The role of olive groves in the conservation of Mediterranean orchids

Fekete, Réka; Vincze, Orsolya; Süveges, Kristóf; Bak, Henrietta; Malkócs, Tamás; Löki, Viktor; Urgyán, Renáta; Molnár, V Attila

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02490

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…They serve as invaluable reservoirs of biodiversity and cultural heritage, offering a wide spectrum of ecosystem services [118,119]. After all, and despite grow-ing global concerns regarding environmental sustainability and the urgency for resilient agricultural systems, traditional olive groves' significance extends beyond their primary function as sites for cultivating the olive tree; they also serve as critical habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species, fostering ecological diversity and making substantial contributions to biodiversity conservation endeavors [120][121][122].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Linking Thermal Indices, Productivity, Phenotypic Traits, and Stressors for Assessing the Health of Centennial Traditional Olive Trees

Zevgolis,

Kouris,

Christopoulos

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

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Centennial olive trees, integral components of traditional Mediterranean agroecosystems, hold immense value as repositories of biodiversity and cultural heritage due to their physiological attributes and life history, making them crucial for the conservation of High Nature Value ancient olive orchards. However, they are increasingly confronted with physiological challenges exacerbated by various biotic and abiotic stressors jeopardizing their health and productivity, underscoring the urgency for ongoing monitoring and conservation measures to secure their long-term existence. To monitor these challenges, in recent years, the adoption of non-invasive techniques like infrared thermography (IRT) has become prevalent. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the health state of traditional centennial olive trees, with a particular focus on their productivity. To achieve this, we monitored 44 centennial olive trees from a traditional olive grove on the island of Naxos, Greece, a representative location for Mediterranean olive groves, during the period from 2017 to 2020. We established connections between a set of trunk and canopy thermal and humidity indices, phenotypic traits, and the two most prevalent stressors affecting olive trees not only within the context of the island but also more broadly in similar Mediterranean environments worldwide: the olive leaf spot disease (OLS) and crop water stress, assessed through the crop water stress index (CWSI). To evaluate their interrelationships, we initially assessed intraspecific thermal and humidity pattern variations, and we developed linear and logistic regression models to gain insights into the factors influencing olive tree productivity, water stress, and the OLS presence. Results indicated that combining thermal and humidity indices can substantially explain olive tree productivity, water stress, and OLS, providing a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring the health and overall state of centennial olive trees, while offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interactions shaping traditional olive grove dynamics. By identifying key indicators such as tree thermal patterns and water stress levels, olive growers and conservationists can make informed decisions to enhance the vitality and longevity of these culturally and ecologically significant trees.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Linking Thermal Indices, Productivity, Phenotypic Traits, and Stressors for Assessing the Health of Centennial Traditional Olive Trees

Zevgolis,

Kouris,

Christopoulos

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

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“…From an ecological perspective, olive groves contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the conservation of natural resources. These groves create unique habitats for various plant and animal species, promoting ecological diversity (Fekete et al, 2023). Traditional and labor-intensive cultivation practices, including terracing, in the past have bolstered soil conservation and fostered sustainable land resource utilization in olive-growing regions (Giourga & Loumou, 2002).…”

Section: Traditional Visionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trapped in The Past: The Decline of Italian Olive Groves in the Face of Traditional Visions and Policies, Emerging Challenges and Innovation

Pulighe

2023

A&R

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Italy has long been a key player in olive crop production, but the sector is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. This is evident by shrinking cultivated areas, farms, production levels, and investments. Multiple factors contributed to this decline, including traditional cultivation practices, limited innovation and competitiveness, siloed-oriented policies, landscape protection measures, and unsustainable agricultural systems. Phytosanitary issues, such as the spread of Xylella fastidiosa and the effects of climate change and drought, further compounded these challenges. Over the last decade, the sector has undergone preservation efforts focused on the perpetuation of traditional narratives and implementing policies to protect smallholder farmers, old cultivars, and safeguard traditional agri-food products. However, these approaches hinder the sector's ability to adapt and compete in the market, perpetuating stagnation rather than driving the necessary changes. To reverse this decline, the olive sector must undergo necessary evolution, as seen in other sectors, such as viticulture and tree crops. This entails embracing a comprehensive strategy encompassing research and development, infrastructure investment, the promotion of modern cultivation techniques, and policies that support the sector's evolution. Without such measures, the future of Italy's olive industry remains uncertain, with significant implications for its cultural heritage and economy. Italy must recognize the economic and cultural consequences of continued decline and take immediate action for long-term viability.

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The role of olive groves in the conservation of Mediterranean orchids

Cited by 2 publications

References 55 publications

Linking Thermal Indices, Productivity, Phenotypic Traits, and Stressors for Assessing the Health of Centennial Traditional Olive Trees

Linking Thermal Indices, Productivity, Phenotypic Traits, and Stressors for Assessing the Health of Centennial Traditional Olive Trees

Trapped in The Past: The Decline of Italian Olive Groves in the Face of Traditional Visions and Policies, Emerging Challenges and Innovation

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