In the heart of the Southern Levant, where arid conditions have long dictated the survival of the fittest, researchers are uncovering secrets hidden within the region’s olive trees. The wild and traditional olive varieties, known for their resilience, are now under the microscope at the French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The lead author of this study, Basappa Adi, and his team are exploring how these varieties respond to drought, shedding light on the future of sustainable olive horticulture in a changing climate.
The research, recently published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science, focuses on the Barnea cultivar, two local traditional cultivars (MLL1 and MLL7), and the wild var. sylvestris. By simulating different levels of water availability, the team aimed to understand how these varieties cope with varying degrees of drought stress. The results are illuminating.
Under severe drought conditions, the Barnea cultivar showed a significant drop in performance, while the local traditional cultivars and the wild variety demonstrated remarkable resilience. “The local traditional cultivars and the wild variety exhibited a stronger response to reduced evapotranspiration conditions,” Adi explains. This finding underscores the potential of these local varieties in maintaining sustainable olive cultivation, even as climate change alters water availability.
The study also revealed that MLL1, known locally as the Souri cultivar, outperformed MLL7 in terms of net photosynthesis, a key indicator of tree productivity. This discovery could explain why MLL1 dominates local traditional orchards, while MLL7 is rarely found as a fruit-bearing tree. “Net photosynthesis, as an indicator of tree productivity, can explain the dominance of MLL1 in local traditional orchards and the negligible abundance of MLL7 as a fruit-bearing tree,” Adi notes.
As climate change continues to influence olive cultivation, these findings are more than just academic curiosities. They offer a roadmap for sustainable olive horticulture in arid regions. By identifying and cultivating drought-tolerant varieties, farmers can ensure the longevity of their orchards in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
The implications for the energy sector, particularly in regions dependent on olive cultivation, are profound. Drought-resistant olive varieties can reduce the need for irrigation, lowering water consumption and energy demands. This, in turn, can lead to more sustainable and energy-efficient agricultural practices, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
The research by Adi and his team is just the beginning. As we delve deeper into the genetic and physiological mechanisms behind drought tolerance, we can expect to see a new generation of olive varieties tailored to thrive in arid conditions. This could revolutionize olive cultivation, ensuring the survival of this ancient and valuable crop in an ever-changing world. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science, highlight the critical role of local germplasm in adapting to climate change and maintaining sustainable agriculture.