Mediterranean Minor Fruit Tree Species: Diversification, Characterization and Valorization

Dear Colleagues,

Minor fruit tree species include the woody plants that are often neglected and underutilized in terms of conservation and use compared to major tree species, such as fig, pomegranate, persimmon, carob, etc. The wide genetic variability of minor fruit tree species provides a valuable resource for breeding programs and adaptation to unfavorable environmental and climatic changes.

In fact, many of these species can grow in arid soils or marginal areas on unsuitable/inhospitable land, requiring fewer cultural practices than conventional species. Therefore, they play an important role in agricultural sustainability, land desertification and climate change adaptation strategies. In addition, these species are often highly nutritious, being rich in micronutrients and bioactive compounds, and can be used as sources of food fortification. Investing in minor fruit tree species can be a long-term investment for smallholder farmers and future generations. The Mediterranean basin is extraordinarily wealthy in regard to genetic resources of minor fruit tree species and can be considered a priority center for their collection and conservation.

Recently there has been renewed interest in the cultivation and conservation of underutilized species in Europe and around the world, driven by a growing recognition of the traditional, healthy Mediterranean diet.

This Special Issue will explore various aspects related to the Mediterranean minor fruit tree species, expanding our knowledge, and driving further research in this important field.

Dr. Raffaella Petruccelli
Dr. Cristiana Giordano
Dr. Tommaso Ganino
Dr. Deborah Beghé
Dr. Carla Benelli
Guest Editors

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• biodiversity
• neglected and underutilized fruit wood plants
• propagation
• agroecology
• cultural practices
• conservation
• traditional use of genetic resources
• nutritional and healthy active compounds
• climate change
• Mediterranean diet

Title: Morphometric, Chemical and Genetic Description of Ficus carica L. Italian accessions
Authors: Petruccelli Rafaella, Giordano Cristiana
Affiliation: Institute of BioEconomy (IBE-CNR), via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Abstract: Common fig or simply, figs (Ficus carica L.) is one of the most ancient domesticated species, originated in Arabia from where it diffused to the Middle East and Asia, and to the Mediterranean basin. Its fruit has become, over time, an important constituent of the Mediterranean diet, and currently, represents a rich source of biological activities (poly)phenols. Fig germplasm consists of a large number of varieties, approximately more than 300 fig varieties, of not well defined origin, have been reported in Italy, but it is conceivable that the number is underappreciated. For these reasons it is extremely important to study it, in order to preserve the remaining biodiversity and enhance the product due to their richness in bioactive molecules and potential nutritional value. In this study we explored the Italian fig cultivars using a parallel approach of molecular analysis (SSRs), chemical profile (polyphenols and antioxidant capacity) and geometric morphometric variables. The set of chosen markers, genetic, morphometric and chemical, resulted highly polymorphic, and allowed the characterization of all the studied accessions.

Title: Carob: A mediterranean resource for the future
Authors: Anabela Romano
Affiliation: MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development University of Algarve • Faculty of Sciences and Technology Campus de Gambelas, Ed. 8, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Abstract: For centuries the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has contributed to the economy of the Mediterranean basin, mainly as food for livestock. Nowadays, the value of the carob tree extends far beyond its traditional uses, encompassing a wide range of industries and applications that take advantage of its unique properties and nutritional benefits. Despite its high industrial demand and European indications, there has been a 65% reduction in the area cultivated throughout the Mediterranean area in the 21st century. Given the threats of climate change, including the loss of water availability and poor nutrient soils, we must increasingly focus on this crop, which is suitable for facing unpredictable weather events. In this review we use a bibliographic search approach to emphasise the prioritisation of research needs for effective carob tree exploitation. We found enormous gaps in scientific knowledge of this under-utilised crop species with a high industrial value for its fruit pulp and seeds. Insufficient understanding of the biology of the species, as well as inadequate agronomic practices, compromise the quantity and the quality of fruits available to the industry. In addition to industrial applications, carob can also be used in reforestation or restoration programmes, providing a valuable crop while promoting biodiversity conservation and soil restoration. The carbon sequestration potential of the trees should be taken into account as a promising alternative to fight climate change. This bibliographic search has highlighted clusters with different knowledge gaps that require further research and investment. The carob tree has untapped potential for innovation, economic development and environmental sustainability.