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The Longevity of Fruit Trees in Basilicata (Southern Italy): Implications for Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation

Author

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  • Jordan Palli

    (Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
    Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Michele Baliva

    (Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
    Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Franco Biondi

    (DendroLab, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA)

  • Lucio Calcagnile

    (Centre of Applied Physics, Dating and Diagnostics (CEDAD), Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Domenico Cerbino

    (Lucan Agency for the Development and Innovation in Agriculture (ALSIA), via Annunziatella 64, 75100 Matera, Italy)

  • Marisa D’Elia

    (Centre of Applied Physics, Dating and Diagnostics (CEDAD), Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Rosario Muleo

    (Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Aldo Schettino

    (Ente Parco Nazionale del Pollino, Complesso Monumentale Santa Maria della Consolazione, 85048 Rotonda, Italy)

  • Gianluca Quarta

    (Centre of Applied Physics, Dating and Diagnostics (CEDAD), Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Nicola Sassone

    (Lucan Agency for the Development and Innovation in Agriculture (ALSIA), via Annunziatella 64, 75100 Matera, Italy)

  • Francesco Solano

    (Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
    Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Pietro Zienna

    (Lucan Agency for the Development and Innovation in Agriculture (ALSIA), via Annunziatella 64, 75100 Matera, Italy)

  • Gianluca Piovesan

    (Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

Abstract

In the Mediterranean basin, agriculture and other forms of human land use have shaped the environment since ancient times. Intensive and extensive agricultural systems managed with a few cultured plant populations of improved varieties are a widespread reality in many Mediterranean countries. Despite this, historical cultural landscapes still exist in interior and less intensively managed rural areas. There, ancient fruit tree varieties have survived modern cultivation systems, preserving a unique genetic heritage. In this study, we mapped and characterized 106 living fruit trees of ancient varieties in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Tree ages were determined through tree ring measurements and radiocarbon analyses. We uncovered some of the oldest scientifically dated fruit trees in the world. The oldest fruit species were olive (max age 680 ± 57 years), mulberry (647 ± 66 years), chestnut (636 ± 66 years), and pear (467 ± 89 years). These patriarchs hold a unique genetic resource; their preservation and genetic maintenance through agamic propagation are now promoted by the Lucan Agency for the Development and Innovation in Agriculture (ALSIA). Each tree also represents a hub for biodiversity conservation in agrarian ecosystems: their large architecture and time persistence guarantee ecological niches and micro-habitats suitable for flora and fauna species of conservation significance.

Suggested Citation

  • Jordan Palli & Michele Baliva & Franco Biondi & Lucio Calcagnile & Domenico Cerbino & Marisa D’Elia & Rosario Muleo & Aldo Schettino & Gianluca Quarta & Nicola Sassone & Francesco Solano & Pietro Zien, 2023. "The Longevity of Fruit Trees in Basilicata (Southern Italy): Implications for Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-17, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:3:p:550-:d:1079186
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jared Diamond, 2002. "Evolution, consequences and future of plant and animal domestication," Nature, Nature, vol. 418(6898), pages 700-707, August.
    2. Rosario Schicchi & Claudia Speciale & Filippo Amato & Giuseppe Bazan & Giuseppe Di Noto & Pasquale Marino & Pippo Ricciardo & Anna Geraci, 2021. "The Monumental Olive Trees as Biocultural Heritage of Mediterranean Landscapes: The Case Study of Sicily," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-17, June.
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