The Ancient Olive Trees (Olea europaea L.) of the Maltese Islands: A Rich and Unexplored Patrimony to Enhance Oliviculture

A prospecting campaign in the Maltese Islands has ensured survival of several ancient olive trees (Olea europaea L.), genetically distant from known cultivars. Most these plants were abandoned or partially cultivated. two-year evaluation fruit characteristics and compositions was performed on samples collected main representatives indigenous genotypes. Analyses carried out using Gas Chromatography, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Near Infrared Spectrometry. Among samples, a wide range variations observed. Some genotypes showed traits suitable for table production. This is case with pulp/pit ratio higher than four, such as 1Wardija, 1Caritas, 1Plattini, 1Bingemma Malta 3Loretu, whilst 1Bidni, 1Mellieha, 2Qnotta, 1Caritas dual purpose. The total phenol content ranged 6.3 (1Wardija) to 117.9 (2Mtarfa) g/kg fresh pulp. average percentage MUFA quite low most varieties. These genotypes, which presumably originated are well adapted local pedo-climatic conditions, being propagated following their bio-agronomical performance (production, suitability intensive cultivation, environmental sustainability, product quality, etc.). purpose select, among outstanding varieties, terms phenolic FA profile agronomical potential, spread into thereby contributing an increase quality oil production, strongly linked territory.