Exploring Reproductive Timing in Olive Tree: Male Meiosis and Anthesis Events

The timing of male meiosis plays a pivotal role in ensuring successful pollination and may represent a critical window during which environmental stressors can significantly impact reproductive outcomes. In anemophilous plants, both the quantity of microspores produced and the development of viable pollen are particularly susceptible to external influences, such as fluctuating climatic conditions. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of reproductive features, focusing on the meiotic events of male gametogenesis and the phenological phases from the onset to full flowering in olive from central Italy. Utilizing a robust 11-year database (2012-2022), the research incorporates detailed micro- and macro-phenological observations alongside systematic pollen monitoring. The temporal regulation of male meiosis directs the phenological plasticity of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) by transforming it into maladaptive phenological plasticity, effectively making the plant insensitive to thermal changes. This remarkable physiological trait underscores the resilience of this woody species to climate change. The results obtained will help to elucidate the interaction between climatic factors and reproductive dynamics, contributing valuable insights into the broader context of phenological responses to environmental changes.