Jorge Enrique Pereira Benitez

Original Olive Genotypes found in Uruguay identified by morphological and molecular markers.

bstract
Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, founded by Spaniards in the 18th century,
and Colonia del Sacramento, established by the Portuguese in the 17th century, are
sources of olive diversity. A study and analysis of this unexplored heritage was
initiated 10 years ago, using morphological and molecular tools. After a primary
geographical and historical survey, 360 Olea europaea fruit and leaf samples were
collected. After morphological analysis of 11 stone characters, the samples could not
be matched with any cultivars in databases from Mediterranean countries. When a set
of 14 pairs of microsatellite primers was applied, nine different multilocus genotypes
were detected that were not recorded in the databases. In agreement with the
colonization process and olive tree introduction routes into South America, two
groups of genotypes were distinguished: a) seven “genetic mosaic” genotypes related
to genotypes from Spain and Portugal, introduced to Uruguay in areas under Spanish
control, and b) two genotypes with one of two alleles in less than 70% with molecular
variants found in Hispanic and Portuguese cultivars. Because of their height and
trunk size, these trees were assumed to be older. Based on this information, we
conclude that Uruguay has preserved a unique and original gene pool, currently
productive and adapted to local soil and climatic conditions. This pool is a heritage of
global interest, suitable for commercial and cultural purposes.