ARPN Journal of Science and Technology::Study of the Floral Phenology and Inflorescence Characteristics of Selections of Olive obtained by Controlled Pollination in Relation to Climatic Conditions

A breeding program has been developed since 1994 (done by Dr A. Trigui), by controlled pollinations of the Tunisian olive oil variety Chemlali Sfax in order to improve the qualities of this variety (higher oil percentage and a better chemical composition). These controlled pollinations have produced a population of new genotypes presented a wide genetic diversity which was very interesting for choice of future selections. The study was undertaken to obtain further information on morphological characters of inflorescence and phonological stages on some new olive selections obtained through self and free pollination of Chemlali Sfax. The impact of climatic conditions on the initiation date and the duration of bud break and full bloom was also investigated. Morphological characteristics of inflorescences showed a comparative variability between descendants within both type of pollination confirmed by higher variation coefficients (CV>20%) and significant differences (p ≤ 0.001). Inflorescence length varied from 11.14 to 30.36 mm. Number of flowers per inflorescence was between 7.11 and 21.53. Percentage of perfect flowers ranged from 31% to 95%. Variability was also observed among olive descendants within crossings on the timing of phonological phase. Full bloom took place on average from April 3 Institute de l’Olivier de Sousse, Tunisia