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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 23511

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sophia Rhizopoulou

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Guest Editor

Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
Interests: plant ecophysiology and physiology; Mediterranean plants; plant–water relations; plant response to abiotic stress; biodiversity; Flora Graeca; biomimetics; cultural botany and living archives
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Prof. Dr. Maria Karatassiou

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Laboratory of Rangeland Ecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 286, 54 124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: plant ecology and evolution; plant–water relations; plant crown architecture and hydraulic architecture; crown architecture under biotic and/or abiotic stress; ecophysiology of water use efficiency; succession and productivity of rangeland; physiological mechanisms of adaptation and survival of forage species under biotic or abiotic stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Efi Levizou

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece
Interests: effects of abiotic stress factors on plant physiology and production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Plants grown and exposed to Mediterranean climatic conditions with hot and dry summer periods, low winter temperatures and episodic frosts are a source of information for the functioning and featuring of the seasonality in Mediterranean ecosystems In addition, Mediterranean plants have been presented as vehicles for expressing historical knowledge and environmental attributes; gradually scientific data have given us important insights into plant growth, structure, and function. Much remains to be discovered, and further work is required to reveal the natural heritage of Mediterranean plants. With the current environmental and social threats mainly posed by an expanding human population, the essential importance of Mediterranean plants will once again be appreciated. This Special Issue of Plants will highlight the function, structure, diversity, biogeography and conservation of Mediterranean plants, as well as their interactions with the abiotic and biotic environment.

Prof. Dr. Sofia Rhizopoulou
Prof. Dr. Maria Karatassiou
Prof. Dr. Efi Levizou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Mediterranean plants and ecosystems
plant physiology, morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, ecology and molecular bi-ology
plant evolutionary and conservation biology
environmental plant physiology
flora
vegetation
biogeography
natural products
historical and cultural botany

Related Special Issue

Mediterranean Plants II in Plants (11 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3550 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Documenting Greek Indigenous Germplasm of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) for Sustainable Utilization: Molecular Authentication, Asexual Propagation, and Phytochemical Evaluation

by Eleftherios Karapatzak, Nikos Krigas, Ioannis Ganopoulos, Katerina Papanastasi, Dimitris Kyrkas, Paraskevi Yfanti, Nikos Nikisianis, Antonis Karydas, Ioannis Manthos, Ioanna S. Kosma, Anastasia V. Badeka, Dimitrios Fotakis, Eleni Maloupa and Giorgos Patakioutas

Plants 2022, 11(10), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101345 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2158

Abstract

Wild-growing Cornelian cherries (Cornus mas L., Cornaceae) are well-known native fruits in Greece since ancient times that are still consumed locally nowadays. Modern research has highlighted the value of Cornelian cherries as functional food with exceptional health benefits on account of the fruits’ biochemical profile. However, apart from local consumption directly from wild growing individuals, Greek native C. mas populations have not yet been investigated or sustainably utilized. A multifaceted evaluation was conducted herein including authorized collection-documentation, taxonomic identification, and molecular authentication (DNA barcoding), asexual propagation via cuttings and phytochemical evaluation (multiple antioxidant profiling) of neglected and underutilized Greek native C. mas germplasm sources. Successive botanical expeditions resulted in the collection of 18 samples of genotypes from distant C. mas populations across different natural habitats in Greece, most of which were DNA fingerprinted for the first time. Asexual propagation trials revealed high variability in rooting frequencies among Greek genotypes with low (<25%), average (25–50%), and adequate propagation potential (>50%) using external indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) hormone application on soft- or hard-wood cuttings. The comparative phytochemical evaluation of the studied Greek genotypes showed significant potential in terms of antioxidant activity (>80% radical scavenging activity in 13 genotypes), but with variable phenolic content (47.58–355.46 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoid content (0.15–0.86 mg CE/100 g), and vitamin C content (1–59 mg AAE/100 g). The collected material is currently maintained under ex situ conservation for long-term monitoring coupled with ongoing pilot cultivation trials. The pivotal data create for the first time a framework for the sustainable utilization of Greek native C. mas germplasm as a superfood with significant agronomic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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13 pages, 3327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Partitioning of Sugars, Starch, and Free Proline in Various Organs of Cyclamen graecum on the Biology of the Species and Its Resistance to Abiotic Stressors

by John Pouris, Efi Levizou, Maria Karatassiou, Maria-Sonia Meletiou-Christou and Sophia Rhizopoulou

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091254 - 5 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1958

Abstract

The geophyte Cyclamen graecum is native to the eastern Mediterranean. Its beautiful flowers with upswept pink petals appear during early autumn, after the summer drought period and before leaf expansion in late autumn. The floral and leaf development alternates with their cessation in early winter and late spring, respectively. Ecophysiological parameters and processes underlining the life-cycle of C. graecum have not previously been published. Seasonal fluctuations of sugars, starch, and free proline have been investigated in tubers, leaves, pedicels, and petals, as well as petal and leaf water status. At the whole plant level, the seasonal co-existence of leaves and flowers is marked by an elevated soluble sugar content, which was gradually reduced as the above-ground plant parts shed. The sugar content of petals and pedicels was lower than that of leaves and tubers. Leaf starch content increased from late autumn to spring and was comparable to that of tubers. The starch content in petals and pedicels was substantially lower than that of tubers and leaves. In tubers, monthly proline accumulation was sustained at relatively constant values. Although the partitioning of proline in various organs did not show a considerable seasonal variation, resulting in an unchanged profile of the trends between tubers, leaves, and flowers, the seasonal differences in proline accumulation were remarkable at the whole plant level. The pronounced petal proline content during the flowering period seems to be associated with the maintenance of floral turgor. Leaf proline content increased with the advance of the growth season. The values of leaf relative water content were sustained fairly constant before the senescence stage, but lower than the typical values of turgid and transpiring leaves. Relationships of the studied parameters with rainfall indicate the responsiveness of C. graecum to water availability in its habitat in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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16 pages, 3222 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydraulic Response of Deciduous and Evergreen Broadleaved Shrubs, Grown on Olympus Mountain in Greece, to Vapour Pressure Deficit

by Maria Karatassiou, Panagiota Karaiskou, Eleni Verykouki and Sophia Rhizopoulou

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081013 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

In this study, leaf hydraulic functionality of co-occurring evergreen and deciduous shrubs, grown on Olympus Mountain, has been compared. Four evergreen species (Arbutus andrachne, Arbutus unedo, Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera) and four deciduous species (Carpinus betulus, Cercis siliquastrum, Coronilla emeroides and Pistacia terebinthus) were selected for this study. Predawn and midday leaf water potential, transpiration, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature and leaf hydraulic conductance were estimated during the summer period. The results demonstrate different hydraulic tactics between the deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Higher hydraulic conductance and lower stomatal conductance were obtained in deciduous plants compared to the evergreens. Additionally, positive correlations were detected between water potential and transpiration in the deciduous shrubs. The seasonal leaf hydraulic conductance declined in both deciduous and evergreens under conditions of elevated vapor pressure deficit during the summer; however, at midday, leaf water potential reached comparable low values, but the deciduous shrubs exhibited higher hydraulic conductance compared to the evergreens. It seems likely that hydraulic traits of the coexisting evergreen and deciduous plants indicate water spending and saving tactics, respectively; this may also represent a limit to drought tolerance of these species grown in a natural environment, which is expected to be affected by global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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15 pages, 2193 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impact of Grazing on Diversity of Semi-Arid Rangelands in Crete Island in the Context of Climatic Change

by Maria Karatassiou, Zoi M. Parissi, Sampson Panajiotidis and Afroditi Stergiou

Plants 2022, 11(7), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070982 - 4 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2070

Abstract

The rangelands of Crete island (Greece) are typical Mediterranean habitats under high risk of degradation due to long-term grazing and harsh climatic conditions. We explored the effect of abiotic (climatic conditions, altitude) and biotic factors (long-term grazing by small ruminants) on the floristic composition and diversity of selected lowland (Pyrathi, Faistos) and highland (Vroulidia, Nida) rangelands. In each rangeland, the ground cover was measured, and the floristic composition was calculated in terms of five functional groups: grasses, legumes, forbs, phrygana, and shrubs. The aridity index, species turnover, species richness, Shannon entropy, and Gini–Simpson index (with the latter two converted to the effective number of species) were calculated. Our results reveal that highlands are characterized by the highest aridity index (wetter conditions). Lowland rangelands, compared to highland, exhibited a higher percentage contribution of grasses, legumes, and forbs, while species turnover decreased along the altitudinal gradient. The Shannon entropy index was correlated (a) positively with Gini–Simpson and mean annual temperature and (b) negatively with mean annual precipitation, aridity index, and altitude. Moreover, the Gini–Simpson index correlated positively with mean annual temperature and negatively with altitude. Our results could help to understand the effects of grazing on rangeland dynamics and sustainability in semi-arid regions in the context of climatic change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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14 pages, 4399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Changes in the Plant Growth-Inhibitory Effects of Rosemary Leaves on Lettuce Seedlings

by Kwame Sarpong Appiah, Richard Ansong Omari, Siaw Onwona-Agyeman, Christiana Adukwei Amoatey, John Ofosu-Anim, Abderrazak Smaoui, Abdelkarim Ben Arfa, Yoko Suzuki, Yosei Oikawa, Shin Okazaki, Keisuke Katsura, Hiroko Isoda, Kiyokazu Kawada and Yoshiharu Fujii

Plants 2022, 11(5), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050673 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2721

Abstract

Plant biodiversity has been studied to explore allelopathic species for the sustainable management of weeds to reduce the reliance on synthetic herbicides. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), was found to have plant growth-inhibitory effects, and carnosic acid was reported as an allelochemical in the plant. In this study, the effects of seasonal variation (2011–2012) on the carnosic acid concentration and phytotoxicity of rosemary leaves from two locations in Tunisia (Fahs and Matmata) were investigated. The carnosic acid concentration in rosemary leaves was determined by HPLC, and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was used as the receptor plant in the phytotoxicity bioassay. The highest carnosic acid concentration was found in rosemary samples collected in June 2011, which also had the highest inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation (r = −0.529; p < 0.01) was found between the inhibitory activity on lettuce hypocotyl and the carnosic acid concentration in rosemary leaves. Both temperature and elevation had a significant positive correlation with carnosic acid concentration, while rainfall showed a negative correlation. The results showed that the inhibitory effects of rosemary leaf samples collected in summer was highest due to their high carnosic acid concentration. The phytotoxicity of rosemary needs to be studied over time to determine if it varies by season under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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13 pages, 1932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Germination Treatments at Operational Scale for Six Tree Species from the Sclerophyll Forest of Central Chile

by Eduardo Cartes-Rodríguez, Carolina Álvarez-Maldini, Manuel Acevedo, Marta González-Ortega, Alejandro Urbina-Parra and Pedro León-Lobos

Plants 2022, 11(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050608 - 24 Feb 2022

Viewed by 2615

Abstract

Sclerophyll forest in Mediterranean central Chile has been subjected to severe degradation due to anthropic disturbances and climate change and is in need of restoration. Since direct seeding is usually unsuccessful, we need to research seed propagation to produce plants for restoration. Our objective was to assess pre-germination treatments for six native woody species (Acacia caven, Lithraea caustica, Quillaja Saponaria, Porlieria chilensis, Kageneckia angustifolia, and Ceratonia chilensis) of the sclerophyll forest, considering its operational applicability and consequences for nursery plant production. Treatments were selected according to previous studies, and operational applicability in nurseries. Germination and level of seeds water imbibition were assessed. Results indicate that time for seed water imbibition is critical for germination in A. caven, P. chilensis and K. angustifolia, with an average germination of 90.2 ± 2.0%, 85.0 ± 4.7%, and 47.4 ± 2.3%, respectively. Gibberellin did not improve germination compared to water soaking in Q. Saponaria, K. angustifolia and P. chilensis. In addition, physical scarification is a suitable treatment for L. caustica and C. chilensis, instead of chemical scarification, avoiding handling toxic and corrosive compounds in nurseries. We recommend assessing seed water imbibition rates as a key factor for proper germination processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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19 pages, 6504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climatic Drivers of the Complex Phenology of the Mediterranean Semi-Deciduous Shrub Phlomis fruticosa Based on Satellite-Derived EVI

by Aris Kyparissis and Efi Levizou

Plants 2022, 11(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050584 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1373

Abstract

A 21-year Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time-series produced from MODIS satellite images was used to study the complex phenological cycle of the drought semi-deciduous shrub Phlomis fruticosa and additionally to identify and compare phenological events between two Mediterranean sites with different microclimates. In the more xeric Araxos site, spring leaf fall starts earlier, autumn revival occurs later, and the dry period is longer, compared with the more favorable Louros site. Accordingly, the control of climatic factors on phenological events was examined and found that the Araxos site is mostly influenced by rain related events while Louros site by both rain and temperature. Spring phenological events showed significant shifts at a rate of 1–4.9 days per year in Araxos, which were positively related to trends for decreasing spring precipitation and increasing summer temperature. Furthermore, the climatic control on the inter-annual EVI fluctuation was examined through multiple linear regression and machine learning approaches. For both sites, temperature during the previous 2–3 months and rain days of the previous 3 months were identified as the main drivers of the EVI profile. Our results emphasize the importance of focusing on a single species and small-spatial-scale information in connecting vegetation responses to the climate crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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17 pages, 3327 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review and Evaluation of the Data Supporting Internal Use of Helichrysum italicum

by Katja Kramberger, Saša Kenig, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, Nina Kočevar Glavač and Darja Barlič-Maganja

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081738 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4927

Abstract

Helichrysum italicum is a Mediterranean plant with various pharmacological activities. Despite extensive reports on the bioactivity of the plant, its clinically studied applications have not yet been reviewed. The aim of our study was to gather information on the internal use of H. italicum and its bioactive constituents to determine its efficacy and safety for human use. We reviewed research articles that have not been previously presented in this context and analyzed relevant clinical studies with H. italicum. Cochranelibrary.com revealed six eligible clinical trials with H. italicum that examined indications for pain management, cough, and mental exhaustion. Although the efficacy of H. italicum has been demonstrated both in in vitro tests and in humans, it is difficult to attribute results from clinical trials to H. italicum alone, as it has usually not been tested as the sole component. On the other hand, clinical trials provide positive information on the safety profile since no adverse effects have been reported. We conclude that H. italicum is safe to use internally, while new clinical studies with H. italicum as a single component are needed to prove its efficacy. Based on the recent trend in H. italicum research, further studies are to be expected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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9 pages, 1644 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Effect of Temperature on the Germination of Five Coastal Provenances of Nothofagus glauca (Phil.) Krasser, the Most Representative Species of the Mediterranean Forests of South America

by Rómulo E. Santelices-Moya, Marta González Ortega, Manuel Acevedo Tapia, Eduardo Cartes Rodríguez and Antonio M. Cabrera-Ariza

Plants 2022, 11(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030297 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Temperature is one of the most important abiotic factors affecting seed germination, and it is strongly influenced by local site conditions. Seeds of Nothofagus glauca, an endemic and vulnerable species of the Mediterranean region of Chile and the most representative of the Mediterranean forests of South America, were collected. In this study, we evaluated the effect of temperature on different germinative attributes of five N. glauca provenances representative of their natural distribution. The seeds were treated at a constant temperature (i.e., 18 °C, 22 °C, 26 °C, or 30 °C) in the absence of light for 40 days. The results show that in all the provenances, the germination ratio and energy increase linearly with temperature until reaching an optimum temperature (i.e., 22 °C), above which they decrease severely. At 22 °C, the response of average germination speed and germination vigor was significantly higher than with the other temperatures (performance of germination start day was not clear). The base temperature was around 18 °C and the maximum, above 30 °C, which may be close to thermo-inhibition. Given the threat of climate change, it is necessary to increase research in terms of the possible adaptation of this species to increased temperatures and prolonged periods of drought Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Plants)

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