[project duration: from 12/10/2023 until 28/02/2026]
The Italian olive oil sector faces significant challenges related to production and sustainability, caused by the increasing demand for extra virgin olive oil and the spread of new pests and diseases, largely due to climate change. Among the measures of the “2016 Olive Oil Sector Plan,” measure A.2. supports the modernization of olive groves through restructuring, replanting, and the development of high-density, intensive olive groves.
The nursery sector is therefore called upon to increase the production of high-quality plants to meet the needs of these new olive groves. The spread of Xylella has made it urgent to seek ex situ conservation strategies.
In this context, the ‘SO-live’ project focuses on micropropagation techniques, slow-growth in vitro conservation, and cryopreservation to improve the production of high-quality plants and the long-term conservation of olive germplasm. The project is divided into four work packages:
- WP1 improves the micropropagation of selected genotypes;
- WP2 develops slow-growth conservation techniques;
- WP3 studies the biochemical response of plants to conservation stress;
- WP4 manages the project and disseminates the results by involving various stakeholders, such as SMEs and public institutions.
The proposal promotes a collaborative approach between Italian institutions and SMEs to achieve the project objectives and implement practical results.
The role of IBE
IBE-CNR is engaged in medium-term in vitro conservation and cryopreservation of olive trees, with the aim of extending conservation times as much as possible, while maintaining good quality of the shoots and their capacity for vegetative recovery.
P A R T N E R S
IBE scientific manager of the project
dr.ssa Carla Benelli
carla.benelli [ at ] cnr.it
IBE project collaborators
dr.ssa Anna De Carlo
anna.decarlo [ at ] cnr.it
dr.ssa Dooa Elkassas
doaa.elkassas [ at ] cnr.it
dr Maurizio Lambardi
maurizio.lambardi [ at ] cnr.it