Tunisia is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil, and it preserves pools of olive genetic diversity that are still unexplored. A recent prospection and collection program of the National Gene Bank of Tunisia (NGBT) focused on the vast oasis of Degache, in the south west part of Tunisia, where 47 samples were collected and genetically characterized through simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Identification and authentication of genotypes were obtained through comparison with reference cultivars belonging to the Olive National Collection of Tunisia (IOC) and with cultivars from Algeria, Italia, Syria and Lebanon. Degache olive genotypes showed large genetic variability, a significant diversity from the reference germplasm, and a clear differentiation from modern varieties. The population structure analysis identified four gene pools characterizing genotypes from different area of origin. Two gene pools appear to be more represented in germplasm from southern Tunisia, where environmental conditions at critical plant development phases, are harsher. This suggests that this germplasm might present traits of adaptation useful for breeding to improve resilience to abiotic stresses. Our results will support ex situ and in situ conservation activities of Tunisian olive germplasm pursued by the National Gene Bank of Tunisia.

中文翻译：

---

突加德加绿洲橄榄生物多样性的热点

突尼斯是世界上最大的橄榄油生产国之一，它保存着尚未开发的橄榄遗传多样性库。突尼斯国家基因银行（NGBT）的近期勘探和收集计划集中在突尼斯西南部Degache的广阔绿洲上，那里收集了47个样品，并通过简单序列重复（SSR）标记进行了遗传鉴定。通过与突尼斯橄榄国家收藏中心（IOC）的参考品种以及阿尔及利亚，意大利，叙利亚和黎巴嫩的品种进行比较，获得了基因型的鉴定和认证。Degache橄榄的基因型显示出较大的遗传变异性，与参考种质相比具有显着的多样性，并且与现代品种有明显的区别。人口结构分析确定了四个基因库，这些基因库表征了不同来源地区的基因型。在突尼斯南部的种质中似乎有更多的基因库，那里的关键植物发育阶段的环境条件更加恶劣。这表明该种质可能具有适应性状，可用于育种以提高对非生物胁迫的适应性。我们的研究结果将支持突尼斯国家基因银行开展的突尼斯橄榄种质的非原生境和原生境保存活动。这表明该种质可能具有适应性状，可用于育种以提高对非生物胁迫的适应性。我们的研究结果将支持突尼斯国家基因银行开展的突尼斯橄榄种质的非原生境和原生境保护活动。这表明该种质可能具有适应性状，可用于育种以提高对非生物胁迫的适应性。我们的研究结果将支持突尼斯国家基因银行开展的突尼斯橄榄种质的非原生境和原生境保存活动。