2.3. Genome editing in olives

Once superior olive genotypes are obtained through genomics-assisted breeding, traditional breeding strategies are expected to become increasingly less efficient. At that point, genome editing will emerge as the most promising option for the genetic improvement of the olive tree. It is reasonable to expect that genome editing will become the leading strategy within a few years.

With the advent of assisted evolution techniques (AET), biotechnological research in the olive sector has gained renewed impetus, particularly towards the development and optimisation of regeneration protocols, both through somatic embryogenesis from adult tissues and from protoplasts. Recent studies have opened new perspectives for the application of AET in olives.

In order to maintain the genetic diversity of the species and to enhance native cultivars, targeted improvements through genome editing could allow major challenges related to climate change to be overcome, while also improving olive oil quality. Genome editing is likely to become the winning strategy for the future of olive cultivation, although it will be necessary to intensify research efforts towards a deeper understanding of gene functions, the identification of editable genes, and, ideally, the selection of functional allelic variants within key genes.