New insights into olive micropropagation

The Italian olive sector is grappling with significant challenges related to production and sustainability due to the rising national demand for Extra Virgin Olive (EVO) oil. Additionally, the sector is facing the emergence of novel pests and diseases, which are correlated with the global climate change scenario. The "Olive and Oil Sector Plan, also called Piano di Settore Olivicolo Oleario 2016" promoted by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MIPAAF), aims to promote the modernization of the sector by encouraging the restructuring, innovation, and expansion of olive groves through activities such as reforming, replanting, thickening, and developing high-density intensive orchards. To address these challenges, olive nurseries are called upon to significantly increase the production of high-quality plants to support the requirements of the new semi-intensive and intensive olive orchards. Furthermore, the development of the Xylella emergency has underscored the need for timely and urgent exploration of complementary ex-situ conservation strategies. In this regard, this presentation focuses on the progress of micropropagation (MP), encompassing technologies such as encapsulation and synthetic seeds, in vitro slow growth storage (SGS), and cryopreservation (CP) techniques. These methods aim to enhance the mass production of high-quality plant materials (MP) and facilitate the medium- and long-term conservation of olive germplasm (SGS and CP). The ultimate goal is to gain insights into "where we are" and "in what direction we are going," with the aim of promoting the production and use of certified high-quality plants and the ex-situ conservation of olive biodiversity.