Toscolea project: enhancing the local cultivars of Olea europaea L. in Toscolano Maderno (Brescia, Italy)

The contribution reported hereafter is included within the biennial project Toscolea - Censimento, caratterizzazione, conservazione e valorizzazione di accessioni di Olea europea L. nell’area del Garda a Toscolano Maderno e territorio contermine, funded by the Lombardy Region within the Call PSR 2014- 2020. The aim of the project is to complete the census, identification and characterization of the native olive cultivars located in the municipality of Toscolano Maderno (Brescia) and neighboring areas. Specifically, the most representative ones of the local biodiversity include ‘Minìol’, ‘Gargnà’, ‘Casaliva’, ‘Raza’, ‘Negrèl’ and special attention was paid to a cultivar considered native, but not yet investigated, known as 'Villa Romana'. The morphological, agronomic, genetic, and phytochemical features will be comparatively evaluated to ensure the in situ and ex situ conservation of the genetic heritage. In particular, the following study areas of municipal relevance have been selected: Primary School, Viale Marconi, and Parco Fossati, in addition to the Ghirardi Botanical Garden of the University of Milan, located in Toscolano Maderno, which is configured as an ancient olive grove. The project includes the subsequent complementary phases: 1. Macro- and microscopic morphological investigation (by means of light and scanning electron microscopy) on the vegetative and reproductive organs, during different phenological phases (preanthesis, anthesis, fruit production), with special reference to covering trichome density on leaves, micromorphology of pollen grains, and epicuticular waxes of the drupes. 2. Agronomic observations in relation to some of the main biological and agronomic aspects for the drafting of elaiographic cards. 3. Analysis of DNA markers to verify and support the varietal identification. 4. Phytochemical characterization of the essential oil profiles obtained from leaves and inflorescences to assess their potential taxonomic value in the process of varietal recognition. After the accurate screening of the varietal panorama and its phytosanitary evaluation, special attention will be paid to propagation and nursery multiplication practices. In the context of an Open Science policy, it is also intended to develop integrated educational-dissemination actions, mediated by the Ghirardi Botanical Garden and addressed to selected local olive farms. This approach will ensure the transmission to the farmers of information and the sustainability and future persistence of the precious genetic material. They will thus enhance it, making it an element of excellence for their companies and guaranteeing its active protection and constant propagation.