Mediterranean Region Research Articles

Examining the impact of dry climates temperature on citrus fruit internal ripening

High temperatures alter the ripening process of citrus fruit, affecting quality, flavor, harvest time and marketing period. For example, citrus fruits ripen faster and are sweeter in tropical hot-humid climates than in Mediterranean warm-dry climates due to higher sugar accumulation and organic acid catabolism. Considering that: 1) over 60 % of the world's citrus exports come from countries with warm Mediterranean climates, and 2) the Mediterranean region is warming 20 % faster than the global average, the citrus industry will face significant challenges in the coming years. The range of high temperatures and the timing at which they determine sugar and acid content in dry climates have not been studied under field conditions. Therefore, a study was undertaken over 6 years to determine the relationship between high temperature and citrus ripening in two dry macroclimates, hot (Arid, in Morocco) and warm (Mediterranean, in Spain), and 5 microclimates of the Mediterranean region.Heat stress in these dry climates correlates with changes in fruit quality (lower juice and sugar content, and higher organic acids), depending on the maximum temperature threshold and the time of onset and duration of heat. In the arid climate, the heat stress threshold was found to be a significant number of days above 35 °C. This was particularly important at the beginning of summer (July in the northern hemisphere). However, in the current Mediterranean climate of Spain, the percentage of summer days above 35 °C is still low indicating that other microclimatic conditions are involved in determining fruit quality. In particular, an increase in the number of days with temperatures between 27 °C and 33 °C in late summer and early autumn was found to correlate with reduced citric acid concentration. Microclimate did not determine sucrose, fructose, and glucose concentrations.

Comprehensive Review on the Genus Haloxylon: Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties.

This review aimed to review the biological, pharmacological, and phytochemical aspects of the genus Haloxylon. Plants of the genus Haloxylon have been used for a long time in traditional medicine, and they are distributed in the western Mediterranean region to the Middle East, Iran, Mongolia, Burma, and southwest China. The studied parts of Haloxylon species include aerial parts, leaves, branches, seeds, roots, rhizosphere, soil, and whole plants, used to treat several diseases, including sexual disorders, hepatobiliary disorders, eye disorders, skin diseases and hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and effective in the treatment of various ailments such as snake bite, stomach ache, diabetes, wounds, earache and sciatica pain, windbreak dune fixation, feeding of livestock and firewood. Till now, no review on the genus Haloxylon has been conducted. This review aimed to provide updated information on the genus Haloxylon, including traditional medicinal uses, valorization and exploitation of medicinal plants, phytochemistry, botanical characterization, pharmacological and toxicological research focusing on the medicinal properties of several Haloxylon species, especially their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antifungal activities, as well as the effect of each bioactive molecule isolated from these species and their pharmacological use, including the preclinical evaluation of new drugs. The present work was conducted using various scientific databases, including Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc. Correct plant names were verified from plantlist.org. The results of this search were interpreted, analyzed, and documented based on the obtained bibliographic information. Among all species of the Chenopodiaceae family, 6 species of the Haloxylon genus have approved antioxidant activity, 5 species have antibacterial activity, 3 species have anti-inflammatory activity, 2 species have cytotoxic activity, and 3 species have antifungal activity. The majority of the chemical constituents of this plant include flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, glycosides, and tannins. Among them, the main bioactive constituents would be present in the alkaloid fraction. The study of more than 9 Haloxylon plants has identified more than 46 compounds. Pharmacological research proved that crude extracts and some pure compounds obtained from Haloxylon had activities for the treatment of different diseases. The objective of the present study was focused on antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antifungal diseases. From the study of the phytochemistry of the Haloxylon family, it was concluded that all studied plants had active compounds. Among them, 11 isolated molecules have medicinal activities with antioxidant properties, 10 molecules showed antibacterial effects, more than 6 molecules have anti-inflammatory properties, more than 9 isolated molecules have medicinal activities against cytotoxic diseases, and more than 28 molecules have antifungal effects. Therefore, the safety of Haloxylon herbal medicine should be considered a top priority in the early stages of development and clinical trials. Several previously conducted studies have validated multiple traditional uses of Haloxylon species. Further research is needed on Haloxylon plants before they can be fully utilized in the clinic as a potent drug candidate, as researchers are mainly focusing on alkaloids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids, whereas there are many other types of compounds that may possess novel biological activities.

Foraging habitat use by sympatric Cuvier’s Gazelle, Dama Gazelle, and Dorcas Gazelle on a private reserve in Morocco

Abstract Habitat use influences the survival and fitness of animals. Habitat quality and food availability in spring and summer are crucial determinants of ungulate population dynamics, peaking in spring and drastically decreasing in summer in Mediterranean region. Here, over a 2-year period we examine foraging habitat use in both spring and summer of 3 threatened gazelle species living in sympatry in a private reserve in Morocco: Cuvier’s Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri), Dama Gazelle (Nanger dama), and Dorcas Gazelle (G. dorcas). We observed differences among species—Cuvier’s Gazelle foraged in woodland, Dama Gazelle in grassland, and Dorcas Gazelle in scrubland—with differences being mediated by seasonal effects as all species broadened their foraging habitat use in summer. We observed differences between years in foraging patterns of Dama Gazelle and Dorcas Gazelle, reflecting greater herb and scrub cover in 2018, potentially related to greater rainfall. Given the seasonal and annual differences observed, reductions in rainfall predicted with the progression of changing climatic conditions in the Mediterranean basin would reduce the availability of food resources and heighten the vulnerability of these species. The study illustrates interspecific coexistence through food resource partitioning of the 3 species, contributing to support conservation management actions of their populations in setting up structured reintroduction programs within their range.

The secret is quartz: technology of production of an eleventh-twelfth century western Mediterranean polychrome glazed ware

A group of a well-known polychrome glazed ceramic, widespread in the western Mediterranean in the eleventh and first half of the twelfth centuries, has been analysed for the first time using Optical Microscopy (OM) and a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), in order to shed some light on the materials, production technology and provenance, about which there are various hypotheses. This ware is characterised by a perfectly drawn and varied iconography, with often stylised zoomorphic and anthropomorphic and nautical motifs. It was produced in an as yet unidentified workshop in North Africa or the Iberian Peninsula. The pottery analysed was found in an archaeological excavation in the Barrio Andalusi of Almería (south-east of Spain). Technologically, the ceramics are fairly homogeneous, with copper-green and manganese-brown pigments applied over the raw tin glaze filled with large undissolved quartz particles. The use of quartz is consistent with a Fatimid-Zirid contribution from Ifriqiya, the use of tin is consistent with an Andalusi Umayyad-Taifas contribution, and the green and brown colours on a white ground to either Ifriqiya or Andalusi. Our study has shown that the use of quartz on the decorated glazed surface is not related to the need for an opacifier, but rather to the need for a highly viscous melt that limits the spread of the pigments during the firing allowing a finer and more detailed drawing. This fusion of different techniques has been identified for the first time. It is intriguing from the historical point of view of medieval technology, and provides the first insights into understanding the technological transfers and technical solutions that took place in the Mediterranean basin during this period.

Sensory optimization of gluten-free hazelnut omelette and sugar-modified chestnut pudding: A free choice profiling approach for enhanced traditional recipe formulations.

The Mediterranean region is distinguished by its gastronomic diversity and a wide variety of indigenous nut crops. In line with changing global food consumers' preferences, a noteworthy aspect is the increasing demand to the use of local varieties in recipe formulation. The aim of the present study was to incorporate the Terra Fria chestnut (Portugal) and Negreta hazelnut from Reus (Spain) in traditional Mediterranean recipes. The sensory, technofunctional, nutritional, and shelf-life characterization were investigated in hazelnut omelette (gluten and gluten-free) and chestnut pudding (sugar and sugar-free) formulations. Results conducted by trained assessors using the free choice profiling (FCP) showed that hazelnut omelette samples were described as "creamy," "smooth," and "handmade." In addition, the texture obtained with the hazelnut omelette gluten-free version showed the softest textural profile analysis attributes, with lower values for hardness (2.43±0.36N), adhesiveness (-0.38±0.00gs) and gumminess (2.12±0.14). Furthermore, the shelf-life studies revealed a more golden color (>14.43 of a* CIELAB coordinate) and a lower moisture content (25.36%-43.59%) in the hazelnut flour formulation, in addition to the enrichment in terms of protein (8.36g/100g), fiber, and healthy fats. In the case of chestnut pudding, it was observed that the study parameters did not differ significantly from its sweetened analogue with positive attributes in FCP ("toasted," "fluffy," and "sweet"), positioning it as a viable alternative to sugar in this application. Therefore, both hazelnut flour in hazelnut omelette and oligofructose in chestnut pudding proved to be promising ingredients in the formulation of gluten-free and sugar-free developed products, offering attractive organoleptic and textural characteristics.

Ballota acetabulosa (L). Bentham: A First-Time GC-MS Analysis and Antioxidant Potential of its Essential Oil.

Ballota acetabulosa native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, holds significance in folk medicine. Externally, it is applied for treating cuts and burns, while internally, it is utilized to alleviate inflammation, suppress cough, and address gastrointestinal issues. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil of Ballota acetabulosa and to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the essential oil, as well as the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant. Essential oil analysis was performed using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays were applied to the essential oil, water, and ethanol extracts of the plant. Spathulenol was found to be the predominant constituent of the essential oil, comprising 25.03% of the oil. Compared to the control group (Propyl gallate for DPPH, IC50 0.109; BHT for inhibition of lipid peroxidation, IC50 0.133), the essential oil was found to have insignificant antioxidant activity (IC50 value 10.395 mg/mL for DPPH, 1.051 mg/mL for inhibition of lipid peroxidation). Moreover, ethanolic extract (IC50 value 1.583 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.029 mg/mL for inhibition of lipid peroxidation) exerted more antioxidant activity than aqueous extract (IC50 value 1.9017 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.161 mg/mL for inhibition of lipid peroxidation). Hitherto, this is the earliest report on the composition and activity of the essential oil Ballota acetabulosa. However, further investigation of different antioxidant capacity assays is suggested to highlight potential variations in mechanisms of action and subsequent results. Everything considered, this study advances the comprehension of the chemical composition and possible therapeutic uses of Ballota acetabulosa, highlighting the need for more research into its uses.

From fangs to antidotes: A scoping review on snakebite burden, species, and antivenoms in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Snake bites cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains fragmented. This is particularly the case in Eastern Mediterranean Region where available data on snake bites is relatively weak. Without reliable data, it is difficult to make the case for greater visibility and investment to address the snakebite burden in this Region. A scoping review was therefore conducted to summarize evidence on snake bites in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean. The review employed manual and electronic searching methods of four databases plus Google Scholar, ultimately including 196 records from 20 countries published between 2000 and 2023. More than half originated from Iran, Morocco, and Pakistan. Many records lacked information on permanent sequalae, disability, snake species, and types and sources of antivenoms. When identified, offending snakes belonged to 30 species. Use of more than 12 types of antivenoms were described across the Region, and some were not specific to indigenous species. Despite the relatively large number of publications identified, the data were concentrated in just a few countries in the Region, and there was little or no information available for the remainder. As is the case worldwide, disability associated with snake bites was poorly characterized and quantified across the Region. There is an urgent need for concrete action at national and regional levels to enhance epidemiological surveillance, research, and the collection of clinical, disability and outcomes data to inform policy and public health investment. Greater regional cooperation and collaboration is also crucial for addressing this neglected disease throughout the Region.

Blood Pressure Control Among Diabetic Patients in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The control of blood pressure (BP) is a challenge in diabetic patients and is associated with adverse outcomes of diabetes. In this systematic review and metaanalysis, we investigated the BP control rate among hypertensive diabetic patients in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases up to January 2023 for observational studies on BP control among hypertensive diabetic patients in all EMR countries. We included studies reporting the proportion of hypertensive, type 2 diabetic patients with controlled BP, defined as systolic/diastolic BP < 140/90 or <130/80 mmHg. Study quality was assessed using modified STROBE guidelines, and a random- effect meta-analysis was conducted to pool prevalence data and calculate overall rates. Subgroup analysis was performed by gender, study design, country, and BP control cut-offs (140/90 and 130/80). Among the 1949 retrieved studies, 20 studies assessing 27956 individuals were included. The proportion of BP control regardless of cut-off points was 36.8% (95% CI=29.1%- 45.3%) for both genders combined, with a breakdown of 53.2% (95% CI=36.1%-69.6%) for women and 43.5% (95% CI=20.0%-70.3%) for men, respectively. Based on cut-offs of 130/80 and 140/90 mmHg as the target, BP control was estimated by 38.2% (95%CI 24.5, 54.1) and 36.5% (95%CI 27.1, 47.0), respectively. Our findings indicate that BP control targets are not successfully achieved in hypertensive diabetic patients in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It is recommended to place greater emphasis on the quality of hypertension care in the management of type 2 diabetes.

THE ATTITUDE OF SECURITY GUARDS TOWARDS DISABLED INDIVIDUALS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION OF TURKEY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Negative social attitudes towards disabled people make it very difficult for disabled people to integrate into society and the acceptance and integration of disabled people into society continues to be limited to negative attitudes encountered outside the home. The aim of this study is to determine security guards' attitudes towards people with disabilities in Turkey. Data were collected from 469 security guards working in the private or public sector using a questionnaire including the Attitudes Towards Persons with Disabilities Inventory (APDI). The mean (standard deviation) of the APDI is 180.3 (19.1). Positive attitudes are held by more than 98.0% of the research group, both overall and by subcomponents. Security guards with higher levels of education and income had significantly more positive attitudes towards people with disabilities than the others. Acquaintance with a disabled individual is a significant predictor for the competency-independent living subscale (B:2.3, p=0.008). In conclusion, presenting people with disabilities in a realistic way, with their competencies and limitations, is key to developing positive attitudes. In addition, employing individuals with a high level of education in security jobs with appropriate wages can be useful in strategies to develop positive attitudes towards people with disabilities.

Letters from Sodom: ‘Emotional’ Agency and Evidence of Sexual Crime in the Early Modern Courts of Italy and Spain

In the judicial system of the Ancien Régime, some crimes were notoriously difficult to prove. It was essential for the prosecution to properly argue the case and, to this end, it was necessary to develop a hierarchical system of evidential means that would allow any hint of suspicion to yield results. The goal of the essay is to carry out a detailed study of the written documents confiscated in judicial proceedings for sodomy in civil courts of the Mediterranean area during the early modern period. The objective is to understand the ‘expressiveness’ that this judicial evidence contributed to the process of signalling criminal practices within the judicial system of Spanish and Italian courts. In addition, by studying love letters between men, missives from their relatives and friends commenting on disagreements, the popular literature consumed by the defendants, certificates and other official documents, and their demands for employment, the essay will shed light on their everyday life and forms of dissidence, with the aim of understanding the particular ‘emotional’ agency of these individuals.

Maximizing opportunities for co-implementing fuel break networks and restoration projects

Increasing impacts from wildfires are reshaping fire policies worldwide, with expanded investments in a wide range of fuel reduction strategies. In many fire prone regions, especially in the Mediterranean basin, fuel management programs have relied on fuel break networks for decades to facilitate fire suppression and reduce area burned and damage. By contrast, on the fire prone federal forests in the western United States, fuel management is guided primarily by landscape restoration goals, including improving fire resiliency such that wildfires can be managed for ecological benefit, and suppression is used more as a tool to shape burn patterns and less to extinguish fires. New policies in both fire systems are now calling for hybrid approaches that rely on both types of investments and efficient allocation of alternative spatial treatment patterns: linear networks versus patches across the landscape. However, studies that combine these strategies and examine alternative co-prioritization outcomes and potential synergies are largely non-existent. Here, we analyzed scenarios for implementing both types of treatments in concert while varying the prioritization metrics for one type or the other on a western United States national forest. We measured the response related to both treatment strategies including fire intersection rate, improvement in forest resiliency, and net revenue. We found that projects with benefits to both strategies can be identified and mapped independently of the implementation scenario and restoration objective. However, scenarios prioritized for fuel breaks preceding restoration resulted in the identification of more projects that met the criteria for providing dual benefits. The study is a rare example of optimizing hybrid fuel treatment projects that serve both restoration and fire protection goals with different spatial treatment designs.

Non-choice vs. Free-choice: when and how Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski and Amitai) female attack its prey?

BackgroundCydnoseius negevi (Swirski and Amitai) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a promising bio-agent in the Mediterranean region. It attacks a wide range of pest species. Two fundamental questions have been raised when C. negevi was a promising candidate for biological control applications in a hydroponic system. This study was carried out to answer the raised questions: (1) how long a predatory female takes to attack its prey in a non-choice biological control application? and (2) what do the predatory females prefer when offered a multiple choice (free-choice) of pest preys?, to understand the potentialities of C. negevi attacking behaviour.ResultsTwo sets of experiments were conducted for 240 min under laboratory conditions of 27 ± 2 °C, 60 ± 5% RH, and 18:6h L:D photoperiod. The tested prey species were Tetranychus urticae Koch, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas), and Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas). Non-choice experiments tested the time (min) needed to the 24 h starved female to attack its prey. The free-choice experiments tested the female’ choices and the time recorded for each female during the full experimental time. Significant differences were recorded in both sets at confidence level of 95%. The spider mite T. urticae recorded the shortest predatory female’s response in both non- and free-choice sets. On the contrary, the insect I. aegyptiaca had the least female’s choice in both sets of experiment.ConclusionThe present study discussed the behavioural categories of C. negevi. The female responses showed a list of priorities to the tested herbivore species. Such behavioural simulation is considerable for the future pest control applications to predict the generalist predator’s preferences among a wide range of multiple herbivore species.

Hydraulic plasticity and water use regulation act to maintain the hydraulic safety margins of Mediterranean trees in rainfall exclusion experiments.

Hydraulic failure due to xylem embolism has been identified as one of the main mechanisms involved in drought-induced forest decline. Trees vulnerability to hydraulic failure depends on their hydraulic safety margin (HSM). While it has been shown that HSM globally converges between tree species and biomes, there is still limited knowledge regarding how HSM can adjust locally to varying drought conditions within species. In this study, we relied on three long-term partial rainfall exclusion experiments to investigate the plasticity of hydraulic traits and HSM for three Mediterranean tree species (Quercus ilex L., Quercus pubescens Willd., and Pinus halepensis Mill.). For all species, a homeostasis of HSM in response to rainfall reduction was found, achieved through different mechanisms. For Q. ilex, the convergence in HSM is attributed to the adjustment of both the turgor loss point (Ψtlp) and the water potential at which 50% of xylem conductivity is lost due to embolism (P50). In contrast, the maintenance of HSM for P. halepensis and Q. pubescens is related to its isohydric behavior for the first and leaf area adjustment for the latter. It remains to be seen whether this HSM homeostasis can be generalized and if it will be sufficient to withstand extreme droughts expected in the Mediterranean region.

A Comparative Bryo-Ecological Study of Habitat 3170*: Sites of Particular Phytogeographic Interest in the Mediterranean Area

In accordance with the 92/43/EEC “Habitats” Directive, Mediterranean temporary ponds are identified as a priority natural habitat within the European context. They are a very interesting and unique habitat type, as ecological conditions can vary greatly in a short period of time. Due to their small size, many Mediterranean hydrophytic bryophytes typical of this habitat are often overlooked or misinterpreted. Their distribution, habitats, ecology, and strategies are generally poorly understood. Several of them are currently considered rare or endangered in the Mediterranean. As these ponds are particularly sensitive to human activities and natural changes, such bryophytes and associated vegetation communities may be at risk. This study is focused on their floristic variability in different environmental conditions in two sites of particular phytogeographic interest in the Mediterranean area. In the Sardinian Pauli of Giara, 56 taxa (50 Bryophyta and 6 Marchantiophyta) were found, and in the Umbria Piana di Ferretto, 54 taxa (34 Bryophyta and 20 Marchantiophyta) were documented. The taxa from the two areas were analysed and compared. Life strategies, life macroforms, light and moisture preferences, chorological elements, and moisture belts were considered. The data are presented here together with information on the phytogeography and ecology of the species recorded. The findings indicate that a bespoke monitoring strategy and dedicated conservation measures are essential for the effective protection of bryophytes, ensuring the achievement of meaningful and sustainable conservation outcomes.

Spatio-temporal analysis of meteorological drought return periods in a Mediterranean arid region, the center of Morocco

ABSTRACT Morocco has recently witnessed a surge in drought occurrences, leading to considerable socioeconomic damages. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) at 3- and 12-month timescales was employed to assess spatiotemporal drought characteristics across the Marrakech-Safi arid region. Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope methods were adopted to assess SPI trends. Furthermore, the Gumbel Copula was employed to construct the joint distribution function of three drought variables: duration, severity, and intensity. The spatial distribution of drought return period for different scenarios was carried out. Results revealed notable interannual fluctuations of wet and drought cycles, with the driest years being 1983 and 2005 and a mixture of positive and negative trends of SPI-12 and SPI-3 over the 1972–2018 period. Nevertheless, statistical significance was observed in only 50% of the SPI-12 trends and 27% of the SPI-3 trends. The drought severity in the region was highest in the plain area, with droughts lasting 6–20 months for 75% of all drought events for SPI-12. The coastal strip exhibited the lowest drought recurrences. Furthermore, dry periods exhibited greater temporal variability over shorter timescales. Finally, trivariate return periods of drought events were the longer, averaging 93 months for SPI-12.

Challenges to Viticulture in Montenegro under Climate Change

The Montenegrin climate is characterised as very heterogeneous due to its complex topography. The viticultural heritage, dating back to before the Roman empire, is settled in a Mediterranean climate region, located south of the capital Podgorica, where climate conditions favour red wine production. However, an overall increase in warmer and drier periods affects traditional viticulture. The present study aims to discuss climate change impacts on Montenegrin viticulture. Bioclimatic indices, ensembled from five climate models, were analysed for both historical (1981–2010) and future (2041–2070) periods upon three socio-economic pathways: SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5. CHELSA (≈1 km) was the selected dataset for this analysis. Obtained results for all scenarios have shown the suppression of baseline conditions for viticulture. The average summer temperature might reach around 29.5 °C, and the growing season average temperature could become higher than 23.5 °C, advancing phenological events. The Winkler index is estimated to range from 2900 °C up to 3100 °C, which is too hot for viticulture. Montenegrin viticulture requires the application of adaptation measures focused on reducing temperature-increase impacts. The implementation of adaptation measures shall start in the coming years, to assure the lasting productivity and sustainability of viticulture.

The Mediterranean Species Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds

Research studies on plant secondary metabolites have increased over the last decades as a consequence of the growing consumer demand for natural products in pharmaceutics and therapeutics, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. In this perspective, many Mediterranean plant species could be an appreciated source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological and health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor ones. Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare are commercially important plants of the Mediterranean flora, with great therapeutic use in the treatment of many disorders since ancient times, and are now listed in several world pharmacopoeias and drug agencies. The present review offers an overview of the main phytochemicals, phenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, biosynthesized in C. officinalis and F. vulgare, both species endemic to the Mediterranean region. Further, all current knowledge and scientific data on taxonomic classification, botanical description, traditional uses, pharmacological studies, and potential toxicity of both species were reported. The principal aim of this review is to point out the prospective use of C. officinalis and F. vulgare as valuable reservoirs of beneficial plant-derived products with interesting biological properties, also providing suggestions and future challenges for the full exploitation of these two Mediterranean species for human life improvement.

Determination of the Relationship of Harmonization Ratio and Some Yield Characteristics with Grain Yield in Barley

In this study, it was aimed to calculate the harmonization ratio before and after the flowering period (GFPtt/VPtt) in barley depending on thermal times, to determine the vegetative period (VP) and grain filling period (GFP) values for higher grain yield (GY) capacity and the possibility of using these qualities as adaptation and selection criteria and to determine the relationship between HR and GY calculated according to phenological periods depending on thermal times under Kahramanmaraş conditions. The experiments were carried out in Kahramanmaraş, located in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey, between 2014 and 2016 under the conditions of 9 genotypes for 2 successive years according to the randomized completed block design with 3 replicates. Phenological traits such as VP, GFP, GY and days to maturity (DM) were measured in relation to thermal times. According to the results, genotypes were found to be significantly different in terms of harmonization ratio in barley. Considering the two-year averages, the highest grain yields were determined as Samyeli (534.3 kg da-1) and Şahin-91 (532.8 kg da-1). The lowest grain yields were determined as Kendal (404.9 kg da-1) and Sur-93 (416.9 kg da-1). According to the results, barley genotypes were found to be significantly different in terms of harmonization ratio. The highest harmonization ratios were determined as Samyeli (0.753) and Kendal (0.672), the lowest harmonization ratios were determined as Şahin-91 (0.486) and Athena*Yabani (0.558). Although there was a general relationship between grain yield and harmonization ratio, some genotypes had values outside this trend.

Myrtus communisleaves:source of bio-actives, traditional use, their biological properties, and prospects

Myrtus communisL., commonly known as true myrtle, is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean area. Since ancient times, the inhabitants of this area have been using it for its cultural and medicinal properties. Because of the vast diversity of biomolecules in its aerial parts, it exhibits several biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Thisreview retrospect the research on the source, biological activities with empirical evidence, chemical composition, applications, and cellular targets of extracts and essential oils obtained from M. communisleaves, which provides a perspective for furtherstudies on the applications and formulations of extract and EO of M. communisleaves. The efficacy of constituents' individually, in association with other bioactive constituents, or in combination with available commercial drugs would provide insights into the development of these bio-actives as future drugs and their evolving future potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and aroma industries.

Unveiling the Bounty: A Systematic Synthesis of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Mediterranean Lentil and Chickpea Cultivation Through Alternative Pulse Systems

ABSTRACTPulses get increasing awareness not only for their nutritional value but also for their multifunctionality in sustainable agri‐food systems. Although having a long tradition in Mediterranean regions, their share of arable land is very low. Knowledge about pulse cropping, considering nonmarket outputs in alternative cropping systems, is scarce. To this end, we conducted a systematic literature research. We synthesized the current quantified state of knowledge about associated biodiversity in pulse systems and ecosystem services, specifically food/feed provision and soil quality, in lentil and chickpea cropping systems using alternative management practices in the Mediterranean and analysed their impact compared to conventional practices employing a meta‐analysis. As alternative practices, we considered practices frequently proposed to be sustainable and more ecologically oriented than conventional cropping. Most studies examined soil quality, especially chemical quality, followed by grain yield. Very few studies surveyed biodiversity, most of which used arable flora as an indicator. Mean lentil and chickpea grain yields were 1484.4 ± 665 kg/ha under alternative practices, and flora richness was on average 10.9 ± 4 species during the pulse phase. We found significant positive impacts of organic farming on biodiversity, no tillage on soil quality and diversified rotations on yield. In multiservice trials, no tillage tended to be synergistic for both, yield and soil quality. In conclusion, organic and conservation agriculture elements seem promising techniques for ecosystem service‐enhancing pulse management. Anyhow, the current evidence base on ecosystem service performance in alternative pulse systems is empirically not yet robust to conclude sound data‐driven management recommendations—especially with a focus on biodiversity. However, we can draw justified hypotheses that can focus future research and can be tested in the field.