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Mediterranean Minor Fruit Tree Species: Diversification, Characterization and Valorization
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Mediterranean Minor Fruit Tree Species: Diversification, Characterization and Valorization

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 6770

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Raffaella Petruccelli

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Guest Editor
Institute of BioEconomy, National Research Council (CNR-IBE), Via Madonna del Piano n. 10, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
Interests: biodiversity; plant characterization; pomology; plant propagation; plant valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cristiana Giordano

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Guest Editor
Institute of BioEconomy, National Research Council (CNR-IBE), Via Madonna del Piano n. 10, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
Interests: plant biology; cell biology; botany; plant biodiversity; plant ecology; biosystematics; microscopy; electron microscopy; plant anatomy; plant histology; floral biology; pollen
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Tommaso Ganino

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Guest Editor
Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
Interests: micropropagation; flower and fruit biology; frost damage; systematic pomology; evaluation of fruit quality; varietal selection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Deborah Beghé

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Guest Editor
Department of Economics and Management, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
Interests: genetic diversity; molecular markers; agricultural biotechnology; varietal selection; pomology; agronomy; plant production
Dr. Carla Benelli

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Guest Editor
Institute of BioEconomy- National Research Council of Italy (IBE- CNR), 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
Interests: micropropagation; in vitro conservation; cryopreservation; synthetic seed technology; TIS bioreactor
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

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

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

  • 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

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1073 KiB  
Article
Sugar Content in Arbutus unedo L. Fruit and Its Relationship with Climatic and Edaphic Characteristics
by Luciano Chá Chá, Sandrine Ressurreição, Libânia Oliveira, Sandra Santos, Manuel Nunes, Maria Vidal, Jorge Varejão and Filomena Gomes
Plants 2024, 13(23), 3383; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233383 - 1 Dec 2024
Viewed by 675
Abstract
This research was carried out as part of a program for the conservation and improvement of the strawberry tree. Accessions’ prospecting was conducted in different Portuguese provenances. Accessions (204) were identified, and mature fruits were collected in autumn. The sugar contents in the [...] Read more.
This research was carried out as part of a program for the conservation and improvement of the strawberry tree. Accessions’ prospecting was conducted in different Portuguese provenances. Accessions (204) were identified, and mature fruits were collected in autumn. The sugar contents in the fruit pulp (glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose) were analyzed by HPLC and the correlation between the average sugar content, climatic classification (Thornthwaite Method and Xerothermic Index), and edaphic characteristics was investigated. The predominant sugar was fructose, which ranged from 7.89 ± 0.55% to 17.01 ± 1.46% (f.w.), respectively, under an Attenuated Thermomediterranean climate at limestone-derived soil and an Accentuated Mesomediterranean climate at schist-derived soil. The lowest sugar contents, linked to a reduction in photosynthesis, were found: (1) in the north, despite soil water availability, due to the low temperature, high precipitation and short photoperiod, particularly during the fruit maturation (autumn); (2) in the south, due to the excessive number of dry days, linked to low soil water availability during the active growth period, particularly at limestone zones prone to water retention. The relationship found between the total sugar content and climate classification by the Xerothermic Index allows to enhance fruit production, advise on the establishment of new orchards and restore natural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Minor Fruit Tree Species: Diversification, Characterization and Valorization)
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16 pages, 2107 KiB  
Article
Exploring Italian Autochthonous Punica granatum L. Accessions: Pomological, Physicochemical, and Aromatic Investigations
by Deborah Beghè, Martina Cirlini, Elisa Beneventi, Chiara Dall’Asta, Ilaria Marchioni and Raffaella Petruccelli
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2558; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182558 - 12 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Autochthonous Italian pomegranate accessions are still underexplored, although they could be an important resource for fresh consumption, processing, and nutraceutical uses. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize the local germplasm to identify genotypes with desirable traits. In this study, six old Italian pomegranate [...] Read more.
Autochthonous Italian pomegranate accessions are still underexplored, although they could be an important resource for fresh consumption, processing, and nutraceutical uses. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize the local germplasm to identify genotypes with desirable traits. In this study, six old Italian pomegranate landraces and a commercial cultivar (Dente di Cavallo) were investigated, evaluating their fruit pomological parameters, physicochemical (TSS, pH, TA, and color) characteristics, sugar content, and aromatic profiles (HeadSpace Solid-Phase MicroExtraction (HS-SPME)) coupled with Gas Chromatographyass Spectrometry (GC–MS) of pomegranate juices. Significant differences were observed in the size and weight of the seed and fruits (127.50–525.1 g), as well as the sugar content (100–133.6 gL−1), the sweetness (12.9–17.6 °Brix), and the aroma profiles. Over 56 volatile compounds, predominantly alcohols (56%), aldehydes (24%), and terpenes (9%), were simultaneously quantified. Large variability among the genotypes was also statistically confirmed. The results indicate a strong potential for commercial exploitation of this germplasm, both as fresh and processed fruit, and highlight its versatility for diverse applications. The genetic diversity of the autochthonous pomegranate accessions represents a precious heritage to be preserved and enhanced. This work represents a preliminary step toward a more comprehensive characterization and qualitative valorization of the Italian pomegranate germplasm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Minor Fruit Tree Species: Diversification, Characterization and Valorization)
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12 pages, 837 KiB  
Article
First Data on the (Poly)phenolic Profiling of Farmacista Honorati Persimmon Fruit (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) at Commercial Harvest and after Treatments for Astringency Removal
by Lapo Renai, Daniele Bonetti, Giulia Bonaccorso, Francesca Tozzi, Stefania Nin, Edgardo Giordani and Massimo Del Bubba
Plants 2024, 13(13), 1768; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131768 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1432
Abstract
This study aims to provide the first report on the soluble and polyphenolic profiles of “Farmacista Honorati” (FH) persimmons, which is a marketed cultivar with no existing data on its nutraceutical value. Total soluble tannins (TSTs) and major soluble (poly)phenols in FH fruits [...] Read more.
This study aims to provide the first report on the soluble and polyphenolic profiles of “Farmacista Honorati” (FH) persimmons, which is a marketed cultivar with no existing data on its nutraceutical value. Total soluble tannins (TSTs) and major soluble (poly)phenols in FH fruits before and after post-harvest commercial treatments with carbon dioxide and ethylene were analyzed. Fruits at commercial harvest had a TST content of 1022 ± 286 mg GAL/100 g d.w. Whereas, after deastringency treatments, an 85% and 83% reduction were observed for carbon dioxide- and ethylene-treated fruits, respectively. Carbon dioxide treatment resulted in the insolubilization of tannins around comparable values in most fruit cultivars, despite the variable soluble tannin content in untreated fruit. By targeted metabolomic profiling, nineteen (poly)phenolic substances were quantified in the investigated untreated and treated fruits. Gallic acid (99 mg/100 g d.w.), (+)-catechin (1.8 mg/100 g d.w.), ellagic acid (1.2 mg/100 g d.w.), and (−)-epicatechin (1.1 mg/100 g d.w.) were the predominant compounds in the untreated FH samples. After the application of post-harvest treatments, a non-nutraceutical relevant decrease of 8-19% in the targeted (poly)phenolic content was generally observed. Ethylene induced the most significant reduction in the individual (poly)phenolic compounds in the FH fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Minor Fruit Tree Species: Diversification, Characterization and Valorization)
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Review

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17 pages, 827 KiB  
Review
Carob: A Mediterranean Resource for the Future
by Maria Amélia Martins-Loução, Pedro José Correia and Anabela Romano
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091188 - 25 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2951
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 [...] Read more.
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 posed by climate change, including reduced water availability and nutrient-depleted soils, there is a growing need to focus on this crop, which is well placed to cope with unpredictable weather. 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 the scientific knowledge of this under-utilised crop species with fruit pulp and seeds of high industrial value. 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 in fighting 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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Minor Fruit Tree Species: Diversification, Characterization and Valorization)
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