Can the Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) Still Be Considered a Difficult-to-Propagate Crop?

As a perennial xerophytic shrub, characterized by plesiomorphic features, the caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is naturally spread throughout Mediterranean basin and occupies an important ecological role, as well economic one, in traditional specialized systems for commercial production. This species, spite of its wide diffusion, currently considered at risk genetic erosion, mainly due to overgrazing overharvesting domestic uses trade. situation made more serious because lack efficient propagation techniques, determining “difficult-to-propagate species”. In this review, we report main available sexual vegetative techniques with aim assessing whether, what extent, criticality still true horticultural crop. terms seed propagation, germination rates have generally been quite low or unsatisfactory, are also affected hybridization phenomena that likely occur among both wild cultivated forms. The seeds show physiological dormancy can be lowered adopting hormonal treatments, but situ remains critical phase. Vegetative appears effective, mostly related vitro allow cultivation no longer dissemination species intensive orchards. research needs Caper L. crop, especially field improvement breeding, underlined.