Exploring Olive Genetic Diversity in the Maltese Islands

Maria Cristina Valeri, David Mifsud, Clayton Sammut, Saverio Pandolfi, Emanuele Lilli, Marina Bufacchi, Vitale Stanzione, Valentina Passeri, Luciana Baldoni, Roberto Mariotti () and Soraya Mousavi
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Maria Cristina Valeri: Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
David Mifsud: Institute of Earth Systems, Division of Rural Sciences and Food Systems, University of Malta, 2080 Msida, MSD, Malta
Clayton Sammut: Institute of Earth Systems, Division of Rural Sciences and Food Systems, University of Malta, 2080 Msida, MSD, Malta
Saverio Pandolfi: Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
Emanuele Lilli: Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
Marina Bufacchi: Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
Vitale Stanzione: Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
Valentina Passeri: Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
Luciana Baldoni: Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
Roberto Mariotti: Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy
Soraya Mousavi: Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 06128 Perugia, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-14

Abstract: A comprehensive effort was devoted to exploring, collecting and characterizing the local Maltese olive germplasm, often represented by ancient, monumental trees and by plants of uncertain origin. SSR and cp-SSR analysis of all samples enabled the identification of 46 genotypes and establishment of the correspondence between ancient trees, main local varieties and other Mediterranean cultivars. The application of plastid markers enabled identification of two lineages among Maltese genotypes, with more than 50% represented by lineage E2. Twenty-nine cases of grafting were identified among the various genotypes and lineages. In most cases, E1 canopies were grafted on E2 rootstocks, but reverse cases were also observed. The phylogenetic study of Maltese genotypes, together with hundreds of cultivars from the Mediterranean Basin and beyond, highlights the richness of Maltese olive diversity and drawing attention to the genetic similarity of some Maltese olive genotypes with neighboring Italian and Algerian varieties. These results underline the long-lasting presence of the olive in the country, contributing to the reconstruction of its phylogeny and demonstrating a possible autochthonous origin of many samples. Some still-living ancient trees are at serious risk of extinction due to abandonment, urban expansion and environmental threats. This study supports the preservation of the Maltese olive germplasm and highlights its importance as a rich genetic source to face new agronomical challenges and future climatic constraints.

Keywords: Malta; olive genotypes; ancient olives; gene flow; grafting; chloroplast lineage; local genotypes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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