Mediterranean Agriculture Research Articles

Enhancing Olive Cultivation Resilience: Sustainable Long-Term and Short-Term Adaptation Strategies to Alleviate Climate Change Impacts

Olive cultivation, an icon of Mediterranean agriculture, economy, and cultural heritage, faces significant challenges due to climate change and soil degradation. Climate projections indicate that altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of extreme weather events will adversely affect olive tree growth, fruit quality, and yield. This review provides a novel perspective on addressing these challenges through both long-term and short-term adaptation strategies, emphasizing innovative products, advanced technologies, and practical solutions that must work synergistically and be tailored to regional conditions. Long-term practices refer to proactive strategies for enduring climate resilience, including cover cropping, mulching, soil amendments, and breeding programs which enhance soil health, improve water retention, and increase the trees’ resilience. Short-term strategies focus on immediate impacts, offering immediate stress relief and enhanced plant physiological responses, including optimized irrigation systems, pruning management, particle coating films, biostimulants, and plant growth regulators. The review underscores the importance of aligning agricultural practices with sustainability goals and evolving environmental policies and the education of farmers and policymakers. By integrating adaptive practices and technological advancements, the olive sector can better address climate challenges, contribute to global food security, and advance environmental sustainability.

Unveiling the Opportunities of Unexplored Use of Cover Crop in Mediterranean Agriculture through Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cover crops are multifunctional, and contribute to improving soil properties and reducing environmental impact compared to no-cover crops, thus could provide multiple soil, agricultural, and environmental benefits, and they are recognized as a valid strategy for the achievement of sustainable agriculture. However, cover crops’ impacts on subsequent cash crops and soil characteristics are dependent on several factors, such as pedoclimatic conditions, cover crop species, agricultural practices, method of termination, and irrigation management. The fact that cover crops are never applied as a single practice in the real agricultural sector, but are instead combined with other factors or agricultural practices, deeply affects their performance, but the scientific literature nevertheless keeps considering the use of cover crops alone. Moreover, the potential outcomes of cover crops that encompass other factors or agricultural practices affecting soil quality, weed control, and cash crops are still unclear. Additionally, cover crops are still poorly use in the Mediterranean type of climate. Therefore, this study reviewed the scientific literature to identify the most relevant factors or agricultural practices driving cover crops’ performance, and to outline future fields of investigation looking towards promising sustainable agriculture in Mediterranean areas with a view to minimizing the competition for soil water with the cropping systems and to reduce soil degradation. Furthermore, the investigation includes multiple factors or agricultural practices that better represent the real farming system, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with cover crops, and suggests alternative strategies for reducing yield gap while seeking to achieve agricultural sustainability.

Participation of urea application stages on flour quality in bread wheat

Laboratory studies, which field trial was conducted in the 2020-2021 growing season at the Eastern Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute, were conducted at Gümüşhane University. In this study, the findings showed that urea was used as the top fertilizer in different growth stages of the 'Yakamoz' bread wheat cultivar used as material, and the effects of urea application periods and flour type, on the quality traits, such as dry matter, ash, protein, acidity, fresh and dry gluten, gluten index, sedimentation, and falling number were investigated. For this purpose, in addition to the control application, tillering, stem elongation, milky and dough stages were chosen as urea application periods. Laboratory studies were carried out in randomized plots using the split-plot design with three replications. In the present study, all quality traits showed statistically significant differences for urea application periods; these values were ranged as follows: Dry matter: 90.20-90.77%, ash: 1.037-1.213%, protein: 14.01-15.15%, acidity: 0.037-0.056%, wet gluten: 41.49-43.67%, dry gluten: 14.75%-15.46, gluten index: 69.28-80.38%, sedimentation: 20.0-21.0 mL, late sedimentation: 23.5-29.8 mL and falling number: 753.8-881.7 s. In addition, other quality parameters except dry matter, protein and sedimentation changed statistically for flour type. Accordingly, whole wheat flour for ash (1.443%), acidity (0.051%) and gluten index (82.53%); white flour showed high values for wet (44.90%) and dry (15.96%) gluten, late sedimentation (35.60 mL) and falling number (836.4 s). As a result, while applying urea as a top fertilizer, it is recommended to choose the stem elongation stage for high gluten index, delayed sedimentation and protein, and the dough maturity stage for high dry matter. It would be appropriate to represent more genotypes and different nitrogen sources in further studies to be more inclusive.

Sustainability of Organic Fertilizers Use in Dryland Mediterranean Agriculture

Organic fertilization is a key issue in European Union (EU) regulations, particularly in the context of promoting a circular nutrient economy, maintaining soil quality, and sequestering carbon to face climate change. In a rainfed system in Northeastern Spain, an experiment was set up (split-plot design). It included five pre-sowing N fertilization treatments: control, mineral, pig slurry, and composted sewage sludge (two rates). The average N rates were 0, 30, 141, 176, and 351 kg N ha−1, respectively. They were combined with mineral N topdressings (0, 50, and 100 kg N ha−1). Three crops were grown: barley (nine years), wheat (three years), and rapeseed (one year). In the driest years (c. 350 mm rainfall), the yields averaged 2.5, 2.0, and 1.9 Mg ha−1, respectively. The maximum yields were for barley (6.5 Mg ha−1) and wheat (5.5 Mg ha−1). The avoidance of a significant increase in soil residual NO3−-N, plus the control of soil build up of available P, micronutrients, and Cd, defines the fertilization strategies. (i) With a previous spring drought season, no fertilization is needed in the following year, if devoted to winter cereals. (ii) In rainier seasons, pig slurry or composted sewage sludge (lowest rate) applied at sowing is sufficient; however, 50 kg of mineral-N ha−1 at the topdressing can be applied. The study found that pig slurry favors K, Mg, Cu, and Zn availability, while composted sewage sludge enhances Fe availability. Although it is possible to reduce N inputs from organic fertilizers, organic C build-up will be constrained.

A life-cycle approach highlights the nutritional and environmental superiority of agroecology over conventional farming: A case study of a Mediterranean farm

A life-cycle approach highlights the nutritional and environmental superiority of agroecology over conventional farming: A case study of a Mediterranean farm

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts from selected Mediterranean agro-food by-products, their mutual interaction and interaction with phenolic compounds

The by-products of Mediterranean agriculture that remain after the production of fruit wines, juices and extracts represent a large source of raw materials rich in phenolic compounds. As a contribution to the current state of knowledge, this study investigated the biological activity and phenolic composition of extracts obtained from blackberry, chokeberry and juniper by-products, as well as the interactions of the extracts in mixtures. The total phenolic content of the samples ranged from 44.42 to 250.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract, with the extracts from blackberry leaves and juniper needles being the highest. The highest concentration of phenolics detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was also found in blackberry leaves (41.30 mg/g dry extract), with rutin dominating. The antioxidant activity of the samples, as measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ranged from 3.4 to 26.8 mM Trolox equivalents (TE), 15.8–58.4 mM TE and 80.1%–91.8%, respectively. Among the extract mixtures, the highest synergistic interaction was observed between blackberry leaves and juniper by-products extracts at 1:2 and 2:1 ratios. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria, with the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas spp. and Shewanella spp. On the other hand, the antimicrobial activity of blackberry leaf extract in combination with selected phenolic compounds (vanillic acid, catechin, rutin and apigenin) showed no synergy against the tested microorganisms. Overall, the results suggest that the tested by-products extracts could be utilized for the production of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials for further use in the food industry.

Potential of teff as alternative crop for Mediterranean farming systems: Effect of genotype and mowing time on forage yield and quality

The introduction of alternative/innovative crops in the current Mediterranean cropping systems is a promising strategy to cope with climate change effects, which are threatening the food and feed security of that geographic area. Thanks to its large environmental adaptability and good nutritive value for humans (grains) and animals (biomass), teff is an excellent candidate to perform its role as alternative plant species for cereal/forage farming systems. However, the adoption of a “new” crop requires information about the adaptation to the target environment as well as details on the best management practices to apply. Very little knowledge is available regarding the performance of teff under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genotype and mowing time on the biomass yield (dry matter, DM) and proximate composition of teff (including the first regrowth). Grain yield potential was also evaluated. The study was carried out during two consecutive years in central Italy. Two different experiments were conducted in adjacent fields to gain information on both forage and grain potential of the crop. In both trials, six teff genotypes were used (namely T6, T7, T8, T11, T13 and T14). Plant height, forage yield and quality were assessed in different growth stages: flag leaf completely unrolled, booting, and heading. The regrowth of the first cut mowed at booting stage was also evaluated. Our study demonstrated that teff has potential as forage and grain crop under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Considering the total biomass production, teff genotypes yielded from 7 t DM ha−1 to 11 t DM ha−1. If used as feed source, the best harvesting time is heading (GS: 57) since it allows to maximize both biomass yield and crude protein (CP) content. The teff accessions which deserve to be deeply explored as forage types were T8 and T14 (5–6 t DM ha−1, with 150–160 g CP kg−1 DM), while T6, T7 and T13 were good grain producers (0.8–1.2 t ha−1).

Impacts of Soil Management and Sustainable Plant Protection Strategies on Soil Biodiversity in a Sangiovese Vineyard

Vine growing is one of the most economically important sectors of Mediterranean agriculture, but its cultivation practices are highly detrimental to the environment and the associated biota. The application of both natural products inducing endogenous plant defense mechanisms and natural soil management systems represents a potential solution for the preservation and improvement of soil health and biodiversity. The Life Green Grapes project aimed at evaluating the effects of different natural and sustainable vine protection strategies and soil management on vineyard edaphic communities. Soil TOC, TN, C:N ratio, CaCO3 content and pH were measured. Microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) were characterized through NGS, while nematodes and microarthropods were isolated and identified. Obtained data highlighted a relationshipbetween bacteria, fungi and nematodes with soil chemistry, and an effect of the different soil management on the single and total edaphic communities. Network analysis evidenced a positive effect of the application of sustainable soil managements on the relationships among the different investigated soil trophic levels, suggesting that more natural soil managements allow a better interaction between soil organisms. In conclusion, this work confirms the importance of the application of sustainable and natural soil management practices in agricultural ecosystems, with the aim of conserving and improving soil biodiversity.

Mediterranean farmers’ understandings of ‘good soil management’ and ‘good farmer’ identity in the context of conservation agriculture

ABSTRACT Mediterranean agriculture is increasingly threatened by soil degradation and climate change. Conservation agriculture (CA) is a farming approach characterized by reduced soil disturbance, soil cover, and crop rotation that provides agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits to farmers, but which is not yet widespread in the Mediterranean region. To investigate the sociocultural aspects of CA adoption, we examined farmers’ understandings of ‘good soil management’ and a ‘good farmer’ identity. We employed network analysis to visualize and compare farmers’ mental models of these concepts and how they differed according to farmers’ tillage practices. We found that crop rotation is a prominent concept cognitively tied to fertilizer application, bridging conventional and reduced tillage practices. CA farmers’ mental models of soil management are more complex than conventional farmers’. Demonstrating productivity and having experience and knowledge were the most prominent aspects of farmers’ understanding of a ‘good farmer’. For CA farmers, this was tied to environmental responsibility and innovation, whereas for conventional farmers, a set of best practices including tillage and the use of mineral fertilizers, was valued more highly. CA may compete with held understandings concerning soil management among conventional farmers. CA adoption programmes could be better tailored to align with their cultural values.

Are Non-Conventional Water Resources the Solution for the Structural Water Deficit in Mediterranean Agriculture? The Case of the Segura River Basin in Spain

The water sustainability of the Segura River Basin (SRB), located in southeastern Spain, is being challenged as conventional available water sources fall short of meeting the authorised demands of the basin. In recent years, non-conventional water (NCW), such as desalinated and reclaimed water, has become part of the resource pool. However, it has not yet become crucial for irrigation water supply due to its relatively high cost and lower quality compared to conventional water. The new political framework in Spain, developed in the context of ecological transition, marks a notable shift for non-conventional water as a strategic resource for agriculture. This study examines the drivers and barriers influencing its acceptance through an analysis of farmers’ perceptions, conducted through interviews with twelve irrigation communities’ (ICs) representatives of the basin. Discriminant analyses of the data show that the farmers’ experience, along with factors pertaining to production, storage, and transportation costs, determines the acceptance and use of NCW.

(4Z)-Lachnophyllum Lactone, a Metabolite with Phytotoxic and Antifungal Activity against Pests Affecting Mediterranean Agriculture: A New Versatile and Easy Scalable Parallel Synthesis.

A methodology for the total and modulable synthesis of (4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone (1), on a gram scale, is reported for the first time. The present work started with the design of a retrosynthetic pathway for the target compound, with the key step identified in Pd-Cu bimetallic cascade cross-coupling cyclization. (4Z)-Lachnophyllum lactone (1) is an acetylenic furanone previously isolated, in a low amount, from the organic extract of the autotrophic weedConyza bonariensis. Tested against the stem parasitic weed Cuscuta campestris in a seedling growth bioassay, (4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone (1) showed almost 85% of inhibitory activity up to 0.3 mM in comparison with the control. At the same concentration, the compound displayed radicle growth inhibitory activity of the root parasitic weeds Orobanche minor and Phelipanche ramosa higher than 70 and 40%, respectively. Surprisingly, the compound showed a high percentage of inhibition, up to 0.1 mM, on C. bonariensis seed germination too. This versatile synthetic strategy was also used to obtain two further natural analogues, namely, (4E)-lachnophyllum lactone (8) and (4Z,8Z)-matricaria lactone (9), that showed, in most cases, the same inhibitory trend with slight differences, highlighting the importance of the stereochemistry and unsaturation of the side chain. Furthermore, all of the compounds showed antifungal activity at 1 mM reducing the mycelial growth of the olive pathogen Verticillium dahliae. The design and implementation of scalable and modulable total synthesis on a gram scale of acetylenic furanones allow the production of a large amount of these natural products, overcoming the limit imposed by isolation from natural sources. The results of the present study pave the way for the development of ecofriendly bioinspired pesticides with potential application in agrochemical practices as alternative to synthetic pesticides.

Examining disparities in common agriculture policy direct payments among farming systems: evidence from Portugal

One of the stated goals of the common agricultural policy reforms has been to provide a fairer distribution of payments across and within member states, but little progress has been accomplished, with about 20% of farmers receiving 80% of the total amount of direct payments. This research aims to investigate the underlying structural factors that contribute to this inequity in Portugal, with a particular focus on farming systems. A logit model was developed using agricultural census data at the commune level, with the percentage of farmers receiving direct payments as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that the local importance of arable crops (cereals) and cattle farming systems, as well as the existence of larger farms and younger farmers, all contributed to farmers' increasing access to direct payments between 2009 and 2019. In traditional Mediterranean farming systems, access to direct payments has been restricted to a smaller proportion of farmers. Nevertheless, it is evident that a certain degree of redistribution took place during the previous programming cycle of the common agricultural policy. This redistribution included a shift in support from larger to smaller farmers, older to younger farmers, and from olives, cereals, and cattle to other farming systems, particularly vineyards.

Agronomic Performances and Seed Yield Components of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) Germplasm in a Semi-Arid Environment

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is widely known among grain legumes for its high nutritional quality, playing an important role in enhancing Mediterranean farming systems as a sustainable crop. Field experiments comparing 121 lentil accessions (microsperma and macrosperma types from different countries) were conducted in a semi-arid environment of south Italy over two growing seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018). Their agronomic performance was determined, focusing on phenological, morphological, productive, and qualitative variability. Changes in rainfall and temperatures affected the agronomic traits, especially yield components. In both years, the average grain yield (GY) (2.31 and 2.22 t ha−1, respectively) was above the threshold of 2 t ha−1. Consistent yield exceeding the field average in both growing seasons revealed the superiority of accessions from Egypt, Cyprus, Algeria, Nepal, and Tunisia. Moreover, microsperma yielded more (+0.31 and +0.41 t ha−1 in the first and second year, respectively) than macrosperma accessions. Flowering (DASF—days after sowing to flowering) and thousand seed weight (TSW) appeared to be the most important traits related to grain yield. Flowering earliness seems to act as a mechanism for overcoming abiotic stresses. The analysis of yield components revealed a different productive determinism within the two subspecies. As also highlighted by the Principal Component Analysis, microsperma accessions presented on average a significantly higher number of pods per plant (PP) and seeds per pod (SP), despite the considerable variability among countries of origin. The results showed phenological and morphological variability among genotypes, which should be taken into account in view of future selection programs focused on obtaining lentil ideotypes suitable for the Mediterranean environment.

Typology of agricultural holdings: a starting point for understanding the performance of irrigated systems in Baalbek Al Hermel Lebanon.

The Mediterranean region is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change (CC) which raises important problems for Mediterranean agriculture. In fact, climate disruption creates some uncertainty in the decision-making of farmers in the management of their farms. This understanding can help researchers to better orient agricultural research on adaptation at the farm level and can help policy makers to develop adaptation policies. The semi-arid region of Baalbeck El Hermel is increasingly threatened by climate change. The agricultural systems constituting the main source of household subsistence in this zone show a significant vulnerability to these disturbances, especially about the limit in water resources. In this research we propose a framework to represent agricultural activities using typologies of farms and production units aggregated at a regional scale. We used empirical data from a local case study of the five most representative farming systems in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. Analysis of the results showed several behaviors and several levels of resilience of these farms:1-farms specializing in market gardening or perennial crops are very sensitive to drought conditions and are not resilient in the face of water limit conditions;2-the diversified farm with olive tree dominance is less sensitive and more resilient.

Delineation of Soil Management Zones and Validation through the Vigour of a Fodder Crop

In Mediterranean farming systems, the semi-arid conditions and agricultural ecosystems have made site-specific management an important approach. This method aims to understand and handle the variability of soil properties and crop management, particularly through the utilization of geospatial information and accessible technology. Over three years in a 30 ha experimental field located in the Alentejo region (Portugal), crop establishment was monitored using data from soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa), remote sensing (Sentinel-2), and in situ soil sampling. The procedure began with Step 1, involving the acquisition of soil spatial information and spatial interpolation. Subsequently, in Step 2, management zones (MZs) for soil characteristics were delineated using a combination of ECa measurements and soil analysis, and Step 3 spanned over three years of gathering meteorological data and crop remote sensing measurements. In Step 4, site-specific crop MZs were delineated by vegetation indexes (VIs). This article aims to increase the importance of in situ and remote assessments to more accurately identify areas with different productive potential. Results showed three MZs based on the percentage of sand, ECa, altimetry, exchangeable calcium, and exchangeable calcium properties, validated by crop VIs (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Red-Edge Index (NDRE), and Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI)) over time. Although there are many sensorial techniques available for site-specific management, this paper emphasizes a methodology for the farmer to identify different MZs combining remote and in situ evaluations, supporting new opportunities for a more rational use of natural resources. Based on soil parameters, three site-specific management areas could be selected. NDMI was the index that best explained the MZs created according to soil properties.

Eco-Efficiency of Olive Farms across Diversified Ecological Farming Approaches

Eco-efficiency is commonly used as an indicator of sustainability since it expresses the efficiency with which natural resources are utilized to meet people’s needs. Agriculture relies heavily on these ecological resources and by-produces significant environmental burdens, shifting the interest of researchers and policymakers toward the promotion of ecological practices. However, limited evidence exists regarding eco-efficiency across various ecological approaches like low input, conservation, and organic farming. This paper contributes to the existing literature and provides insight into the eco-efficiency of Cretan olive farms managed under different ecological approaches. Olive oil production is vital for the socio-economic sustainability of Mediterranean agriculture, a significant element of the region’s culture, and the basis of the well-known “Mediterranean diet”; therefore, it is crucial to investigate eco-efficient management options for olive farmers. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and a second-stage statistical analysis are employed to estimate the eco-efficiency of olive farms and investigate factors affecting it. Composite indicators for biodiversity, soil, and input management are incorporated in the eco-efficiency model. The results indicate that organic farms achieve the highest eco-efficiency scores, followed by other ecological approaches. Additionally, eco-efficiency seems to be explained by farmers’ dependency on subsidies, commitment to farming activity, and environmental awareness.

Assessment of Durum Wheat Cultivars’ Adaptability to Mediterranean Environments Using G × E Interaction Analysis

Aside from plant breeding and agricultural inputs, understanding and interpreting the Genotype × Environment (G × E) interaction has contributed significantly to the increase in wheat yield. In Central Macedonia, Greece, fifteen commercially important durum wheat cultivars and one landrace were tested in six cultivation environments classified into high- and low- productivity environments. This study aimed to identify the most productive and stable durum wheat genotypes across Mediterranean farming systems through a comparative examination of genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot alongside fifteen parametric and non-parametric stability models. In the organic (low productivity) environment, cultivar Zoi and the landrace Lemnos showed remarkable results, indicating a potential solution for biological agriculture. For the late-sowing (low productivity) environment, some widespread varieties such as Mexicali-81, Meridiano, and Maestrale had excellent performance, showing potential to overcome more adverse conditions during critical grain filling periods such as higher air temperature and deficient soil moisture, i.e., conditions that correlate with climate change. Evaluation of genotypes in all environments for a combination of high yield and stable production, showed that the best genotypes were G8 (Simeto), G2 (Canavaro), and G12 (Elpida). In the subgroup with the three high-productivity environments, G12 (Elpida), G8 (Simeto), and G6 (Mexicali-81) were the best genotypes, followed by G2 (Canavaro), while in the low-productivity subgroup, the G2 (Canavaro), G13 (Zoi) and G8 (Simeto) genotypes were the best.

Agroecological practices for sustainable weed management in Mediterranean farming landscapes

Agroecological practices for sustainable weed management in Mediterranean farming landscapes

Short-Term Effects of Olive-Pomace-Based Conditioners on Soil Aggregation Stability

Mediterranean agriculture asks for sustainable strategies to prevent actual soil organic matter decline rates. Composting agri-food by-products for application in farmland, besides contributing to a circular economy at regional or local scales, may improve soil resistance to physical degradation. Aggregate stability (AS) is a crucial property for building up such resistance. Olive pomace is an abundant by-product of the olive oil industry that may be valorized through composting. This study aimed to assess the influence on AS of olive-pomace-based composts (OPC) applied to a sandy loam Leptosol and a clay loam Fluvisol. To assess the effects of compost characteristics on AS, three OPCs resulting from different olive pomace proportions in the composting raw material (44, 31, and 25% by volume) were applied to aggregate samples in three doses (10, 20, and 40 t.ha−1, plus control) with fine and coarse grain sizes. Controlled laboratory conditions subjected samples to daily wetting-drying cycles during a 30-day experiment. AS was measured by wet sieving. OPC application significantly increased AS in the Leptosol amended with fine (+15% vs. control) and coarse (+19%) grain-size compost. In well-aggregated Fluvisol, amendment induced a significant increase in AS only in the compost coarse grain size (+12%). The application dose significantly affected AS, with 10 t.ha−1 being the best-performing dose. OPC applications in weakly aggregated soils are seemingly an encouraging soil management practice for improving soil resistance to physical degradation and reducing soil organic matter decline rates in Mediterranean farmland.

Whole genome sequencing of Vibrio harveyi from different sites in the Mediterranean Sea providing data on virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes

Vibriosis caused by Vibrio harveyi is an important bacterial infection in the Mediterranean farming of European seabass and gilthead sea bream. Genomic information about V. harveyi contributes to understanding its pathogenesis and virulence. Sixteen V. harveyi strains obtained from diseased seabass and sea bream from Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey were sequenced using ONT MinION and Illumina HiSeq. The strains were sequenced, de novo assembled, and the genomes analysed for the presence of plasmids, virulence, and antibiotic resistance genes. Antibiotic resistance genes were compared with in vitro susceptibility testing using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. All studied strains had two circular chromosomes, and twelve strains had one to five circular plasmids. A total of 171 virulence genes were determined using the Virulence Factors of Bacterial Pathogens database (VFBD), 150 virulence genes were present on average in each genome and the distribution of virulence genes was similar across strains. Most of the reported virulence genes have been previously described in bacteria of the genus Vibrio, while genes sitA (4/16), sitB (3/16), sitC (4/16), and sitD (3/16) important for iron transport, and the ast gene (10/16) that encodes a heat-stable cytotoxic enterotoxin, were unique in our studied strains. Using the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance database (CARD), it was noted that all strains carried the CRP gene encoding resistance to macrolides, fluoroquinolone, and penams, but showed sensitivity to enrofloxacin and florfenicol using in vitro tests. The adeF gene coding for resistance to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines was detected in lower percentage in thirteen strains was supported with detected sensitivity to florfenicol and oxytetracycline using in vitro tests. The E.coli parE gene was detected in eleven strains that showed sensitivity to florfenicol and oxytetracycline. The gene APH(3”)Ib responsible for resistance to aminoglycosides was present in one strain, though all strains showed susceptibility to gentamicin by in vitro testing. The Tet(D) gene coding for resistance to tetracyclines was found in a single strain showing reduced sensitivity to oxytetracycline. All tested strains were resistant to ampicillin by in vitro testing in line with previously described innate resistance. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genome sequences showed a clear separation and clustering of the tested strains from the Mediterranean region. The new genomic data and knowledge provided in this study increase the understanding of the pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance patterns of V. harveyi strains in the Mediterranean region, enabling a common regional approach to prevention and mitigation of the disease.