Phenotypic variability of olive accessions (Olea europaea L.) from the INIA Germplasm Bank

León-Mendoza L.H.; Torres-Huall D.B.; Condori-Cuno E.; Huatuco-Coaquira J.L.; Núñez-Melgar D.P.C. · Acta Biologica Colombiana (2026) · DOI: 10.15446/abc.v31n1.123250

Resumen

Olive (Olea europaea) is widely cultivated in the department of Tacna, Peru. In this context, the Genetic Resources Subdirectorate of the National Institute for Agrarian Innovation (INIA) established in 2019 a collection of 30 accessions for conservation and evaluation. This study aimed to assess phenotypic variability and identify promising accessions using morphological descriptors and fruit-related parameters. Analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test revealed significant differences among accessions, although no significant differences were detected among their respective mother plants. Phenotypic diversity analysis based on the Shannon-Weaver and Simpson indices showed that the most discriminating qualitative descriptors were those associated with the fruit and endocarp. Likewise, principal component analysis of quantitative descriptors confirmed the strong contribution of these variables to accession differentiation. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed positive associations between (i) maturity index and soluble solids and (ii) oil yield and soluble solids, as well as a negative association between oil yield and fruit diameter. Finally, the attribute concordance and variation test identified 16 descriptors and 12 constant accessions. Among these, Arbequina stood out as promising for oil production, Cabaret for table olive use, and Farga as a dual-purpose accession.