Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1495665
9 COMMERICAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 MARCH 2023 Closure of the L'Olio di Oliva nel Mediterraneo project THE GAL Xlokk Foundation is nearing the end of the in- novative project related to the oldest olive tree species in the Maltese Islands. The local ac- tion group has entered into a partnership with the Institute of Earth Systems at the Univer- sity of Malta and the Valle Um- bra e Sibellini LAG, a group from the region of Umbria, Ita- ly. The research was made pos- sible by a collaboration carried out by Prof. David Mifsud from the University of Malta and the National Research Council from the Perugia Division. This research aimed to study and identify the varieties of ol- ive trees scattered throughout the Maltese Islands. Research has been carried out on the native varieties of olive trees, specifically on the oldest trees found in the Maltese Islands. The first step of the study was to read all forms of local liter- ature related to olives. Here, the researcher identified a gap in the available research. Lo- cally, the research was possible thanks to Mr Clayton Sammut, a University of Malta student at Masters level. A total of 98 olive trees were sampled in Malta, Gozo and Comino. The trees identified have a diameter of more than two metres. The largest tree found had a diam- eter of more than nine metres. To detect eventually grafted trees, leaf samples were sepa- rately collected, from canopy, rootstock and, in two cases, from trunk shoots, for a total of 190 samples. The samples collected were sent to the National Re- search Council laboratories in Perugia. The leaves, fruits and branches were analysed through an elaborate photogra- phy system where researchers were able to find their exact colour, shape and dimensions. The DNA of these trees could thus be found and compared to that of international varieties. The research found 35 varieties that are unique to our country. 19 of the varieties have a su- perior quality, therefore, can be used for table and pressing, with the others can be used for grafting or roots. These 35 varieties have adapted well to the Maltese climate and can be considered part of the Maltese heritage. In the coming months, we will have more information on the profile of the 19 varieties with superior quality while contin- uing experiments on the trees suitable for vaccination. This project was co-financed by the LEADER programme administered by the GAL Xlokk Foundation under the Ru- ral Development Programme 2014-2020. For more infor- mation, you can contact us at +356 2099 8008 or by sending an email to info@galxlokk.com.