Traditional olive tree varieties in Alto Aragón (NE Spain): molecular characterization, single-varietal oils, and monumental trees

Abstract

Recovering minority olive tree varieties helps preserve genetic diversity and contributes to sustainable agriculture practices. The International Olive Council has recognized the importance of conserving olive tree genetic resources and the European Union’s Horizon Europe program has identified the preservation of crop diversity as a priority for sustainable food systems. In the work presented herein, old olive groves in the province of Huesca (NE Spain), managed according to the traditional model, were surveyed, sampled, and analyzed using molecular characterization techniques (based on EST-SNPs markers). Twenty-nine new varieties were identified and deposited in IFAPA’s World Germplasm Bank of Olive Varieties. In the first step towards their valorization, eight single-varietal oils from Alto Aragon varieties were produced and characterized, and their organoleptic properties were evaluated, paving the way for the production of differentiated quality oils. Furthermore, ancient olive trees were selected and 3D scanned to promote their protection as singular or monumental trees and for oleo-tourism purposes. The reported findings highlight the rich olive-growing heritage of this northernmost frontier of olive tree cultivation in Spain.