Camp experimental Tuoro (Trasimeno- Perugia).

In the field located in the province of Perugia, approximately 960 plants (518 genotypes) are kept in 21 rows, including Italian and foreign cultivars (22 cultivars) and selected genotypes resulting from controlled crosses. These accessions are subject to bio-agronomic evaluations.

Characterisation and evaluation of olive genotypes for the selection of oil and table cultivars with particular qualitative-quantitative production qualities

There are approximately 960 plants (518 genotypes) distributed in 21 rows, including Italian and foreign cultivars (22 cultivars) and selected genotypes resulting from controlled crosses. These accessions are subjected to bio-physiological observations for agronomic evaluation of the genotype.

Approximately 300 square metres are covered by shaders for plant breeding with a sprinkler and drip irrigation system, and 80 square metres by structures for sheltering agricultural vehicles and equipment.

Among the numerous cross-breeding combinations, the most numerous populations in the field come from:

• Leccino x Kalamata: The main objective of this cross is to obtain new dual-purpose genetic lines with lower vigour than both parents, medium to large sized, non-symmetrical fruit, high milling yield and excellent organoleptic and qualitative oil characteristics (high oleic acid and phenolic substance content).
• Leccino x Dolce Agogia: The main objective is to obtain new genetic lines that possess high mange tolerance/resistance, agronomic characteristics and production quality superior to their parents.
• Free pollination of cv Giarraffa: l'main objective is to identify improved lines for table olives with high and constant productivity that maintain or exceed the characteristics of the Giarraffa fruit
• Free pollination of cv Ascolana Tenera: lThe aim of this crossing combination is therefore to obtain new lines with high productivity and ease of fruiting coupled with the excellent fruit characteristics of the Ascolana Tenera.

Research Objectives

• obtaining improved genetic lines for the constitution of new oil varieties;
• obtaining improved genetic lines for the constitution of new table varieties;
• obtaining improved genetic lines for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses;
• obtaining genetic lines with reduced plant vigour, suitable for use in mechanised intensive systems.

Activities:

Survey of agronomic characteristics

• Vigour
• Flowering
• Allegagion
• Productivity

Drup analysis

• Oil content of pulp
• Fatty acid composition

Analysis of oils

•  Total polyphenols
• Fatty acid composition
• Minor components (squalene, sterols and tocopherols)
• Fractionated phenols (tyrosol, hydroxy tyrosol, secoiroids, lignans, flavonoids)

Technological Equipment:

1. a) Tuoro sul Trasimeno field (breeding and cross-breeding).
   (b) Workshops:

• Characterisation of oils and fatty substances
• SOIL - organic matter and soil analysis
• Plant biotechnology;
• Laboratory for agronomic greenhouse and field trials
• Automatic lab-scale composting plants;
• Respirometry laboratory;

1. (c) Mini mill;
2. (d) Experimental greenhouse (264 m2).