June 05, 2026 | Frontiers in Plant Science |
This study conducted by the University of Palermo, Italy examined research trends and knowledge gaps related to tropical fruit cultivation in the Mediterranean Basin. Tropical fruit production has expanded in the region in recent years, but available research remains unevenly distributed across crops, countries, and research topics. A systematic assessment is therefore useful for understanding current knowledge and identifying areas requiring further study.
Following the PRISMA protocol, the researchers reviewed 517 publications covering eight major tropical fruit crops: mango, avocado, papaya, guava, litchi, dragon fruit, passion fruit, and cherimoya. The analysis considered crop species, varieties, publication year, geographic location, and research themes. Avocado and mango were the most frequently studied crops, while litchi, passion fruit, and guava received considerably less attention. Research activity increased substantially during the last decade, reaching an average of 17 publications per year.
The review also identified clear geographic and thematic imbalances. Most studies originated from the European Mediterranean region, particularly Spain and Italy, while Egypt also contributed substantially. Research focused mainly on pests and diseases, whereas ecosystem services and ethnobotany were rarely investigated. The findings provide a baseline for future tropical fruit research in the Mediterranean and highlight the need for broader geographic coverage and greater attention to understudied crops and research areas.
