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A Glimpse into the Genetic Heritage of the Olive Tree in Malta

Author

Listed:
  • Monica Marilena Miazzi

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Antonella Pasqualone

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Marion Zammit-Mangion

    (Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Michele Antonio Savoia

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Valentina Fanelli

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Silvia Procino

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
    Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Susanna Gadaleta

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesco Luigi Aurelio

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Cinzia Montemurro

    (Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
    SINAGRI S.r.l.—Spin Off of University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
    Support Unit Bari, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 70125 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

The genetic diversity of the ancient autochthonous olive trees on the Maltese islands and the relationship with the wild forms growing in marginal areas of the island (57 samples), as well as with the most widespread cultivars in the Mediterranean region (150 references), were investigated by genetic analysis with 10 SSR markers. The analysis revealed a high genetic diversity of Maltese germplasm, totaling 84 alleles and a Shannon information index (I) of 1.08. All samples from the upper and the lower part of the crown of the Bidni trees belonged to the same genotype, suggesting that there was no secondary top-grafting of the branches. The Bidni trees showed close relationships with the local wild germplasm, suggesting that the oleaster population played a role in the selection of the Bidni variety. Genetic similarities were also found between Maltese cultivars and several Italian varieties including accessions putatively resistant to the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which has recently emerged in the Apulia region (Italy) and has caused severe epidemics on olive trees over the last decade.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica Marilena Miazzi & Antonella Pasqualone & Marion Zammit-Mangion & Michele Antonio Savoia & Valentina Fanelli & Silvia Procino & Susanna Gadaleta & Francesco Luigi Aurelio & Cinzia Montemurro, 2024. "A Glimpse into the Genetic Heritage of the Olive Tree in Malta," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:3:p:495-:d:1359295
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Michele Antonio Savoia & Valentina Fanelli & Monica Marilena Miazzi & Francesca Taranto & Silvia Procino & Leonardo Susca & Vito Montilon & Oriana Potere & Franco Nigro & Cinzia Montemurro, 2023. "Apulian Autochthonous Olive Germplasm: A Promising Resource to Restore Cultivation in Xylella fastidiosa -Infected Areas," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-19, September.
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