RESEARCH ACTIVITY

The Institute develops research on the biology, physiology, genetics and agronomy of olive and its cultivation and the collection of the germplasm of Olea europaea L. to preserve the genetic variability of the species for the purpose of clonal selection, propagation and plant breeding planning. The collection consists of about 1000 accessions and is one of the more extensive collections in the world

In the agronomy and plant breeding program:

  • study of varietal discrimination by analyzing polymorphism using the RAPD technique (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA);
  • study of new agronomic techniques to increase the quantitative and qualitative productivity of the oil as well as reducing crop costs;
  • study of the biosynthesis of triglycerides by analyzing the enzyme activity involved in lipid biosynthesis in the fruit and the quality parameters of the oil.

For the environmental biology program:

  • study of adaptation to extreme temperatures with particular reference to freezing. Studies are also carried out on natural substances able to induce a lowering of lethal temperatures;

  • study for response mechanisms to water stress during acute and chronical drought, in relation to treatments localized on parts or on the entire root system. Parameters of interest are the water quotient and photosynthesis up to the orchard level.

For the biotechnological and "in vitro" plant improvement programme:
  • study on "in vitro" micropropagation techniques of olive cultivars with particular reference to the stabilization of explants and the growth media to define an applicative technique;
  • study of the morphogenesis in somatic tissue, in particular from petioles and leaf disks; engineered agrobacteria are used for genetic transformation;
  • study of "in vitro" embryo culture of embryos from olive cultivars in order to accelerate germination in both mature and immature embryos;
  • study of cryoconservation of olive germplasm by using cell and explant cultures;
  • construction of a genetic linkage map for the olive species using RFLP, AFLP, RAPD and isozyme markers;
  • identification and expression study of genes related to the oil synthesis and ripening process.

NATIONAL PROJECTS

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS