Elucidation of the Origin of the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves in Crete, Greece

The olive tree of Vouves in Crete, is considered the oldest producing olive tree in the world with an estimated age exceeding 4000 years. In the present study, we sequenced two samples (from the bottom and the top of the tree) to elucidate the genetic relation of this ancient tree with other olive cvs as well as to gain some insights about its origin. Our results showed that both samples have different genetic origins, proving that this ancient tree has been grafted at least one time. On the basis of whole genome sequences the sample from the top of the Vouves tree showed relation of the same order than half-siblings to one accession corresponding to the present-day Greek cv 'Mastoidis'. Nevertheless, in the framework of a microsatellite analysis it was found to cluster with the 'Mastoidis' samples. The Vouves rootstock (bottom sample) showed a clear grouping with the oleaster samples in a similar way to that of 'Megaritiki' Greek cv although it does not show any signal of introgression from them. The genomic analyses did not show a strong relation of this sample with the present-day Greek cvs analyzed in this study so it cannot be proved that it has been used as a source for cultivated olive tree populations represented by available genome sequences. Nevertheless, on the basis of microsatellite analyses, the Vouves rootstock showed affinity with two present-day Greek cvs, one ancient rootstock from continental Greece as well as monumental trees from Cyprus. The analysis of the impact of the variants in the gene space revealed an enrichment of genes associated to pathways related with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. This is in agreement with what has been found before in the sweep regions related with the process of domestication. The absence of oleaster gene flow, its old age and its variant profile, similar to other cultivated populations, makes it an excellent reference point for domestication studies.

Automated summary

The study investigated the genetic relation of the ancient olive tree of Vouves in Crete with other olive cultivars, finding different genetic origins for samples from the bottom and top of the tree. The sample from the top showed relation to the modern Greek cultivar 'Mastoidis', while the bottom sample clustered with the 'Megaritiki' Greek cultivar. The study also identified an enrichment of genes associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in the tree's gene space, suggesting potential for domestication studies.