Assessing pheno- and genotypic differentiation of old olive trees in correlation with environmental parameters in Israel and the Palestinian Authority

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Selection of olive trees over thousands of years has resulted in East Mediterranean local varieties adapted to growth under various environmental conditions. We here suggest a multidisciplinary approach to study the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of old local Israeli and Palestinian grafted landrace olive trees and their relationship to environmental parameters. Both rootstocks and scions will be investigated. Phenotypic variability will be assessed using morphological descriptors, phenology and chemical profiling of olive oil. Tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress will be determined in common garden experiments using rooted cuttings. Molecular markers (nuclear microsatellites and AFLPs) will be used to detect genetic variation. Edaphic, geographical, topographical and climatic parameters will be used to look for correlations between phenotypes, genotypes and environment. It is expected that such correlations will be found and can be interpreted as the result of selection of rootstocks and/or scions. The molecular data sets will be examined for selected loci.The identification of genotypes adapted to particular environmental conditions is a first step to understanding the genetic basis of adaptation in olive trees. Eventually this may lead to the identification of genes that play a role in stress related adaptive traits.