Mediterranean Countries Research Articles

Genetic Structure and Diversity Analysis of Tunisian Orobanche spp. and Phelipanche spp. Using Molecular Markers

Broomrapes (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) are non-achlorophyllous parasitic plants belonging to the Orobanchaceae family, with some species evolving to infest agricultural crops, causing substantial economic losses. This study focuses on Orobanche and Phelipenche species prevalent in Tunisia, particularly Orobanche crenata, Orobanche foetida and Phelipanche ramosa, which pose a significant threat to legume crops and other agronomically important plants. These parasitic species cause severe damage before their aboveground appearance, making early detection and management crucial. Successful breeding programs targeting their hosts necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the genetic variability within different broomrape populations. A plethora of molecular markers, including RAPD, ISSR, AFLP, SSR and SNPs, were employed to evaluate the genetic diversity of Orobanche spp., mainly in Mediterranean countries. This research seeks to analyze the genetic variability and structure of thirty-four (34) Tunisian Orobanche and Phelipanche populations infesting various crops and wild plants. The results demonstrated a higher genetic differentiation within populations rather than between populations and no clear differentiation based on the geographic origins of the populations. By measuring the genetic diversity of a large number of broomrape populations that affect both wild species and crops, this study aims to support efforts toward establishing effective management approaches.

Food security and Mediterranean diet in five countries: the DELICIOUS project

Abstract Food security is a universal need assuring access to healthy diet in both developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between factors related to food security and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in 5 Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) participating to the EU funded project DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS). Data were retrieved from a survey involving 2011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old. The KIDMED score was used to assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Information regarding easiness to retrieve foods characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, working status, economic allowance, and place of living were collected. The association with adherence to the Mediterranean diet were investigated by performing logistic regressions. The analyses revealed that individuals living in rural areas and reporting difficulty to retrieve all food items explored were less likely to have higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Moreover, higher adherence was also associated with household income higher than €3,500. No associations with family status nor working situation were found. There were no evident differences across countries, although there was nearly an inverse trend toward lack of association between economic allowance and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Italy. In conclusion, the progressive abandonment of traditional dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, may not just depend on a cultural shift toward unhealthier industrial alternatives, but also on family budget and easiness to retrieve food stuff. Key messages • Food security may play a role in adherence to the Mediterranean diet. • The food market may be responsible for changes in cultural culinary habits.

Risk and Resiliency Factors Associated with School Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Adolescents in Mediterranean Countries

ABSTRACT School bullying and cyberbullying are serious public health problems that negatively affect the lives of school-aged children. We examined the correlation between risk behaviors and lack of resiliency factors with bullying and cyberbullying across seven Mediterranean countries. The sample consisted of 33,399 adolescents (51.1% girls) aged 11, 13, and 15 years who participated in the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in 2018 in Greece, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, and Spain. Bivariate logistic regressions were conducted to test the relationship between risk behaviors, resilience, and bullying. All risk behaviors and lack of resiliency factors examined were related to involvement in bullying as a victim, perpetrator, or bully-victim, both in school and cyberbullying. Moreover, the odds of involvement in school bullying and cyberbullying increased as the number of risk behaviors and the lack of resiliency factors grew. Our results may contribute to the development and implementation of anti-bullying programs.

Epidemiology of emerging viruses

Newly emerging viruses such as West Nile virus, coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2), H1N1pdm09, Ebola virus, Zika virus and Monkeypox virus are of global concern as they have caused serious public threats. Among the several outbreaks caused by emerging viruses, the worst pandemic was caused by SARS-CoV-2. The Omicron variant is the dominant variant among SARS-CoV-2 variants and the lineages BA.5.2 and BF.7 were responsible for the recent Chinese surge. Genome sequencing studies of MERS-CoV revealed that it is evolving with mutations in spike protein. West Nile virus is still circulating among birds in Europe, Mediterranean and North American countries. Several West Nile virus cases were reported from Europe and neighboring countries in 2022. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic caused by H1N1pdm09 is a variant strain evolved from H1N1 in swine. Though it caused more than 60 million infections, the mortality rate was 0.02%. Staggeringly, severe infections occurred among obese people. Zika virus has jumped borders from Africa and is adapting to become endemic in new geographical habitats such as South East Asia, India and Europe due to uncontrolled breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. Recently, autochthonous vector borne transmission of Zika virus was documented in France. During the Monkeypox pandemic, the virus demonstrated a lower infectious and mortality rate in individuals vaccinated for smallpox. A lower virulence of Monkeypox virus compared to smallpox was due to mutations in the ORF regions. Surveillance efforts and measures must be incessantly undertaken to prevent future outbreaks caused by emerging viruses.

Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson: A new threat to agriculture in Europe and the Mediterranean region

AbstractAmaranthus palmeri S. Watson is a dioecious broad‐leaved species characterised by rapid growth, high seed production, efficient resource use and adaptability to diverse environments and cropping systems. A. palmeri populations are spreading beyond their native range in south western United States, into the Mediterranean region and have been reported in several European and Mediterranean countries. First stands were located along roadsides, and later in nearby agricultural fields. Possible routes of introduction include contaminated animal feed and grain shipments for industrial processing. Some European A. palmeri populations appear to be already resistant to 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase and acetolactate synthase inhibitors when imported. Recent studies suggest that this trait may have evolved in the origin country before the introduction into southern Europe and the wider Mediterranean region. Effective, transboundary networks have to be established between farmers and researchers to raise agricultural community awareness and continuously monitor the invasiveness of A. palmeri in Europe. In this review, we first highlight botanical characteristics that allow accurate identification of A. palmeri from closely related Amaranthus species. Then, we summarise recent reports on the occurrence of A. palmeri in Europe and the Mediterranean region. We proceed to assess future invasion and spread across Europe according to climate and agricultural practices. In addition, we review measures to early detect A. palmeri and emphasised on feasible, chemical and non‐chemical weed control methods as components of integrated weed management to mitigate the impact of A. palmeri invasion on European agriculture.

Presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in sheep (Ovis aries) in Spain

Sandflies are the primary transmission vector for Leishmania spp parasite in endemic regions. The role of other animals, different from the dog, is under discussion in the leishmaniosis endemic countries. A limited number of reports have been published on the possible role of livestock in European countries for Leishmania maintenance and diffusion. The aim of the present study was to perform a serosurvey on sheep in areas of Spain that are endemic for zoonotic leishmaniosis and establish the possible role of sheep regarding Leishmania infantum infection in endemic areas. Three hundred and two serum samples were obtained from sheep and were evaluated for serological survey to detect L. infantum by using the in-house ELISA technique. Twenty-eight out of the 302 samples included in this study, were positive for L. infantum antibodies (9.27%). In the present study, a significant association was found between adult age and seropositivity (p = 0.006) and female gender and seropositivity (p = 0.02). This association has not been previously described in other European studies related to L. infantum infection in sheep. Our study reveals that domestic sheep in a European Mediterranean country are exposed to L. infantum. To our knowledge, this study demonstrates the presence of seropositive sheep in different regions of Spain for the first time. Further epidemiological studies focus on evaluating the rural cycle of this parasite to know if livestock could act as a potential reservoir are needed.

Main Challenges Expected from the Impact of Climate Change on Microbial Biodiversity of Table Olives: Current Status and Trends.

Climate change is a global emergency that is affecting agriculture in Mediterranean countries, notably the production and the characteristics of the final products. This is the case of olive cultivars, a source of olive oil and table olives. Table olives are the most important fermented vegetables in the Mediterranean area, whose world production exceeds 3 million tons/year. Lactic acid bacteria and yeast are the main microorganisms responsible for the fermentation of this product. The microbial diversity and population dynamics during the fermentation process are influenced by several factors, such as the content of sugars and phenols, all of which together influence the quality and safety of the table olives. The composition of fruits is in turn influenced by environmental conditions, such as rainfall, temperature, radiation, and the concentration of minerals in the soil, among others. In this review, we discuss the effect of climate change on the microbial diversity of table olives, with special emphasis on Spanish and Portuguese cultivars. The alterations expected to occur in climate change scenario(s) include changes in the microbial populations, their succession, diversity, and growth kinetics, which may impact the safety and quality of the table olives. Mitigation and adaptation measures are proposed to safeguard the authenticity and sensorial features of this valuable fermented food while ensuring food safety requirements.

Is the Direct Soil Application of Two-Phase Olive Mill Waste (Alperujo) Compatible with Soil Quality Protection?

In Spain and other Mediterranean countries, significant quantities of semi-solid olive mill waste are generated, which should be preferentially applied to agricultural soils to close nutrient cycles. However, two-phase olive mill waste (termed alperujo in Spanish) is known to pose risks to soil quality and plant production when applied to soil in large quantities. Alperujo has high contents of polyphenol substances, which can inhibit microbial growth and are also phytotoxic in nature. However, when applied in appropriate quantities and following specific methods, it is possible that the practice may not pose any risks, and this requires evaluation. As a waste management option, direct application of alperujo can supply plant nutrients and organic matter to degradation-prone Mediterranean soils. In order to validate this circular economy fertilization and soil protection strategy, an 18-month field experiment was undertaken, applying moderate quantities of alperujo on permanent crop groves throughout the Spanish region of Valencia. Eleven experimental parcels with permanent crops managed by farmers were identified to test two scenarios: a single application of 10 t/ha, and a second application of 10 t/ha after 10 months. Soil chemical parameters were assessed at 0, 6, 10, and 18 months. Soil organic carbon, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrates, and polyphenol contents were modified by alperujo application, but these effects were highly transient in nature, with generally no lasting effects after 4–6 months for either application scenario. Also, qualitative evaluations carried out by farmers revealed few effects, although some reductions in erosive processes and improvements in plant vigor were noted. As such, based on the measured parameters, it is concluded that the direct soil application of alperujo olive mill wastes at low application rates did not lead to any lasting detrimental effects on soil quality or compromise the productivity of permanent crops in this Mediterranean region.

Qualitative inquiry into the experience of suicide loss, aftereffects and coping strategies of suicide-bereaved Greek-speaking parents in Cyprus

ABSTRACT Purpose Studies on suicide-bereaved parents are scarce in South European and Eastern Mediterranean countries. We explored the experiences of Greek-speaking suicide-bereaved parents in Cyprus, with emphasis on the interpretations of their child’s suicide, its aftereffects and their coping strategies. Methods A qualitative methodology based on inductive content analysis of the interviews of ten mothers and two fathers was applied. Results The participants described their efforts to make sense of the senseless, reporting numerous interpretations of their child’s suicide. Some participants had achieved to move on by trying to keep the remaining family together. Others felt detached from their social network. The different coping strategies and support systems described, reflected participants’ efforts to escape from obsessive, enduring and deeply traumatizing thoughts about their child’s suicide. The analysis mirrored participants’ ultimate desire to find existential relief and serenity through the management of distressing reminders of their child’s suicide, and alleviate the burden of their own negative self-judgement and the criticism of others. They sought physical and emotional comfort in the inner realm of their psyche, through spiritual and psychological coping processes. Conclusion Further exploration is suggested about intervention planning aiming to strengthen effective coping strategies and external supportive resources in mourning parents.

The advent of EU water reuse regulation in the Mediterranean region: policy and legislative adaptation to address non-conventional water resources utilization in agriculture

ABSTRACTThe provision of safe, sustainable and accepted ways of water supply for the Mediterranean basin by using non-conventional water resources is key to reducing the gap between agricultural water demand and supply. The article offers a review of the current policy and legislative frameworks addressing non-conventional water resources in agriculture in selected Mediterranean countries, including non-European Union countries. A particular focus is put on the EU Water Reuse Regulation of 2020. By combining a literature review and stakeholders’ consultations, this study offers different visions from EU countries and non-EU countries around the Mediterranean which might be affected by the regulation.

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) oil: A review of bioactive compounds, extraction technologies, potential hazards and applications.

Tiger nut is a tuber of a plant native in the Mediterranean coastal countries, which is of great interest in food industry due to its richness in carbohydrates, lipids, starches, minerals, etc. Recent studies have focused on the analysis of the phytochemical composition of tiger nut, including six essential nutrients, polyphenols, and the extraction of proteins, starches, and phenolic compounds from the by-products of tiger nut milk 'horchata'. Few works were focused on the possibility of using tiger nut oil, a nutritious oil comparable to olive oil, as an edible oil. Therefore, this review discussed some extraction technologies of tiger nut oil, and their effects on the properties of oil, such as bioactive compounds, oxidative stability and potential hazards. The information on the emerging applications of tiger nut oil was summarized and an outlook on the utilization of tiger nut oil by-products were also reviewed.

Impact of the rule of law, corruption and terrorism on tourism: Empirical evidence from Mediterranean countries

Research background: Tourism sector is considered as a driving force of economic development and understanding factors that deter the flow of tourists and hinder its development, which is essential for all actors involved in this industry. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to investigate the impact of rule of law, corruption, and terrorism on tourism in 14 coastal states of the Mediterranean Sea based on the United Nations classification. Methods: The short and long-run relationships among the rule of law, corruption, terrorism and tourism are respectively analyzed through Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality test and LM bootstrap cointegration test taking notice of the presence of heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. Findings & value added: The causality analysis reveals that control of corruption has a significant influence on tourism only in the short run. The cointegration analysis uncovers that terrorism negatively affects the tourism in Albania, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia, but improvements in corruption also positively affect the tourism in Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece and Italy. Last, the rule of law has a positive impact on tourism in Egypt, Greece, and Israel. In this context, the rule of law can also be a key factor for tourism development via combat with corruption and terrorism. Based on some unique characteristics, the Mediterranean region has consolidated its position as the world's leading tourist destination, but to maintain this competitive position, it is crucial to recognize and adopt strategies that respond to all key challenges faced by this sector.

First report of the hard tick Ixodes Ricinus on dogs in Lebanon.

Ixodes ricinus is a hard tick that can infest a large array of hosts. It is mostly abundant in the cool, humid deciduous and coniferous woods and forests of Europe. All I. ricinus life stages are potential vectors of many diseases, most notably Lyme disease, which affects millions of people yearly. Lebanon, an Asian Mediterranean country with mild cool winters and hot dry summers, lacks many reports concerning ticks. A study on tick abundance and identification on dogs presented to veterinary facilities, over the course of the years 2020 and 2021 was done. Several species of ticks were identified, with the least abundant being I. ricinus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the tick species in the country. More studies on the distribution and abundance of I. ricinus in Lebanon should be made in order to properly estimate the pathogens it carries, and consequently implement the appropriate prophylactic measures concerning public health.

First report and molecular identification of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe, 1885) in South-eastern Türkiye: invasion continues (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Chilo partellus (Swinhoe, 1885) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an invasive maize pest that can cause high yield losses. The pest has recently been introduced and established in eastern Mediterranean countries such as Türkiye. However, research regarding its expansion towards other regions in Türkiye and other countries is required. This study is the first to report the presence and abundance of the pest in South-eastern Türkiye provinces, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Ranlıurfa, and Rırnak as well as the infestation rate and its contribution to the stemborer-dependent infestation rates. There were significant differences between the abundances of the pest in different counties, while the infestation rate, the contribution to the stemborer-dependent infestation rate, and the contribution to the total stemborer population were not statistically different between counties. The pest was only recorded in three southern counties of Ranlıurfa, during routine September surveys in 2022 and was absent in Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Rırnak. Specimens were morphologically diagnosed, and for molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis, nucleotide sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI-I) gene was performed. All specimens were confirmed as C. partellus. Further, phylogenetic analysis revealed intraspecific genetic variation and the similarity of the specimens to reference sequences from Africa.

Potential of agrivoltaics systems into olive groves in the Mediterranean region

Agrivoltaics systems have emerged as an approach to alleviate competition for land use between food and energy production. Conducting a thorough analysis of the impact that shading from PV modules can have on crops is crucial for the correct design of the system, as excessive shading can lead to important crop yield reductions. This paper focuses on integrating agrivoltaics systems within super-intensive olive groves in the Mediterranean region. A dual model is used to calculate the suitable transparency of PV modules, representing the area not occupied by PV cells. This model customizes the results based on the site's meteorological parameters and the photosynthetic light-response curve of the olive cultivar. The results indicate that transparency levels vary between 0.57 and 0.71, with the lowest values observed in locations with higher solar radiation, such as Egypt and Tunisia. Using these transparency values and typical 20%-efficiency monocrystalline silicon modules, the annual average energy generation per m2 in the selected locations is 65.9 kWh. Another finding reveals that optimizing the model by considering only the months corresponding to the olive growth cycle can reduce the required transparency, thereby increasing the installed PV capacity by up to 3.5%. Furthermore, the potential deployment of these systems is evaluated in terms of installed PV capacity, energy generation, CO2 emissions and job creation. The calculations show that installing agrivoltaics systems into 1% of the total olive surface area in the Mediterranean region would: (i) result in a 2.5% increase in the global PV capacity, (ii) generate 1.8% of the current electricity demand in the selected Mediterranean countries, (iii) avoid the emissions of 4 Mt. (CO2) per year, and (iv) create around 560,000 jobs.

Effects of Supplementation of Eurca Seeds as Nutraceutical Feed Additive on Productivity, Antioxidant Activity, and Yolk Cholesterol Level of Laying Hens

Eruca sativa (ES) seeds are annual herbs belonging to the Brassicaceae family, widely grown in Mediterranean countries, such as Egypt, Italy, and Greece. The ES is rich in macronutrient components and phytochemical content, exhibiting potent antioxidant properties and functional properties for vital processes such as digestion and absorption of nutrients. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary ES supplementation on laying performance, some blood parameters, and egg yolk cholesterol. A total of 300 Silver Sabahia strain hens, aged 26 weeks, were randomly distributed among four groups of five replicates, each replicate consisting of 15 hens. Chickens in group 1 served as a control and were fed the basal diet. Those in groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed basal diet supplemented with 1, 2, and 3% ESs, respectively. Productive performance traits, egg quality traits, hematological parameters, blood parameters, and yolk cholesterol profiles were performed throughout the study. The study lasted for 13 weeks (until week 39 of chickens' age). Results indicated that 3% ES supplementation had higher results on egg mass (35.68%), egg production (21.13%), and improved feed conversion ratio by 30.37%, compared to all groups. Furthermore, ESs supplementation positively affects the shell thickness and yolk color score compared to the control. Compared to the control, the highest significant blood hemoglobin and lymphocytes were recorded in the groups supplemented with 2% and 3% of ESs. The ES inclusion at a higher level (3%) in the diet of laying hens led to significantly enhanced serum high-density lipoprotein and total antioxidant capacity, while reducing cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and malondialdehyde levels, compared to the control diet. Serum calcium, tri-iodothyronine, and alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly in response to 3% ES treatment, while liver enzymes decreased significantly compared to the control diet. Notably, the addition of 2% and 3% ESs to the hens’ ration resulted in reduced egg cholesterol content, which is desirable for consumers seeking healthier dietary choices. Finally, adding 3% ESs to hens’ diet improves productive performance, egg quality traits, hematological parameters, blood parameters, and yolk cholesterol profile.

The prevalence of grandparental childcare in Europe: a research update

We investigate (a) how the proportion of European grandparents providing childcare changed over a period of 15 years, (b) how these proportions differ by gender and education, and (c) how countries not covered in earlier analyses fit into previously identified regional patterns of grandparental childcare in Europe. Using data from Waves 1, 2, and 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), our descriptive analysis provides estimates of the prevalence and intensity of grandparental childcare in 26 European countries as well as of the changes therein over time and across socio-demographically defined groups. Overall, the prevalence and intensity of grandparental childcare in Europe has remained fairly stable over time, with minor increases. Proportions of grandparents providing any childcare strongly vary, however, across countries (from 24 to 60%). Grandmothers are generally more likely to provide childcare than grandfathers, while differences based on educational levels are less clear-cut. Central and southeastern Europe, representing the bulk of the ‘new’ countries in the analysis, exhibit patterns of grandparental childcare closely resembling those observed in Mediterranean countries. Our analysis revealed an overall stability over time rather than change in grandparents’ provision of childcare in Europe, with substantial variations across welfare state regimes and within countries when accounting for grandparents’ gender and educational levels. Including countries that had previously been excluded from other studies challenges the ‘narrative’ that has emerged around a negative macrolevel association between the provision of extensive and intensive grandparental childcare.

Energy affordability across and within 26 European countries: Insights into the prevalence and depth of problems using microeconomic data

The main aim of this study is to assess energy affordability across and within European countries, using microeconomic data from the European Household Budget Survey.Our results have shown great heterogeneity: the average energy burden ranges from 2.9% in Malta to 10.9% in Latvia, while the proportion of households with a burden above 10% is as low as 2% in Luxembourg and Malta, surpassing 43% in Hungary, Latvia and Slovakia. Affordability problems are concentrated among poorer households, as confirmed by negative concentration indexes in all countries analysed but are not restricted to the poorest - in 10 out of 25 countries, families in the second bottom income quintile also face problematic ratios. For families with affordability problems, the average burden might be extreme even in high-income countries like France, where it reaches 19%.Beyond the inequality analysis, the comparison of different metrics uncovered issues that would go unnoticed under single-indicator approaches. Baltic and Central-Eastern European countries experience higher prevalence and depth of energy burden problems accompanied by high rates of arrears. Mediterranean countries like Cyprus and Portugal do not exhibit great energy burdens but struggle with inadequate thermal comfort, raising concerns about underconsumption. Bulgaria and Greece stand out with worrying results across all indicators. The panorama is less heterogeneous across Europe regarding efficiency-related problems in dwellings.To be effective, measures should prioritise the most prevalent problems and consider their cross-cutting or group-restricted nature. In countries with more widespread and severe issues, solutions may require a co-financing by European Union. A common policy framework is needed to facilitate comprehensive and effective action, such as improving energy efficiency in housing stock and preventing the escalation of affordability problems due to the energy and climate crises, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable households in Europe.

Consumers’ Awareness of Fish Traceability and Sustainability: An Exploratory Study in Italy and Spain

Fish products are widely consumed in different European countries for their nutritional composition, such as their high protein content, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and low carbohydrate content. Therefore, fishing provides important income and commercial opportunities in different Mediterranean coastal countries. As the increased consumption of fish products is leading to negative ecological impacts on marine flora and fauna, sustainability labels are increasingly emerging. Furthermore, to increase transparency in the fisheries sector and increase consumer confidence when purchasing, fish traceability is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the importance of fish traceability and the knowledge of some fish sustainability labels in two European coastal countries, Italy and Spain. The investigation was carried out through an online questionnaire filled out by 1913 consumers in Italy and Spain. The main results show that receiving traceability information was mainly important for the Italian population, while, although fish sustainability is increasingly important, respondents did not demonstrate that they frequently buy fish products with sustainability labels. The study also highlighted how the main characteristics of the respondents may influence their habits and perceptions regarding the issues.

Homogeneity and Trend Analysis of Climatic Variables in Cap-Bon Region of Tunisia

As a semi-arid Mediterranean country, Tunisia is affected by the impacts of climate change, particularly the coastal regions like the Cap-Bon. Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures and the recurrence of extreme events are all indicators that affect ecosystems and populations and make them more vulnerable to the influence of climatic variables. Therefore, an analysis of the trends of climate variables can contribute to facilitating the development of effective adaptation strategies. In this matter, this study was conducted to assess the homogeneity and trends of minimum and maximum air temperature (Tmin and Tmax) and precipitation (P) in the Cap-Bon region. Daily data were collected from the meteorological station of Nabeul for the period of 1982–2020. Pettitt and SNHT tests for homogeneity were applied to identify the breakpoints in multi-time scales of Tmax, Tmin and P data series. The Mann–Kendall (MK) test was used to detect the change in the time-series trend. A modified Mann–Kendall (mMK) test was used to remove the autocorrelation effect from the data series. Both the MK and mMK tests were used at the 5% significant level. The magnitude of the climatic trend was estimated using the non-parametric Sen’s slope estimator. Contrary to Tmin and P, the results of the homogeneity tests revealed the existence of significant breakpoints in the annual, seasonal and monthly Tmax time series. For most cases, the breakpoint occurred around the year 2000. For Tmin, significant breakpoints were recorded in March and April, while a significant shift in the P time series was detected in December. The Mann–Kendall results show a significant warming trend in annual Tmax, with magnitudes equal to 0.065 and 0.045 °C/year before and after the breakpoint, respectively. Nevertheless, non-significant tendencies were observed in the annual Tmin and P time series. On the monthly time scale, Tmax exhibited a significant upward trend in June and August, before the observed breakpoints, with Sen’s slope values equal to 0.065 and 0.045 °C/year, respectively. Regarding the Tmin data, a significant positive trend was observed in July at a rate of 0.033 °C/year.