Olive, a Monumental Tree; Multidimensional Perspective from Origin to Sustainability

The Mediterranean basin is the main area where the cultivation of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.), one of the oldest fruit trees, took place. Olea, found exclusively in the Mediterranean, stands as the representative of the Olea genus, which encompasses 35–40 species distributed across tropical and southern Africa, south Asia, eastern Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. The proliferation of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) in the Mediterranean region holds significance in terms of landscape, nutrition, culture, and history. The origin and the domestication of olive tree still remain a hot debatable issue while the cultivation is still expanding. Herein, a comprehensive chapter on the origin and domestication is being presented. Recent advances in molecular techniques like genetic fingerprinting for the discrimination of cultivars, evaluation of ecosystem services, biodiversity issues and ecophysiological parameters are also discussed. These aspects are critical factors in the policy and decision-making process of olive cultivation. The need for systematic monitoring of the olive cultivation is also emphasized. In the face of the ongoing climatic changes, separate sections pertaining to the physiological aspects controlling growth and resilience as well as the existing biodiversity of Olea are also included. Finally, the role of insects in shaping the history and evolution of olive tree, and matters related to sustainability of the crop are other interesting points covered in this chapter.