The Missing Component: Intraspecific Traits Variation Enhances Wild Fruit Tree Tolerance to Climate Change

Introduction

Climate change stands as an imminent and pervasive threat, casting a looming shadow over the world's natural ecosystems. The phenomenon is underpinned by the rapid alteration of our planet's climate, primarily attributed to the relentless activities of humankind. The implications of this drastic environmental shift are far-reaching, encompassing the long-term survival prospects and adaptive capabilities of countless plant species. Scientific discourse (Allen et al., 2010; Vellend et al., 2017; Pörtner et al., 2022) has consistently sounded the alarm, emphasizing the urgency of our collective response to this existential crisis. Of particular concern is the Mediterranean region, where the effects of climate change and anthropogenic pressures have already begun to materialize. The authoritative voices of scientific research (Polade et al., 2014; Matesanz and Valladares, 2014; Oulbi et al., 2023), have provided a stark portrait of this ongoing transformation. Within this complex web of changes lies the looming challenge posed to the Mediterranean plant species, each uniquely adapted to the region's distinctive ecological tapestry.

Mediterranean plant species, including iconic representatives such as the olive tree and carob tree, are at the frontline of this ecological battle. Their significance extends beyond mere botanical curiosity, as they hold pivotal roles within both natural forests and agroecosystems. These trees, iconic symbols of the Mediterranean landscape, are characterized by their intricate biogeographical requirements, making them highly sensitive barometers of environmental change. The ongoing investigations, such as those by Kassout et al. (2021, 2022a, b, 2023b), have illuminated the extent of their vulnerability to the relentless onslaught of climate change. The dynamic interplay between climate change and its impacts on the natural world is an issue of paramount importance. Scientific research has consistently underscored the urgency of this situation, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean region and its unique plant species. The olive and carob trees, emblematic of this region, are emblematic of the broader challenge we face in preserving the intricate balance of our planet's ecosystems in the face of rapid climate change and human-induced pressures. Thus, their study not only provides insight into their own survival but also serves as a bellwether for the broader health of our planet's natural systems. Inextricably linked to these shifts are the terrestrial dynamics of energy and water flow. The pioneering work of van Bodegom et al. (2014) and Forzieri et al. (2020) delves into the cascading consequences. The disruptions in plant distribution, brought about by climate change, have a profound impact on the flow of energy and water across these landscapes. This, in turn, reverberates throughout the entire terrestrial ecosystem, altering the very essence of how these environments function. Moreover, such climatic variations could have a significant effects on insect pest populations and their dynamics (Azenzem et al., 2023).