https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94172 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:54:42 GMT 2026-04-13T03:54:42Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/107495 Title: Impacts on and population trends of Scopoli's shearwater Calonectris Diomedea in the Maltese islands Abstract: The Scopoli’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea, in Maltese Ċiefa is the subject of this study. A pelagic seabird that breeds in the Maltese islands. Procellariformes, have a long breeding season spanning from late February to late October, laying only one egg each year. Therefore, the long period on land makes this species very vulnerable to predation and disturbance by terrestrial mammals, including humans. This study seek to evaluate this relationship in four study areas. It also looks at the effects of existing legal protection measures on the breeding population of C. diomedea. The breeding colonies that are being discussed are found along the southern sheer cliffs of Malta, the north-western cliffs of Gozo, and on offshore islands like Filfla. There never were any specific studies on the species until 1982 when an extensive study on the breeding biology and ecology of this species was initiated by the present researcher. This study covers a period of 38 years from 1983 to 2020, making use of data collated by the present researcher. A total of 158 study nests were under observation, mainly on the islands of Malta and Gozo as well as on some of the smaller islands, most notably on Filfla island. This present study analyses and presents results on population trends from a sample of four study sites namely, Ħal-Far, Għar Lapsi, Għarb and Filfla. An overall decline in the breeding population, particularly in two colonies: Ħal-Far in Malta and Għarb in Gozo is evident, which is mainly due to direct (killing) and indirect (urbanisation etc.) human activities. The numerous existing policies and legal notices should, in theory, provide adequate legal protection measures to the breeding sites as well as to the species in question. The study highlights the various threats and the lack of protection measures for the protection of these seabirds. The study concludes that at the current rate, based on the results obtained, the ongoing decline is projected to lead to the extinction of Scopoli’s Shearwater from the Maltese islands in less than fifty years’ time. The methodology used and the results attained are put forward as a basis for the conservation of this and other pelagic seabird species breeding in the Maltese islands. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/107495 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/104821 Title: The physicochemical characterisation and morphometric analysis of pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) cultivated in the Maltese Islands Abstract: Punica granatum L. is beloved globally for its comprehensive range of nutritional and nutraceutical constituents. This empirical study aimed to establish the basis of pomegranate cultivation and obtain a holistic representation of the full potential of the ‘fruit of paradise’ as pertaining to the central Mediterranean. Several intrinsic visual, physical, and chemical characteristics were investigated along with the various flowering and fruit maturation stages of 35 different accessions cultivated in 5 distinct regions in the 2021 growing season. The morphological properties of the leaf, flowering buds, blooms, and fruits at 3 ripening stages expressed significant differences as well as similarities between the accessions in most of the parameters investigated. Matured fruits FW ranged between 87 ± 8.06 – 586 ± 88.6 g, longitudinal diameter between 4.86 ± 0.27 – 9.13 ± 0.23 cm, equatorial diameter between 5.29 ± 0.30 – 10.7± 0.37 cm, sphericity between 0.77 ± 0.01– 0.98 ± 0.03, and rind thickness between 2.14 ± 0.03 – 4.33 ± 0.03 mm. 3 types of fruit crowns were expressed, being either closed, opened or semi-opened, while fruits possessed either 6 or 8 sepals, according to the cultivar. It was also concluded that the growing regions and age of pomegranate shrubs appeared not to affect these parameters. Rather, slight variations in development stages, climatic, environmental and cultivation conditions, as well as genetic variability and diversity were responsible. Furthermore, PCA and AHC analysis of the ripened pomegranates generally revealed the distinction between the ‘Santa Rosa’, ‘Unknown’, ‘Acco’, ‘Santa Katarina’, and ‘Ħelu’ cultivars, while almost all the ‘Bullar’, and ‘San Ġużepp’ accessions expressed significant morphological similarities. The pH and TSS increased while TA decreased along fruit maturation, resulting in the majority of local accessions having a moderate (sour sweet to sweet taste) and relative high MI (sweet taste). Colour variation was associated with increased TAC and decreased lycopene, total carotenoids, and total chlorophyll content along the fruit ripening stages. The lowest TPC was recorded in ripened pomegranates ranging between 0.111 – 0.635 % w/w GAE. Overall, the pulp of ripened pomegranates recorded the quantitative descending order of K > Ca > Na > Mg > Fe, and apart from the latter micronutrient, the other macronutrients exhibited a decreased accumulation along fruit ripening. The peel and pulp physicochemical parameters revealed several strong positive and negative correlations, concluding amongst which that MI can serve as an effective estimate for both the TA and pH when comparing local pomegranates. In conclusion, this study revealed that local pomegranate peel exhibits a substantial nutritional potential due to significantly higher TAC (∼ 3.5-fold), TPC (∼ 5.7-fold), lycopene (∼ 5.6-fold), % total carotenoids (> 10-fold), % total chlorophyll (∼ 4.6-fold), Ca (∼ 5.2-fold), Mg (∼ 3.5-fold), K (∼ 3-fold), Na (∼ 1.5-fold), and Fe accumulations than the fresh juice of ripened fruits, meaning that instead of being discarded, this inedible pomegranate part can be sustainably exploited in the food, cosmeceutical, and pharmacological industries. Thus, Maltese-grown pomegranates hold the potential for versatile and holistic utilisation that should be further exploited, not only agriculturally but also as effective alternatives in several important industries. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/104821 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/103007 Title: A physicochemical study on the effects of oak maturation of Ġellewża and Girgentina wines Abstract: Amongst the Maltese indigenous grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera) Ġellewża and the Girgentina cultivars are the best known which is mainly due to the production of their wines with IĠT appellations. At the time of the study, the wines produced for these cultivars were red wines and sparkling Rose’s from Ġellewża and white non-sparkling and sparkling wines from Girgentina. A few Chardonnay-Girgentina blends were also available. Through a physicochemical study of a range of wines produced by local vintners of cultivars, several characteristics emerged about these wines including the high polyphenolic content (established through Folin-Ciocalteu Colorimetric Method), especially in Girgentina relative to other white wines of the world. Spectroscopic analysis revealed anthocyanin content to be very high for a white variety which sheds interest with regards to bioactive compounds content within such wines. Within this study, an innovative method of oak maturation was employed. It entailed using high toast French oak chips (Quercus alba) where finished wines were exposed to the wood in a non-oxidative environment. Through continued physicochemical analysis and sensorial analysis, it was concluded that there was indication of compatibility of oak maturation with these local wines with Ġellewża wines benefitting majorly, being red wines. Moreover, it was established that such a method could benefit wines requiring corrections. The method of oaking used was not stipulated as an alternative to traditional oaking methods but rather a costeffective method that can be used to enhances some wines. This degree was carried out following the award of a Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme Scholarship. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/103007 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102982 Title: An appraisal of the Oryctolagus cuniculus population on the island of Comino and its relationship to the vegetation Abstract: The European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) is the only wild mammal herbivore of the Maltese archipelago, originating from the Iberian Peninsula and classified today as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its grazing is suspected to be a major factor in the degradation of some Annex I habitats on the island of Comino by its latest Natura 2000 management plan. Given large identified knowledge gaps around its local ecology, related scientific methods and management objectives, this exploratory research evaluated standard methodologies for the monitoring of Oryctolagus cuniculus population abundance and its potential impacts on vegetation cover, species richness and above-ground biomass. A systematic quadrat survey was employed for the joint observation of European rabbit dung pellets, vegetation canopy-cover and species richness across three sites, concurrently with a stratified purposeful block experiment to identify the regeneration potential of selected plant species in grazed and non-grazed plots. The quadrat survey was adapted to relative density monitoring but not to the observed vegetation parameters, while crucial parameters were lacking for absolute density estimation. Opposite trends were observed in the vegetation in the absence of grazing, suggesting a partial adaptation of the Comino garrigue to European rabbit grazing. A number of potential areas of further research are proposed along with methodological insights. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102982 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z