Cultivation

The olive (Olea europa) is the fruit of the olive tree. These trees require a moderate to subtropical climate. The main producing region is the Mediterranean area. Italy, Spain and Greece are the leading olive producing countries. Olive cultivation is also of commercial importance in the USA and Argentina. In 2005, approximately 14,5 million tons of olives were harvested worldwide.

Utilisation

Only a small proportion of the olive harvest is consumed fresh or marinated, the remainder is processed to:

• cooking oil

Renewable primary products

• Olive oil is used in cosmetic products
• The hard wood of the olive tree is used in production, mainly of kitchen articles

Gene technology: aims of research and development

Agronomic traits

Resistance against pathogens

• Fungal resistance

Plant development

• Modified rooting

Field trials with GM olive trees