
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: leonardo.cerasino@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615531, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.: COLLINI, Margherita
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: margherita.collini@tiscali.it
Tel.: 0461939532, Fax: Mob.: 3471439056
CORNETTI, Luca
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: cornetti@cealp.it
Tel.: 0461939555, Fax: 0461948190, Mob.: 3389570057
CRESTANELLO, Barbara
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: crestanello@cealp.it
Tel.: 0461939529, Fax: 0461948190 Mob.: 3336266942
D’ALELIO, Domenico
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: domenico.dalelio@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615323, Fax: 0461923500, Mob.: 3289064059
DI PIERRO, Erica
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: erica.dipierro@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615379, Fax: -. Mob.: 3495112132
ECCEL, Emanuele
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: emanuele.eccel@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615397, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.: -3280705398
FINOTTI, Franco
Museo Civico di Rovereto
B.go S. Caterina, 41 - 38068 Rovereto (TN)
e-mail: finottifranco@museocivico.rovereto.tn.it
Tel.: 0464452800, Fax: 0464439487, Mob.: FIOR, Simone
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: simone.fior@iasma.it
TEL.: 04616155108, FAX: , MOB.: FLAIM, Giovanna
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: giovanna.flaim@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615377, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.: FRASSANITO, Rita
Università di Trento, Laboratorio di chimica biorganica, Dipartimento di Fisica
Via Sommarive, 14 - loc. Povo, 38100 Trento (TN)
e-mail: frassani@science.unitn.it
Tel.: 0461881548, Fax: -, Mob.: GANDOLFI, Andrea
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: andrea.gandolfi@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615532, Fax: 0461615956, Mob.: 3286189944
GIRARDI, Matteo
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: girardi@cealp.it
Tel.: 0461939555, Fax: 0461948190, Mob.: GRATTON, Paolo
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: paolo.gratton@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615596, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.: 3495158864
GRAZIOLI, Valentini
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali
Via Calepina, 14 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: valentina.grazioli@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: , Fax: , Mob.:
GUELLA, Graziano
Università di Trento, Laboratorio di chimica biorganica, Dipartimento di Fisica
Via Sommarive, 14 - loc. Povo, 38100 Trento (TN)
e-mail: graziano.guella@untin.it
Tel.: 0461881536, Fax: -, Mob.: JOUSSON, Olivier
Università di Trento, Centro Interdipartimentale per la Biologia Integrata - CIBIO
Via delle Regole 101, loc. Mattarello 38100 Trento
e-mail: jousson@science.unitn.it
Tel.: 0461882933 - 0461883937, Fax: 0461883937, Mob.: LA PORTA, Nicola
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: nicola.laporta@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615396, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.: 3387888736
LA ROCCA, Nicoletta
Università di Padova, Dipartimento di Biologia
Via Ugo Bassi 58/B - 35131 Padova
e-mail: nicoletta.larocca@unipd.it
Tel.: 0498276273, Fax: 0498276260, Mob.: LEGA, Margherita
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: margherita.lega@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615421, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.: 3467658618
LENCIONI, Valeria
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Idrobiologia
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: lencioni@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270371, Fax: 0461270376, Mob.: 3209224766
MARCANTONIO, Matteo
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: matteo-ma@tin.it
TEL.: , FAX: , MOB.:
MARCHESINI, Alexis
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: alexis.vodafone@vodafone.it
TEL.: 0461939532, FAX: , MOB.: 3494046787
MARINI, Lorenzo
Università di Padova, (per MCR)
Viale dell'Università, 16 – 35020 Padova
e-mail: lorenzo.marini@unipd.it
TEL.: 0498272807, FAX: 0498272810, MOB.: 3355397924
MARTINELLI, Cristiana
Museo Civico di Rovereto
B.go S. Caterina, 41 - 38068 Rovereto (TN)
e-mail: martiger@tin.it
Tel.: 0464452800, Fax: 0464439487, Mob.: MENEGON, Michele
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Zoologia vertebrati
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: menegon@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270374, Fax: 0461270376, Mob.: MORO, Isabella
Università di Padova, Dipartimento di Biologia
Via Ugo Bassi 58/B - 35131 Padova
e-mail: isabella.moro@unipd.it
Tel.: 0498276255, Fax: 0498276260, Mob.: MOSCA, Elena
University of California at Davis
One Shields Avenue – Davis, CA 95616
e-mail: emosca@ucdavis.edu
Tel.: +15307528412, Fax: -, Mob.: +1 5302200934 / +39 3407782324
NASCIMBENE, Juri
Università di Trieste, Dipartimento di Scienze della VIta
Via Giorgieri, 10 - Trieste
e-mail: junasc@libero.it
Tel.: 043942894, Fax: 043942894, Mob.: 3487256627
NEALE, David
University of California, Davis
One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
e-mail: dbneale@ucdavis.edu
Tel.: +15307548431, Fax: -, Mob.: 3334457151
NETELER, Markus
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: markus.neteler@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461939545, Fax: 0461948190, Mob.: OMETTO, Lino
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: lino.ometto@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615108, Fax: -, Mob.: PAROLO, Gilberto
Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Ecologia del territorio
Via S. Epifanio, 14 – 27100 Pavia, Italy
e-mail: gilberto.parolo@unipv.it
Tel.: 0382984854, Fax: 038234240, Mob.: 3470045292
PEDRINI, Paolo
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Zoologia vertebrati
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: pedrini@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270310, Fax: 0461233830, Mob.: 3209224759
PERTOT, Ilaria
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: Ilaria.pertot@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615515, Fax: 0461615500, Mob.: 3358359204
PROSSER, Filippo
Museo Civico di Rovereto
B.go S. Caterina 41 - 38068 Rovereto (TN)
e-mail: prosserfilippo@museocivico.rovereto.tn.it
Tel.: 0464452800, Fax: 0464439487, Mob.: RIZZOLI, Annapaola
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: annapaola.rizzoli@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615433, Fax: -, Mob.: ROCCHINI, Duccio
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: duccio.rocchini@iasma.it
Tel.: -, Fax: -, Mob.: 3921185553
ROSÀ, Roberto
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: rosa@cealp.it
Tel.: 0461939564, Fax: 0461948190, Mob.: SALMASO, Nico
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: nico.salmaso@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615323, Fax: -, Mob.: SCALFI, Alessia
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, sezione Limnologia
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: alessia.scalfi@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270383, Fax: 0461270376, Mob.: 3405392470
SCIUTO, Katia
Università di Padova, Dipartimento di Biologia
Via Ugo Bassi 58/B - 35131 Padova
e-mail: katia.sciuto@unipd.it
Tel.: 0498276255, Fax: 0498276260, Mob.: SPITALE, Daniel
Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, Limnology and Phycology Section
Via Calepina, 14 - CP393 - 38100 Trento
e-mail: spitale@mtsn.tn.it
Tel.: 0461270342, Fax: 0461270376, Mob.: 3479505651
TOLOTTI, Monica
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: monica.tolotti@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615256, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.:
TAGLIAPIETRA, Valentina
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: tagliapietra@cealp.it
Tel.: 0461948190, Fax: 0461939527, Mob.: VAROTTO, Claudio
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Via Mach, 1 - 38010 San Michele all'Adige (TN)
e-mail: claudio.varotto@iasma.it
Tel.: 0461615108, Fax: 0461650956, Mob.: -
VENDRAMIN, Giovanni
Plant Genetics Institute , National Research Council
Via Madonna Del Piano 10 – Sesto Fiorentino (Fi)
e-mail: giovanni.vendramin@igv.cnr.it; gg.vendramin@gmail.com
Tel.: 0555225725, Fax: 0555225729, Mob.: VERNESI, Cristiano
Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Ricerca e Innovazione
Loc. Viote del Monte Bondone - 38100 Trento
e-mail: vernesi@cealp.it
Tel.: 0461939523, Fax: 0461948190, Mob.: 3297364173
ZEN, Eleonora
Museo Civico di Rovereto
B.go S. Caterina, 41 - 38068 Rovereto (TN)
e-mail: zeneleonora@museocivico.rovereto.tn.it
Tel.: 0464452800, Fax: 0464439487, Mob.: -
Housekeeping details
•
The lunch will be served in the Rifugio Mt Zugna . If you have any special
dietary requirement (e.g. vegetarian etc.) please notify the reception desk and we
will sort out meals accordingly.
•
You are kindly requested to wear your ID badge at all times: This will let
staff know you belong to our party and will be granted access at the meeting
rooms at all times.

Rifugio Monte Zugna is a mountain refuge. If you spend the night there, you
must provide your own sheet, pillowcase, sleeping bag and towels, while blankets are at
your disposal.

If you are in need of assistance do not hesitate to phone us. Our telephones are:
museum switchboard +39 0464 452800 Claudia mob +39 3928438053. If you need
assistance please do not hesitate to phone or text us.
Note that Mt Zugna Refuge and the MCR Astronomical Observatory are located at 1620 m a.s.l.
The temperature can be easily 10-20 degrees cooler than in the valley, please dress accordingly
How to reach Mt Zugna:
ACE-SAP funding body
PROVINCIA AUTONOMA DI TRENTO
Servizio Università e Ricerca Scientifica
ACE-SAP coordinator
ACE-SAP partners
the network of science museums in Trentino, Italy