ISHS Acta Horticulturae 791: V International Symposium on Olive Growing
OLIVE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF PALMYRA UNDER THREAT |
| Authors: | A. Al Ibrahem, A. Bari, M.M. Rashed |
| Keywords: | olive descriptor, fractal geometry, genetic erosion, Olea europaea L. |
| Abstract:
Because of multi-location selection, hundred of olive cultivars are grown in different areas of Mediterranean region. In Syria, there are a number of olive cultivars. This diversity, however, is threatened, as farmers tend to grow only a few cultivars. In Palmyra oasis, in particular, which is situated at the southeast of the country, a rapid replacement is taking place and it is expected that within a few years only two cultivars will be grown at the expenses of a number of other old cultivars. A survey was conducted during 2001-2003 to describe and gather this diversity. In total 19 cultivars were found and described using both conventional descriptors and computer-image analysis descriptors based on fractal geometry. Tremendous variation was found among theses cultivars where up to 60% of the observed variation may be ascribed to the olive stone aspect ratio descriptor alone. The aim is to document, describe and gather these cultivars to establish a field genebank at Palmyra to conserve this unique diversity before it is lost. The results of the survey, description and measures undertaken to conserve this diversity are discussed in this paper. | |
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