Ancient olive trees in Italy reveal unique genetic diversity

An international scientific study published in ‘Frontiers in Plant Science’ has revealed significant genetic secrets regarding millennial olive trees in the Italian regions of Basilicata and Calabria. Conducted by researchers from Alsia (the Lucanian Agency for Development and Innovation in Agriculture) in collaboration with the National Research Council (CNR), the study analyzed the DNA of 347 olive trees, including 172 monumental specimens.

The research identified 114 unique, previously uncatalogued genotypes, highlighting the vast and largely undiscovered olive heritage in Southern Italy. By analyzing the crowns and roots of 117 trees separately, scientists discovered evidence of ancient grafting practices, where farmers combined selected varieties with existing local rootstocks to create plants with diverse characteristics.

Additionally, the study identified three native Calabrian olive trees with genetic traits suggesting possible polyploidy, a rare condition in olive trees. The findings also noted differences in genetic group distribution between Basilicata and Calabria, providing new insights into local population diversity and offering critical data for the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.