Agronomic characterization of selected clones of Tunisian table olive (<i>Olea europaea</i>. L) variety ‘Meski’

Abstract

The clonal selection carried out within the Tunisian olive table variety Meski allowed to select three more productive clones. The agronomic characterization of these clones was carried out during four years (2012 to 2015). The analysis of variance revealed that the clonal effect was not significant for the fruit pomology indicating a high homogeneity of the selected clones and significant only for olive production. The variation in endocarp weight and fruit specific density (weight/volume) was very low between years and these parameters could be considered as characterization criteria for the Meski variety. The correlations between the pomological parameters show that the variations are proportional between the fruit and the pulp weights and the volume. Olive production is negatively correlated with fruit and pulp weights. The hierarchical classification shows that the three clones are grouped mainly according to the year. Principal component analysis shows that the first component accounts for 66% of the total variability and is positively correlated with fruit and pulp weights and volume.