Aimed in creating the first national programme of genetic improvement of olive trees resistant to Xylella.

Save the Olives is facing its most important challenge to date aiming to provide a concrete outlet to years of hard work: the creation of an experimental site for biodiversity and varietal innovation in olive growing. Ongoing research for solutions to combat the Xylella epidemic on olive trees has now identified that the focus on plant resilience. This is the primary objective which the international scientific community's investments should converge. Research programmes aimed at developing new varieties of olive trees that are genetically resistant to the Xylella bacterium, as well as genetic improvement programmes, require experiments which may last up to a few decades as in the case of an enduring plant such as the olive tree.

This is one of the reasons as to why, in the pre-Xylella era, very few genetic improvement programmes were aimed at olive trees specifically, unlike for other fruit species on an international level– none were developed in Italy. 10 years after the discovery of the Xylella epidemic in Apulia, it has now become clear that solutions to combat the epidemic must pass through the development of genetic improvement programmes. In order to do so, long-term availability of adequate facilities is required such as greenhouses, laboratories and experimental fields.

The availability of such facilities, however, are a limiting factor. Research institutions rarely have large experimental plots at their disposal to devote long periods of examination for a single experimental activity. The availability of farmland would complement the facilities that have gradually been made available to activate this first national programme of genetic improvement for the study of olive trees resistant to Xylella. Greenhouses, air-conditioned cells and screen-houses would be made available in which the first breeding phases of the new plants produced by the crossbreeding are developed. In order to complete this chain, large agricultural areas are necessary to plant the seedlings, and not only those produced thus far, but also those that will be produced in years to come and currently in the pot-breeding phase in greenhouses. We would set up an experimental olive grove allowing us to compare and evaluate the characteristics of thousands of plants in order to select those with the best characteristics of oil production and resistance to both the disease and to climate change. This will be an experimental site serving as a repository of olive biodiversity. The genetic diversity that originates from plant-crossing activities is an important source not only for resistance to the Xylella bacteria but for countless other characteristics inherent to an olive tree: from its habitus, to the specific organoleptic qualities of the oil produced.

It is estimated that an area of 5-10 hectares with water supply will required in order to complete this project.

Having such an experimental site available is a medium to long term intervention which would benefit the entire agricultural community of Apulia and beyond.