Enhancing Olive Cultivation Resilience: Sustainable Long-Term and Short-Term Adaptation Strategies to Alleviate Climate Change Impacts
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsLine 38; olive are planted in a relatively large scale also in China
Line 45; please check again the number; in accordance to FAOSTAT, olive oil production is around 3.5 million tons per year
In section 2 (lines 77-140), you focused only on the effect of drought and high temp during summer and you completely ignored, the effect of elevated temp during winter which which reduces the chilling exposure of the trees and causes a dramatic reduction in olive productivity. This is one the main issues related to climate change that affects olive productivity. Another important issue is unstable (extreme) weather condition during flowering which also appear more and more with global climate change and affects productivity
Line 130; you may refer here also to the following referance: Dag, A., Harlev, G., Lavee, S., Zipori, I., & Kerem, Z. (2014). Optimizing olive harvest time under hot climatic conditions of Jordan Valley, Israel. European journal of lipid science and technology, 116(2), 169-176.
Line 276; while discussing soil amendments to improve olive tree performance, you should address also the lately published paper: Ziskin, R., Dag, A., Yermiyahu, U., & Levy, G. J. (2024). Different amendments for combating soil sodicity in an olive orchard. Agricultural Water Management, 299, 108837.
In this chapter (chapter 4), you discuss the application of different compounds to the soil in the olive orchard, one of the most important compounds applied in the olive orchards is olive mill waste; OMWW, and 2-phase pomace. Please mention them as well
Section 4.4 Olive breeding; please explain how olive breeding can assist in mitigating the effect of climate change
Section 5.1. Irrigation is definitely an important component in mitigating climate change. Here you discussed mainly how to optimize irrigation levels. In addition, you need to refer to the use of low-quality water;
Reclaimed wastewater: (see for example Erel, R., Eppel, A., Yermiyahu, U., Ben-Gal, A., Levy, G., Zipori, I., ... & Dag, A. (2019). Long-term irrigation with reclaimed wastewater: Implications on nutrient management, soil chemistry and olive (Olea europaea L.) performance. Agricultural Water Management, 213, 324-335. ), and saline water (see for example: Dag, A., Tugendhaft, Y., Yogev, U., Shatzkin, N., & Priel, N. (2004, September). Commercial cultivation of olive (Olea europaea L.) with saline water under extreme desert conditions. In V International Symposium on Olive Growing 791 (pp. 279-284).)
Line 506-508; this is the wrong statement- in the intensive orchard, and especially in the super -intensive orchards you need to prune much more than in rainfed orchards; the growth is much faster and heavy pruning is essential to allow the penetration of radiation into the canopy
Line 553, you already discussed the use of Zeolites in previous chapter
Author Response
We are thankful for the effort to review the manuscript and we appreciate the valuable comments provided. We did our best to respond to the points raised and we have made the necessary changes according to the indications.
Following, we present in detail the responses to the specific comments.
1. Line 38; olive are planted in a relatively large scale also in China.
R: The authors agree with this suggestion and have removed the word “western”, to also include China. A new reference has been added [6]; please check L44.
2. Line 45; please check again the number; in accordance to FAOSTAT, olive oil production is around 3.5 million tons per year.
R: Thank you for your observation. Indeed, there was a mistake, and we changed it to the correct value. Please check L54-56.
3. In section 2 (lines 77-140), you focused only on the effect of drought and high temp during summer and you completely ignored, the effect of elevated temp during winter which reduces the chilling exposure of the trees and causes a dramatic reduction in olive productivity. This is one the main issues related to climate change that affects olive productivity. Another important issue is unstable (extreme) weather condition during flowering which also appear more and more with global climate change and affects productivity.
R: The authors appreciate this valuable suggestion and have incorporated it by adding a new paragraph and corresponding references. Please check L183-194.
4. Line 130; you may refer here also to the following reference: Dag, A., Harlev, G., Lavee, S., Zipori, I., & Kerem, Z. (2014). Optimizing olive harvest time under hot climatic conditions of Jordan Valley, Israel. European journal of lipid science and technology, 116(2), 169-176.
R: The reference was included [54].
5. Line 276; while discussing soil amendments to improve olive tree performance, you should address also the lately published paper: Ziskin, R., Dag, A., Yermiyahu, U., & Levy, G. J. (2024). Different amendments for combating soil sodicity in an olive orchard. Agricultural Water Management, 299, 108837.
R: The reference has been included [93], and some adjustments have been made to the text. Please review lines 398–401.
6. In this chapter (chapter 4), you discuss the application of different compounds to the soil in the olive orchard, one of the most important compounds applied in the olive orchards is olive mill waste; OMWW, and 2-phase pomace. Please mention them as well.
R: In response to the reviewer's suggestion, a new section titled '4.3.3. Olive Mill Wastes' has been added to address the application of OMWW and two-phase pomace in olive orchards. Additional references have been included to support this discussion, and Figure 2 has been updated to incorporate this soil amendment.
7. Section 4.4 Olive breeding; please explain how olive breeding can assist in mitigating the effect of climate change.
R: Thank you for your suggestion. We believe that the role of olive breeding in mitigating the effects of climate change is already addressed in the manuscript. However, for clarity, we have revised the text to make this contribution more explicit. Please refer to L569-573 for the updated explanation.
8. Section 5.1. Irrigation is definitely an important component in mitigating climate change. Here you discussed mainly how to optimize irrigation levels. In addition, you need to refer to the use of low-quality water.
9. Reclaimed wastewater: (see for example Erel, R., Eppel, A., Yermiyahu, U., Ben-Gal, A., Levy, G., Zipori, I., ... & Dag, A. (2019). Long-term irrigation with reclaimed wastewater: Implications on nutrient management, soil chemistry and olive (Olea europaea L.) performance. Agricultural Water Management, 213, 324-335. ), and saline water (see for example: Dag, A., Tugendhaft, Y., Yogev, U., Shatzkin, N., & Priel, N. (2004, September). Commercial cultivation of olive (Olea europaea L.) with saline water under extreme desert conditions. In V International Symposium on Olive Growing 791 (pp. 279-284).)
R 8 and 9: We agree that the use of low-quality water is a relevant and increasingly important aspect of irrigation in the context of climate change. We will incorporate a discussion on the use of alternative water sources, such as low-quality or reclaimed water to address water scarcity in olive cultivation, and its potential role in improving water sustainability. Please see lines 642-667.
10. Line 506-508; this is the wrong statement- in the intensive orchard, and especially in the super -intensive orchards you need to prune much more than in rainfed orchards; the growth is much faster and heavy pruning is essential to allow the penetration of radiation into the canopy.
R: Thank you for your valuable feedback. After careful consideration and a review of the literature, we have revised the statement on pruning in high-density and super-intensive irrigated orchards to better reflect the nuances of orchard management. While it is generally true that denser canopies in these systems require more frequent pruning to ensure adequate light penetration and aeration, research also indicates that the age of the orchard and the vegetative-reproductive balance play significant roles in determining the optimal pruning strategy. We have updated the manuscript to incorporate these considerations, acknowledging that while pruning is critical in intensive systems, the intensity and approach must be carefully tailored to the objectives. We hope this revised text addresses your concerns and better captures the complexity of pruning strategies in these systems. Please check L700-730.
11. Line 553, you already discussed the use of Zeolites in previous chapter.
R: While the use of zeolites was previously discussed in the context of soil amendments, in this chapter, we address their application as particle films, as noted in the text. Please check L768-771.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsTitle of the manuscript: Enhancing Olive Cultivation Resilience: Sustainable Long-term and Short-term Adaptation Strategies to Alleviate Climate 3 Change Impacts
Manuscript ID: horticulturae-3203393
This study investigated sustainable long-term and short-term adaptation strategies to alleviate the impacts of climate change on olive cultivation and showed that by integrating adaptive practices and technological advancements, the olive sector could better address climate challenges, contribute to global food security, and advance environmental sustainability. The manuscript has a good structure, but authors should address the following comments before resubmitting it.
General comments:
1. Please ensure that all figures are referenced in the text.
2. There are a lot of old citations throughout the text that need to be updated.
Abstract:
3. The differentiation between long-term and short-term strategies should be explained in the Abstract.
4. Abstracts should demonstrate the originality/value of the study's contribution to the international literature.
5. In lines 22 and 23, the authors mentioned the need for ongoing research, which is repeated in the conclusion part of the Abstract.
6. In line 23, "explore" should be revised to "explores".
Keywords:
7. Please replace keywords that are already mentioned in the title (e.g., climate change) with other terms.
Introduction:
8. Lines 48–56: Consider improving the Introduction section by introducing some examples of areas where climate change is currently affecting olive production.
9. In lines 57–61, the role of sustainable practices in combating soil erosion should be highlighted.
10. In line 40, you can use "is due to" instead of "is primarily attributed to".
11. Consider adding the significance of the study at the end of the Introduction. Explain how the findings could influence policy or management practices.
12. Explain why it is essential to explore this study.
13. Consider introducing the research questions.
Climate Change Projections and Impacts on Olive Tree:
14. Transitions of the discussion between precipitation changes and the physiological impacts on olive trees are unclear and structured.
15. Line 90: What do you mean by "several damages"? Do you mean some types of damage (e.g., loss in yield, increased pest infestations)?
Sustainable Practices to Adapt and Mitigate Climate Change:
16. In this section, you should explain your idea more clearly regarding sustainable agricultural goals and specific regional examples (e.g., areas where mulching has proven successful).
17. Consider adding some explanations on the short-term versus long-term effectiveness of certain strategies.
Long-term Adaptation Strategies:
18. This section can be improved by adding quantitative data (e.g., yield improvement or soil quality benefits).
19. In line 260, explain how mulching effectiveness is compared across different climates or farm sizes.
20. Line 204: Consider revising this statement "usually related to their ability to reduce" for more clarity.
21. Consider adding a new section entitled “Material and Methods” and explaining the methodology you used for the study.
22. You also need to include a Results and Discussion section to explain the findings of your study and compare the results with recent studies.
Conclusion and future perspectives:
23. The focus should be on restating the main results and demonstrating how the research questions have been thoroughly examined and explained.
24. Consider enriching this section with paragraphs discussing the international policy implications of the study's findings.
25. The theoretical and practical implications of the study's findings should be highlighted in this section.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageModerate editing of the English language is required.
Author Response
We appreciate the recognition of the work value and the valuable comments provided. We did our best to respond to the points raised and we have made the necessary changes according to the indications.
General comments:
1. Please ensure that all figures are referenced in the text.
R: We checked the manuscript and the figures are referenced in the text. Please see L205 and L244.
2. There are a lot of old citations throughout the text that need to be updated.
R: We appreciate your suggestion to update the references. In some cases, we have intentionally retained older citations, alongside newer ones, as they represent foundational work in the field that continues to be relevant today, especially for practices extensively studied some years ago. However, we recognize the importance of integrating more up-to-date research and have reviewed the citations throughout the manuscript to ensure that recent developments are reflected where applicable.
Abstract:
3. The differentiation between long-term and short-term strategies should be explained in the Abstract.
R: We have revised the Abstract to clearly differentiate between long-term and short-term adaptation strategies. Please check L20 and L23. We also slightly reorganized the abstract to meet the word limit while preserving its core message
4. Abstracts should demonstrate the originality/value of the study's contribution to the international literature.
R: We have revised the abstract to better highlight the originality and value of the study's contribution (L16-19). We also slightly reorganized the abstract to meet the word limit while preserving its core message.
5. In lines 22 and 23, the authors mentioned the need for ongoing research, which is repeated in the conclusion part of the Abstract.
R: It was removed. We also slightly reorganized the abstract to meet the word limit while preserving its core message.
6. In line 23, "explore" should be revised to "explores".
R: The word was removed. We also slightly reorganized the abstract to meet the word limit while preserving its core message.
Keywords:
7. Please replace keywords that are already mentioned in the title (e.g., climate change) with other terms.
R: Done: global warming.
Introduction:
8. Lines 48–56: Consider improving the Introduction section by introducing some examples of areas where climate change is currently affecting olive production.
R: Thank you for your suggestion. The impacts of climate change on olive production are indeed widespread across the Mediterranean region. However, the majority of current studies focus on projections and theoretical models rather than immediate, detailed case studies of ongoing effects. Much of the information on current shifts is often found in press releases rather than peer-reviewed scientific data. Our Introduction emphasizes the overarching climatic trends and challenges that are projected to affect olive cultivation, as outlined in the scientific literature. We believe this approach provides a solid foundation for discussing adaptation strategies.
9. In lines 57–61, the role of sustainable practices in combating soil erosion should be highlighted.
R: We have revised the manuscript to emphasize the role of sustainable practices in combating soil erosion (See L92-94).
10. In line 40, you can use "is due to" instead of "is primarily attributed to".
R: The sentence was revised, and the changes were made while addressing other review comments.
11. Consider adding the significance of the study at the end of the Introduction. Explain how the findings could influence policy or management practices.
12. Explain why it is essential to explore this study.
13. Consider introducing the research questions.
R 11-13: We have addressed the reviewer's comments by enhancing the Introduction section to clearly articulate the significance of the study, the necessity of exploring it, and the research questions guiding our investigation. Please check L107-120.
Climate Change Projections and Impacts on Olive Tree:
14. Transitions of the discussion between precipitation changes and the physiological impacts on olive trees are unclear and structured.
R: Revisions have been made to clarify the transition between precipitation changes and their physiological impacts on olive trees. Please check L142-145 for the updated content.
15. Line 90: What do you mean by "several damages"? Do you mean some types of damage (e.g., loss in yield, increased pest infestations)?
R: By 'several damages,' the authors are referring to the negative impacts on plant physiology, growth, productivity, and the quality of both olive fruit and oil, as described in detail below in the text. With the clarification made in lines 142-145, following the Reviewer's suggestion, the authors believe this point is now well addressed.
Sustainable Practices to Adapt and Mitigate Climate Change:
16. In this section, you should explain your idea more clearly regarding sustainable agricultural goals and specific regional examples (e.g., areas where mulching has proven successful).
R: The authors appreciate the valuable suggestion. We have added more information regarding the Sustainable Development Goals directly related to agriculture (lines 228-233) to clarify this point further. Regarding specific regional examples, such as areas where mulching has been successful, we believe that the examples and studies cited in Section 4.2 (Mulching) provide sufficient evidence of the effectiveness of this practice.
17. Consider adding some explanations on the short-term versus long-term effectiveness of certain strategies.
R: Thank you for the suggestion. While this section, 'Sustainable Practices to Adapt and Mitigate Climate Change,' primarily introduces the definitions and distinctions between long-term and short-term strategies, the effectiveness of these strategies is thoroughly discussed in Sections 4 (Long-term Adaptation Strategies) and 5 (Short-term Adaptation Strategies). In those sections, we explore various strategies in depth, provide examples, and support the discussion with extensive references. As the goal of this section was to offer a brief introduction to contextualize the practices, we have reserved a more detailed examination of their effectiveness for the later sections.
Long-term Adaptation Strategies:
18. This section can be improved by adding quantitative data (e.g., yield improvement or soil quality benefits).
R: Thank you for the thoughtful suggestion. We have incorporated some quantitative data in certain parts of this section (please see lines 334, 468-469, and 500). While we agree that quantitative data can greatly enhance the discussion, we have opted to focus on broader trends and qualitative insights to maintain the manuscript’s concise and comprehensive.
19. In line 260, explain how mulching effectiveness is compared across different climates or farm sizes.
R: We apologize for any confusion. Line 260 refers to a specific study by Ferraj (2011), which does not compare mulching effectiveness across different climates or farm sizes. To address this important suggestion, we have added a new sentence discussing the necessity of comparing mulching effectiveness across various regions and climates. Please see lines 388-391 for the updated information.
20. Line 204: Consider revising this statement "usually related to their ability to reduce" for more clarity.
R: The authors appreciate the Reviewer’s suggestion to clarify this statement. We have revised the section for greater clarity. Please refer to line 315 for the updated text.
21. Consider adding a new section entitled “Material and Methods” and explaining the methodology you used for the study.
R: Thank you for the valuable suggestion. As a literature review, the strategies discussed were selected based on their prominence in highly cited, recent studies, and their demonstrated applicability, supported by robust evidence. To address your concern, we have added a new paragraph in the Introduction (lines 124-130) to clarify the criteria used for selecting these strategies.
22. You also need to include a Results and Discussion section to explain the findings of your study and compare the results with recent studies.
R: Thank you for the suggestion. However, this manuscript is a literature review and does not present original experimental results. Instead, it provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent studies on climate change and sustainable agricultural practices in olive cultivation. The review discusses the findings of multiple studies, comparing and evaluating them to provide insights and identify effective adaptation strategies. The Discussion within the review serves the purpose of interpreting the collective findings and drawing comparisons with recent work in the field.
Conclusion and future perspectives:
23. The focus should be on restating the main results and demonstrating how the research questions have been thoroughly examined and explained.
R: The authors agree on the importance of demonstrating how the research questions have been thoroughly examined and explained. To address this, we have made revisions to the Conclusion section to better highlight how these questions were addressed in the review. Please check L951-953 for the updated content.
24. Consider enriching this section with paragraphs discussing the international policy implications of the study's findings.
R: Thank you for the suggestion. We believe that future policy frameworks should emphasize incentivizing sustainable farming practices, promoting research and development of climate-resilient technologies, and providing financial and technical support to farmers. In response to your valuable input, we have enriched the 'Future Perspectives' section with discussions on policy implications and included concrete examples of policies that align with the sustainable goals addressed in this review. We hope this addition provides a comprehensive view of the international policy relevance of our findings.
25. The theoretical and practical implications of the study's findings should be highlighted in this section.
R: Thank you for your valuable feedback. In response to your suggestion, we have expanded and rearranged the "Conclusions and Future Perspectives" section to better highlight both the theoretical and practical implications of the study’s findings. Please check L961-995.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsComments:
1. Begin with a broader context of the importance of olive cultivation to global agriculture, alongside specific statistics on production levels and the economic significance of olives to Mediterranean countries.
2. Discuss the current state of climate change impacts globally before narrowing down to its specific influence on olive cultivation.
3. Include a more comprehensive literature review that discusses recent findings on climate change impacts on different crops, not limited to olives, offering comparative insights.
4. Look into how other agricultural sectors are adapting to similar challenges, creating cross-references that could indicate effective practices transferable to olive farming.
5. Clearly outline the methodology of selecting the adaptation strategies discussed in the article, ensuring that the criteria for their effectiveness are well-defined and scientifically justified.
6. Present a table or chart to summarize different long-term and short-term strategies alongside their anticipated outcomes, research backing them, and any constraints.
7. Expand on the technological innovations available for both long- and short-term adaptation practices, perhaps discussing precision agriculture technologies, remote sensing, and data analytics in irrigation management.
8. Illustrate specific case studies that demonstrate the successful application of technology in olive cultivation and the tangible benefits observed.
9. Recommend including a section on regional variations in climate impacts and strategies, thereby providing actionable insights for farmers adjusted to different Mediterranean climates.
10. Suggest the incorporation of farmer testimonials or case studies from various regions, highlighting successful adaptation practices and options viable in specific locales.
11. Discuss the role of government policies and support programs in facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices. Provide examples of existing policies that positively impact the olive sector.
12. Include recommendations for future policy directions and how they could better support olive growers in adapting to climate change.
13. Integrate an analysis of the economic implications of implementing both long- and short-term adaptation practices, including costs versus benefits, potential return on investment, and how these practices may affect olive market prices.
14. Consider using models or projections to present potential economic outcomes of proactive versus reactive adaptation strategies under various climate scenarios.
15. Conclude with a well-defined roadmap for future research needs, focusing on gaps identified in the literature concerning adaptation practices specific to olive cultivation.
16. Highlight the necessity for interdisciplinary research, bringing together agronomists, economists, climatologists, and policymakers to comprehensively address challenges.
17. Add more visual aids such as diagrams, flowcharts, and maps to illustrate processes, the impact of climate change on olive groves, and the proposed adaptation strategies.
18. Suggest strategies for educating olive farmers on the practices discussed, possibly advocating for the establishment of training programs, field demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing platforms among local farming communities.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageRevision required
Author Response
1. Begin with a broader context of the importance of olive cultivation to global agriculture, alongside specific statistics on production levels and the economic significance of olives to Mediterranean countries.
R: The introduction already provides a comprehensive overview of olive cultivation and its significance to Mediterranean agriculture, as well as statistics on production levels. However, we acknowledge that global statistics and economic importance could be strengthened. We incorporated more information regarding the production, exports and imports statistics and elaborated on the socioeconomic impact of olives, especially in Mediterranean countries, as suggested (lines 54-69).
2. Discuss the current state of climate change impacts globally before narrowing down to its specific influence on olive cultivation.
R: We have indeed addressed the broader impacts of climate change on a global scale within the manuscript and subsequently focused on its specific effects on olive cultivation. In response to your suggestion, we have reorganized this section to better highlight the global context of climate change before narrowing down to its implications for olive trees. We have also included additional insights to ensure that is clear and comprehensive (lines 70-87).
3. Include a more comprehensive literature review that discusses recent findings on climate change impacts on different crops, not limited to olives, offering comparative insights.
R: Thank you for the suggestion. While comparative insights on climate change impacts across different crops are indeed valuable, the primary focus of this manuscript is on olive cultivation. Olive trees are quite well-studied concerning the specific adversities associated with climate change, and our review aims to provide a detailed analysis of these well-documented impacts and adaptation strategies. Including a broader comparative review of other crops, though important, could potentially dilute the focus of the manuscript and make it overly extensive and complex. Our goal is to maintain a clear and targeted discussion on olives, reflecting the most relevant and extensively studied information. We believe this approach will provide the most precise and useful insights for olive cultivation.
4. Look into how other agricultural sectors are adapting to similar challenges, creating cross-references that could indicate effective practices transferable to olive farming.
R: While we have discussed some adaptation practices relevant to both olive cultivation and other crops within the manuscript, we recognize the value of exploring additional cross-references from other agricultural sectors. However, given the specific focus of this review on olives, we have concentrated on the most studied and promising adaptation strategies for olive trees. Including an extensive comparison with practices from other sectors would broaden the scope of the manuscript and potentially make it overly complex. We believe that the strategies discussed are already comprehensive and relevant.
5. Clearly outline the methodology of selecting the adaptation strategies discussed in the article, ensuring that the criteria for their effectiveness are well-defined and scientifically justified.
R: Thank you for highlighting the need for clarity regarding the selection of adaptation strategies. As a literature review, the strategies discussed were chosen based on their prominence in highly cited and recent studies, as well as their demonstrated applicability and robustness of supporting evidence. To address your concern and improve the manuscript, we will add a detailed section outlining the criteria used for identifying the climate change impacts on olive cultivation and selecting these strategies. This will include considerations of scientific relevance, applicability, and the robustness of supporting evidence (line 124-130).
6. Present a table or chart to summarize different long-term and short-term strategies alongside their anticipated outcomes, research backing them, and any constraints.
R: A comprehensive figure summarizing both long-term and short-term adaptation strategies with their expected effects is already included in the manuscript. Please refer to Figure 2, which provides an overview of the strategies aligned with their direct impacts on soil and olive tree responses, as well as their overall benefits to the olive sector.
7. Expand on the technological innovations available for both long- and short-term adaptation practices, perhaps discussing precision agriculture technologies, remote sensing, and data analytics in irrigation management.
R: The manuscript currently addresses precision irrigation management and related technologies for monitoring soil moisture and plant water status (L618-520). Still, we included extra information following your suggestion (L620-623). Moreover, we also acknowledge in the "Future Perspectives" section that this area will benefit from increased attention in the future for advancing these technologies and incorporating data-driven decision-making (L1002).
8. Illustrate specific case studies that demonstrate the successful application of technology in olive cultivation and the tangible benefits observed.
R: The specific case studies are effectively represented by the scientific articles analyzed and cited throughout the manuscript. These articles collectively illustrate the successful application of technology in olive cultivation and the tangible benefits observed. Following your suggestion, we conducted a search for reports or feedback from olive farms and associations but found no additional available sources. Conducting further work to directly engage with farmers, perform interviews, and analyze their implementations would involve a different scope of research, which is beyond the current study’s design. We believe that the cited studies offer a comprehensive overview of technological advancements and their impacts on olive cultivation.
9. Recommend including a section on regional variations in climate impacts and strategies, thereby providing actionable insights for farmers adjusted to different Mediterranean climates.
R: While our manuscript primarily focuses on olive cultivation across the Mediterranean as a whole, we recognize the importance of understanding regional differences in climate impacts and how these may influence specific adaptation strategies. Given the vast and diverse climatic conditions across the Mediterranean, regional variations can indeed play a crucial role in tailoring effective adaptation practices. However, incorporating a detailed regional analysis would significantly expand the scope of this review. To address this, we suggest that future research could benefit from a more detailed examination of regional climate impacts and corresponding strategies. This would provide actionable insights specific to various Mediterranean climates, enabling more targeted and effective adaptation practices for farmers. For the current manuscript, we have provided a general overview, which we believe offers a solid foundation for understanding the broad impacts and strategies relevant to the region as a whole.
10. Suggest the incorporation of farmer testimonials or case studies from various regions, highlighting successful adaptation practices and options viable in specific locales.
R: Incorporating farmer testimonials and case studies from various regions could indeed offer valuable insights into successful adaptation practices and options viable in specific locales. However, the current manuscript primarily relies on scientific articles to illustrate these practices. We have previously addressed this aspect by noting that the cited studies provide a comprehensive overview of adaptation strategies and their impacts (question 8). Conducting additional research, such as direct interviews with farmers and collecting localized feedback, would involve a different scope and dimension, potentially forming the basis for a separate manuscript. This is a valuable idea for future research and could significantly contribute to understanding adaptation practices in diverse settings.
11. Discuss the role of government policies and support programs in facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices. Provide examples of existing policies that positively impact the olive sector.
R: While the primary focus of this manuscript is not on policy analysis, we do acknowledge the importance of government policies in supporting sustainable practices. We have already briefly addressed the alignment of these practices with major frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (L1028-1030). In response to your suggestion, we recognize the added value of discussing specific policies, and we have included examples of relevant programs and initiatives that can support the adoption of these practices (see lines 981-987). to notice that the “Conclusions and Future Perspectives Section” was reorganized to meet other reviewer suggestions, but also incorporating your valuable contribution.
12. Include recommendations for future policy directions and how they could better support olive growers in adapting to climate change.
R: We fully recognize the critical role that policy plays in supporting olive growers as they adapt to climate change. However, as the focus of this manuscript is on agronomic practices and scientific insights, we have not conducted an in-depth analysis of policy frameworks. Given the complexity of climate adaptation, future policy recommendations would likely benefit from collaboration with experts in agricultural policy and economics.
That being said, future policy frameworks must focus on incentivizing sustainable farming practices, promoting research and development of climate-resilient technologies, and providing financial and technical support to farmers, as included at the “Future perspectives” section of the manuscript (lines 988-990). Policies such as those aligned with the European Green Deal or the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are already paving the way in this direction, and continued refinement of such initiatives is vital to building resilience in the olive sector. We believe that further research in this area is necessary to provide more concrete policy recommendations that can effectively guide olive growers in facing climate challenges.
13. Integrate an analysis of the economic implications of implementing both long- and short-term adaptation practices, including costs versus benefits, potential return on investment, and how these practices may affect olive market prices.
R: We appreciate the importance of assessing the economic implications of adaptation strategies, including costs, benefits, and potential return on investment. However, as this manuscript is a scientific/technical review focusing on agronomic practices and their scientific underpinnings, a detailed economic analysis falls outside the scope of the current work. Conducting such an analysis would require specialized expertise in agricultural economics and financial modeling, which could be more suited for a separate study or collaboration with economists.
That said, we recognize that the adoption of long- and short-term adaptation strategies may indeed influence market dynamics and farm-level economics. Future studies in this area would greatly benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating both agronomic and economic perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential costs and benefits for olive growers.
14. Consider using models or projections to present potential economic outcomes of proactive versus reactive adaptation strategies under various climate scenarios.
R: We appreciate the suggestion to incorporate models or projections to present potential economic outcomes of adaptation strategies under various climate scenarios. However, as this is a literature review, modeling or projection work was not conducted, as it falls outside the scope of this study. The focus of this manuscript is on reviewing and summarizing the scientific and agronomic practices related to climate change adaptation in olive cultivation, rather than providing economic forecasts.
That being said, we agree that this could be a valuable area for future research, especially in collaboration with economists or modeling experts. Incorporating such models would certainly provide a more comprehensive understanding of the economic implications of climate adaptation in the olive sector.
15. Conclude with a well-defined roadmap for future research needs, focusing on gaps identified in the literature concerning adaptation practices specific to olive cultivation.
R: The manuscript already addresses future research needs and gaps in adaptation practices, particularly in the "Future Perspectives" section (L995-1010). Additionally, throughout the manuscript, after discussing each strategy or set of strategies, a critical analysis was conducted to highlight specific gaps and propose directions for future research. We believe that these sections collectively offer a clear roadmap for advancing the understanding and implementation of climate adaptation strategies in olive cultivation.
16. Highlight the necessity for interdisciplinary research, bringing together agronomists, economists, climatologists, and policymakers to comprehensively address challenges.
R: We agree that interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial. While this concept is referenced in the manuscript, we will emphasize it more clearly in the "Future Research" section (line 1011-1015).
17. Add more visual aids such as diagrams, flowcharts, and maps to illustrate processes, the impact of climate change on olive groves, and the proposed adaptation strategies.
R: The manuscript currently features two figures: Figure 1, which illustrates the cause-and-effect relationships between conventional agronomic practices, climate change, and their impacts on olive groves, and Figure 2, which schematics various adaptation strategies categorized into long- and short-term approaches and their implications for the olive industry. Given the focus and scope of the manuscript, we believe that these figures sufficiently convey the necessary information. Including additional schemes could potentially lead to redundancy and exceed the current scope of the review. We trust that the current figures effectively support the text and provide clarity on the discussed topics.
18. Suggest strategies for educating olive farmers on the practices discussed, possibly advocating for the establishment of training programs, field demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing platforms among local farming communities.
R: The manuscript already addresses this need as can be seen in the following sentence: “A key component of advancing these strategies is the integration of education for both farmers and policymakers about the impacts of climate change and soil degradation, as well as the best agronomic practices to mitigate these effects. This could be facilitated through living labs, workshops, and demonstrations of products and technologies by industry stakeholders, farmer associations, and research institutions.” In L973-977. This sentence was reorganized in this section to meet other reviewers' suggestions.
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe topic of the review is very interesting. Overall, the manuscript is very well written. However, I have some suggestions that should be addressed in order to enhance the quality of your paper.
Short- and long-term adaptation strategies can also be discussed in the introduction section.
Fig. 1: “changes in fatty acid” -> “changed fatty acid and…” 2. Changed oxidative stability
Line 436: Spacing issue
Line 448: Use full name while starting the sentence
Line 462: “Research” replaces with a more suitable word i.e., studies
--Quantity of references is excessive. A good review article must contain between 50-100 good references. You are currently using more than 190 references. I suggest selecting the most current and important ones (hopefully from prestigious journals) to be considered in your publication.
--References are not entirely correct. DOI should always be added when available. Please check the Author's Submission guidelines.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageSome sentences can be improved.
Author Response
The topic of the review is very interesting. Overall, the manuscript is very well written. However, I have some suggestions that should be addressed in order to enhance the quality of your paper.
R: We appreciate the recognition of the work value and the valuable comments provided. We did our best to respond to the points raised and we have made the necessary changes according to the indications.
1. Short- and long-term adaptation strategies can also be discussed in the introduction section.
R: We have now incorporated a discussion of both short- and long-term adaptation strategies in the Introduction section, as per your recommendation. Please check L112-114.
2. Fig.1: “changes in fatty acid” -> “changed fatty acid and…” 2. Changed oxidative stability
R: Thank you for the corrections. The suggested changes have been made.
3. Line 436: Spacing issue
R: The change has been made.
4. Line 448: Use full name while starting the sentence
R: The change has been made.
5. Line 462: “Research” replaces with a more suitable word i.e., studies
R: The change has been made. Please check L628.
6. Quantity of references is excessive. A good review article must contain between 50-100 good references. You are currently using more than 190 references. I suggest selecting the most current and important ones (hopefully from prestigious journals) to be considered in your publication.
R: We completely agree that the number of references in this review is quite high. The extensive range of topics covered necessitated a comprehensive literature base to ensure that all relevant areas and strategies were adequately addressed. This comprehensive approach naturally led to a higher reference count.
In addition, incorporating the suggestions from other reviewers required us to include additional references. This includes the addition of a new topic on olive mill waste and expanded discussions on specific areas such as production statistics, impacts of high temperatures on flowering, precision irrigation techniques, pruning management and the use of alternative water sources.
We fully understand your concern regarding the number of references and appreciate your understanding given the broad scope of the review and the detailed responses to the reviewers' comments. We believe that the references included are essential for providing a thorough understanding of the topics covered and for supporting the detailed discussions within the manuscript.
7. References are not entirely correct. DOI should always be added when available. Please check the Author's Submission guidelines.
R: The authors appreciate this important suggestion. We have reviewed and updated all references, ensuring that DOIs have been added where available, in accordance with the Author's Submission guidelines.
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors addressed the comments and the ms. can be accepted
Author Response
The authors sincerely thank the Reviewer for their valuable feedback and consideration.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsTitle of manuscript: Enhancing Olive Cultivation Resilience: Sustainable Long-term and Short-term Adaptation Strategies to Alleviate Climate Change Impacts
Manuscript ID: horticulturae-3203393
The authors have addressed my previous comments in a good way but there are still some minor issues that need to be resolved. My new comments are as follows:
1. The title could be clearer.
2. The statement "innovative products and technologies and practical solutions" (in line 18) should be revised.
3. In line 46, consider rewriting this statement "The socioeconomic importance of olive cultivation is largely due to the production of olive oil" for more clarity and readability.
4. The caption of Figure 1 is short and vague. Consider revising the caption.
5. The Introduction should support the purpose of this study by adding the results of some studies regarding long-term and short-term adaptation strategies.
6. Institutional barriers that may affect the acceptance and adoption of sustainable practices (e.g., land tenure issues, lack of access to finance, or government subsidies) should be included in the Conclusion section.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required.
Author Response
We appreciate the time and effort the Reviewer has dedicated to providing a thorough second review of our manuscript. We have carefully addressed the points raised and made the necessary revisions following the feedback. Below, we present our detailed responses to the specific comments.
1. The title could be clearer.
R: The authors believe that the original title, "Enhancing Olive Cultivation Resilience: Sustainable Long-term and Short-term Adaptation Strategies to Alleviate Climate Change Impacts", is clear and distinct from other reviews available in the literature. However, in response to the Reviewer's suggestion, we propose the revised title: "Sustainable Long-term and Short-term Adaptation Strategies for Olive Cultivation under Climate Change." We respectfully leave the final decision on the title to the Editor’s discretion.
2. The statement "innovative products and technologies and practical solutions" (in line 18) should be revised.
R: The statement was changed. Please check L18.
3. In line 46, consider rewriting this statement "The socioeconomic importance of olive cultivation is largely due to the production of olive oil" for more clarity and readability.
R: The statement was changed. Please check L46.
4. The caption of Figure 1 is short and vague. Consider revising the caption.
R: The caption of Figure 1 was revised and improved, in order to provide more information, according to this suggestion. Please, check L225-232.
5. The Introduction should support the purpose of this study by adding the results of some studies regarding long-term and short-term adaptation strategies.
R: The authors acknowledge the reviewer's suggestion. Considering the structure of the present Review, we have designed the Introduction to contextualize the state of the art and outline the study's objectives and novelty. Throughout the manuscript, we have thoroughly explored several long-term and short-term adaptation strategies, supported by robust literature and results. We believe that incorporating additional results on these strategies into the Introduction section may be redundant and could disrupt the manuscript's overall structure.
We have included some of the practices discussed in the manuscript in the Introduction section as suggested. Please see lines 107-111.
6. Institutional barriers that may affect the acceptance and adoption of sustainable practices (e.g., land tenure issues, lack of access to finance, or government subsidies) should be included in the Conclusion section.
R: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have revised the relevant sections of the manuscript to incorporate a comprehensive discussion of these barriers. Please see lines 982-987.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authorsok
Author Response
The authors thank the Reviewer for their feedback and consideration.
