Activity 1. Evaluation of neglected olive varieties (Biodiversity Enhancement)
Various studies conducted over the years indicate that in Calabria between varieties and clones there are at least 100 autochthonous accessions with fairly defined morphological and molecular characteristics. This huge germplasm undoubtedly represents a great resource for Calabrian olive growing. In fact, within this genetic heritage there could be accessions, so far undervalued, with specificity of resistance to the main physiopathologies or able to improve production both from a quantitative and qualitative point of view. In addition, their use could result in monovarietal oils with particular characteristics and flavors, linked to a specific cultivation environment, capable of covering important market shares. However, to make the most of this germplasm it is essential to know in depth the characteristics of the different varieties, not only the bio-agronomic and genetic ones, but also those relating to the quality and peculiarities of the oils produced.
In fact, together with the "Carolea" cultivar, which from its area of origin, in the province of Catanzaro, has gradually spread to most of the Calabrian olive growing areas, there are numerous other native varieties. Some of them, such as the "Grossa di Gerace", the "Ottobratica" and the "Sinopolese", although present in fairly defined cultivation areas, are very widespread. For others, however, cultivation is limited to more circumscribed territories, within which they still have a significant incidence and often contribute, together with the climate, to compose the distinctive features and typicality of the olive productions of these areas
The experimental activity will start with the identification of experimental fields within the region in which there are an adequate number of olive varieties. Adult plants will be identified, homogeneous in terms of development and fruit load, which will be appropriately marked and geo-referenced. On these, both phenological and "non-destructive" observations and destructive evaluations will be carried out. Starting from the hardening phase of the stone, samples of olives will be taken on which the main carpological and compositional investigations of the drupe will be carried out.
Activity 2 Identification of new cultivation models for olive growing in the southern area
The evolution of olive growing is following several trajectories, including the optimization of production factors (irrigation, fertilization, use of pesticides, mechanization of operations). These aspects aim to ensure the sustainability of the supply chain, especially in olive grove operations, also by improving the use of soil and plant functionality through the adoption of appropriate forms of training and agronomic strategies. Olive varieties, as current knowledge suggests, have different responses to different agronomic practices.
In order to expand the possibilities of choice for olive growing, it becomes important to know these varietal characteristics.
Activity 3. Identification of Calabrian varieties with a certain degree of resilience to climate change
The climate changes currently underway could lead to substantial changes in the production response of olive varieties. The wide biodiversity of this species makes it possible to identify varieties that have adapted to different environments, overcoming the difficulties that they create. Among the varieties, the different degree of earliness could be a solution to overcoming periods of stress due to temperatures, humidity and rainfall and related phyto-sanitary problems. In addition, it is important to know the response of a single (commercial) variety in very different pedoclimatic areas in terms of average temperature, maximum monthly temperature and rainfall. Currently it must be emphasized that agronomic practices are being studied that tend to reduce the difficulties that olive trees can face. All this knowledge, w