The protection, recovery and valorisation of the Marche and national olive biodiversity represent fundamental elements for the future of olive growing. In Brands are well 23 native varieties registered in the Regional Biodiversity Repertoirein Italy are about 600; these, present for centuries in specific territories, guarantee greater environmental compatibility, an increasingly important factor in light of climate changes, and maximum typicality of the oil product. The genotype-territory link, which finds its maximum expression in monovarietal oil, makes it possible to enhance both chemical (in particular composition of fatty acids and polyphenol content) and sensorial characteristics, easily perceptible by the attentive consumer.
The project on the monumental olive trees of the Marche, created by the Marche Agriculture and Fishing Agency (Amap) in collaboration with the Cmr – Ibbr of Perugia in the figure of Roberto Mariotti, and with the advice of George Panels – Director of the Olive Pruning School, made it possible to identify centuries-old plants of the main Marche varieties in the area of origin and diffusion; on those found to be of greatest historical interest, both genetic analyzes were carried out (on the shoot and on the foliage) to verify varietal correspondence, and radiocarbon dating of the wood to estimate the age.
- historic/monumental olive trees they represent real ones biodiversity icons, living monuments, natural sculptures, works of art handed down over the centuries; in short, a treasure to be safeguarded and used to enhance tourist routes and biodiversity itineraries. The value of these plants lies both in the ability to produce olives if well managed (agronomic value), and in generating beauty and enhancing a territory (ornamental value).
All this takes on even greater importance in an oil tourism context. The results of this project have highlighted the centuries-old age of some plants linked to native varieties such as (for example) Ascolana Tenera or Orbetana. Furthermore, genetic investigations have highlighted family relationships and similarities between the Marche varieties and those of other national regions and international countries. Some monumental specimens were found to be unknown and never introduced into the regional and national olive tree catalogues, opening up a new possibility for the study and valorisation of varieties at very high risk of extinction, but which had been cultivated in the Marche region for centuries.
“The protection of historic/monumental olive trees – we read in a note from Amap – passes first and foremost through correct maintenance of the foliage, protecting it from pollarding or other interventions that compromise the efficiency of the woody structure, therefore exposing it to the harmful action of agents climatic and parasitic. The work of qualified personnel is important, such as the Pruners Certified by AMAP and the Olive Pruning School at the end of a training and evaluation process, who suggest applying the polyconical vase as the only form of cultivation and pruning of the olive tree. The hope is that all the Marche and national olive growing heritage can end up in the expert hands of professionals, expert connoisseurs of the olive tree species, its physiological and agronomic needs, respecting the environment and the quality of life. We will talk about this at the conference “The icons of biodiversity – The olive biodiversity of the Marche region discovers its cards: the results of the monumental olive trees project”, Thursday 7 December, at 15.00 pm, in Ancona at H3 Coworking & Conference Center“. They will intervene Barbara Alfei – Amap, Roberto Mariotti -CNR-IBBR, George Panels – Olive tree pruning school, as well as a representation of olive growers "guardians" of the icons of biodiversity. For those who cannot be present, there will be the possibility to follow the conference live on the Amap Marche Facebook page. Info: Barbara Alfei, tel. 071.808319, alfei_barbara@amap.marche.it
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