Table Olive Production Research Articles

High-resolution gene expression atlases of two contrasting major Greek olive (Olea europaea L.) tree cultivars for oil and table olive production.

Olive (Olea europea L.) is one of the most economically important tree crops worldwide, especially for the countries in the Mediterranean basin. Given the economic and nutritional importance of the crop for olive oil and drupe production, we generated transcriptional atlases for the Greek olive cultivars "Chondrolia Chalkidikis" and "Koroneiki" which have contrasting characteristics in terms of fruit development, oil production properties, and use. Our analysis involved 14 different organs, tissue types, and developmental stages, including young and mature leaves, young and mature shoots, open and closed flowers, young and mature fruits (epicarp plus mesocarp), young and mature endocarps, stalks, as well as roots. The developed gene expression atlases and the associated resources offer a comprehensive insight into comparative gene expression patterns across several organs and tissue types between significant olive tree cultivars. The comparative analyses presented in this work between the "Koroneiki" cultivar, which performs better in olive oil production, and the "Chondrolia Chalkidikis," which grows larger fruits, will be essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying olive oil production and fruit shape and size development. The developed resource is also expected to support functional genomics and molecular breeding efforts to enhance crop quality and productivity in olive trees. The transcriptome data were generated using paired-end Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing technologies. The sequencing yielded approximately 13 million reads per sample for "Chondrolia Chalkidikis" and around 24 million reads per sample for "Koroneiki." The transcriptomes were comparatively analyzed to reveal tissue-specific and differentially expressed genes and co-expression gene modules within and between cultivars. The comparative analysis unveiled tissue-specific and differentially expressed genes within and between cultivars. Hierarchical gene clustering revealed intra- and inter-cultivar expression patterns, particularly for the endocarp and fruit tissues relevant to olive oil production and fruit development. Additionally, genes associated with oil production and fruit size/shape development, including those in fatty acid metabolism and developmental regulation, were identified. To facilitate accessibility, the GrOlivedb (www.GrOlivedb.com) database was developed, housing the comprehensive transcriptomic data for all of the analyzed organs and tissue types per cultivar. This resource will be a useful molecular tool for future breeding studies in olive oil production and fruit development and a valuable resource for crop improvement.

Characterization of Some Olive Varieties Consumed without Pre-Treatment: Naturally Debittered Olives in Türkiye

In table olive production it is necessary to remove oleuropein by brine or dry salting method because it gives bitterness. However, some olive varieties such as Throuba Thassos-Greece, Djemali-Tunisia can be consumed without any de-bittering process. Some olives in Türkiye are also consumed without any pre-treatment and these are Kilis Yağlık, Butko, Hurma (Erkence cv.), and Nizip Yağlık olives. These naturally de-bittered olives were aimed to be characterized in this research. The lowest moisture content was determined for Kilis Yağlık (6.84%) and the highest moisture content was determined for Butko (50.01%). The oil and protein content of the samples was between, 16.66-68.46% and 0.19-18.13%, respectively. Total phenolic content (mg GAE/100g) of Kilis Yağlık, Butko, Hurma and Nizip Yağlık olive varieties were determined as 458.87, 152.09, 109.73, 234.33, respectively. The lowest antioxidant capacity was determined for Butko and the highest value was determined for Kilis Yağlık. The hardness values of the olives were found between 677.44-3688.06 (g). The L*, a*, b* values of olive samples were found between 26.14-32.05, 2.02-4.78, 2.37- 7.18, respectively. Highest oleic was determined for Hurma, highest linoleic acid was determined for Butko whereas the highest linolenic acid was determined for Nizip Yağlık. Volatile component analysis results of olives showed that 24, 23, 16 and 17 volatile components were detected in Kilis Yağlık, Butko, Hurma and Nizip Yağlık olives, respectively.

Consumer Response to PDO Table Olives: An Analysis of Consumer Behavior for Using Ordered Logistic Regression

The table olive sector in Italy is a vital component of the national economy and cultural heritage. Italy ranks third in the European Union and eighth globally in table olive production. Through an analysis conducted from June to September 2023, this study explores consumer preferences, purchasing habits, and the willingness to pay for Protected Designation of Origin certified olives. The study actively contributes to the literature by shedding light on consumer preferences and behaviors regarding table olives, a topic that has been largely neglected in both national and international research. The results reveal insights into how age, gender, educational level, residence city, purchasing location, willingness to pay, and preferred olive types influence consumer behavior. These findings provide valuable information for stakeholders and policymakers to enhance market competitiveness, promote sustainable growth, and preserve Italy’s rich olive heritage.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND YIELD-RELATED POMOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INTRODUCED OLIVE (OLEA EUROPEA) CULTIVARS IN RAINFED AREA OF POTHOWAR PUNJAB

This study aims at pomological characterizing of 09 olive cultivars planted in the field area of Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal to estimate genetic variability in Ottobratica, Hamdi, FS-17, Gerboi, Arbequina, Persia, Nabali, Koroneiki and Earlik. Following pomological traits: fruit and stone weight (g), fruit and stone size (cm), fruit and stone shape index (length/width) and flesh to stone ratio were studied. Data for studied traits were collected in 2019 according to the International olive council descriptor. A significant genetic difference was noticed in the morphological characteristics of both fruit and stone. Different pomological characters were expressed by each cultivar. A wide range of variation was noticed in fruit weight (1.33-5.57g), stone weight (0.20-0.63g) and flesh/stone ratio (0.90-4.96). Based on their fruit shape, studied cultivars were classified into two groups i.e., ovoid and elongate. However, no significant difference was recorded for the stone shape, as all the studied cultivars had the same elongated stone shape. Concerning the fruit size, high fruit size (4-6g) was observed in FS-17, Hamdi, Earlik and Persia whereas Koroneiki, Nabali and Gerboi had the smallest ones (>2g). Based on our results, Earlik, Hamdi and FS-17 are suggested to be more appropriate for table olive production. Thus, an evaluation of genetic diversity through this study can help in the varietal development of olive for table and oil purposes.

Starter Cultures for the Production of Fermented Table Olives: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Starter Cultures for the Production of Fermented Table Olives: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Effects of fermentation and alkalisation on the formation of endocannabinoid-like compounds in olives

The increasing interest in endocannabinoid-like compounds (ECL) in food stems from their important physiological roles, including energy metabolism and satiety. In this study, the effect of fermentation or alkalisation on the formation of ECL compounds in table olives was investigated. N-acylethanolamines, monoacylglycerols, N-acylamino acids, and N-acylneurotransmitters were monitored. Results revealed that alkaline treatment led to a significant increase in the concentrations of N-oleoylethanolamide (80%), N-palmitoylethanolamide (93%), N-linoleoylethanolamide (51%), and 1-oleoylglycerol (679%) compared to control. While N-oleoylethanolamide, N-palmitoylethanolamide, N-linoleoylethanolamide, 1- and 2-oleoylglycerol, 1- and 2-linoleoylglycerol, and oleoylphenylalanine were initially absent or present in trace amounts, their levels significantly rose during fermentation. The formation rate of these compounds was higher in olives fermented in water than those in brine. The study provides detailed information on how specific ECL compounds respond to different processing methods, offering valuable information for optimising table olive production to enhance its nutritional benefits.

Impact of lactic acid bacteria starter inoculation on the Physico-chemical, microbiological, volatiles and sensory properties of natural black Gemlik (Olea europaea L., cv.) table olives

Traditionally, the fermentation of Gemlik table olives takes place spontaneously by the endogenous microbiota in Turkey, but the uncontrolled process during fermentation can result in the formation of off-flavours and a low sensory quality of the final product. In this research, the effects of inoculating naturally black Gemlik olives with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum starter cultures on lactic fermentation development, volatile compounds, and sensory properties were investigated. Changes in spontaneous and culture inoculated olives were monitored during fermentation. Compared to spontaneous fermentation, rapid acidification, and sugar depletion were achieved with the use of starter cultures. Extra lactic acid bacteria and total yeast growth were detected in the inoculated trials during fermentation compared to the control trial. Volatile compounds in olives were extracted by the Purge and Trap method. 46 volatile compounds from 10 chemical groups have been identified in olives. In all three trials, volatile acids were the group of volatile compounds found in the top amount in olives, higher alcohols, phenols, aldehydes/ketones, and terpenes followed the volatile acids. Phenyl ethyl alcohol, α-farnesen, (Z)-3-hexene-1-ol and 2-hexanol, which give pleasant flavors, were determined to be in more quantity in olives with inoculated starter cultures. This study reveals that the use of starter culture provides advantages in the production of Gemlik variety table olives, positively affects aroma development, and improves sensory properties.

A New Culture Medium Rich in Phenols Used for Screening Bitter Degrading Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Employ in Table Olive Production.

The olive oil industry recently introduced a novel multi-phase decanter with the "Leopard DMF" series, which gives a by-product called pâté, made up of pulp and olive wastewater with a high content of phenolic substances and without pits. This study aims to create a new culture medium, the Olive Juice Broth (OJB), from DMF pâté, and apply it to select bacteria strains able to survive and degrade the bitter substances normally present in the olive fruit. Thirty-five different bacterial strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from the CREA-IT.PE Collection of Microorganisms were tested. Seven strains characterized by ≥50% growth in OJB (B31, B137, B28, B39, B124, B130, and B51) showed a degradation of the total phenolic content of OJB ≥ 30%. From this set, L. plantarum B51 strain was selected as a starter for table olive production vs. spontaneous fermentation. The selected inoculant effectively reduced the debittering time compared to spontaneous fermentation. Hydroxytyrosol, derived from oleuropein and verbascoside degradation, and tyrosol, derived from ligstroside degradation, were produced faster than during spontaneous fermentation. The OJB medium is confirmed to be useful in selecting bacterial strains resistant to the complex phenolic environment of the olive fruit.

Determination of Bacterial Community Structure of Table Olive via Metagenomic Approach in Şarköy.

One of the most popular pickled foods created worldwide is table olives. The aim was to identify the bacterial microbiota of table olive samples collected from Şarköy, Tekirdağ-Türkiye using next generation sequencing and 16S metagenomic analysis. Samples were studied as non-pre-enriched (n : 10) and after pre-enrichment (n : 10) to compare the effects of the enrichment process on the bacterial diversity. In non-pre-enriched, the most common genus found was Sphingomonas, followed by Altererythrobacter and Lysobacter. The most common phylum found was Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidota and Actinobacteria. In pre-enriched, Bacillus was the most commonly detected genus, followed by Pantoea and Staphylococcus. The most frequently found phylum was Firmicutes, followed by Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. This study is the first study for Şarköy, which is the only table olive production place in the Tekirdağ region due to its microclimate feature. Further studies are needed in more table olive samples from different geographical areas to confirm and develop current findings.

Response of Olive Trees (Olea europaea L.) cv. Kalinioti to Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Nitrogen is the most commonly managed mineral nutrient in olive groves because it is essential for plant growth. The precise management of N fertilization in olive cultivation is still not fully clarified, but it is essential for providing sustainable production. A nitrogen fertilizer experiment with olive trees (cv. Kalinioti) was carried out over a six-year period. Seven levels of nitrogen fertilizer given as ammonium nitrate (control, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 kg/tree) were annually applied in order to determine the effect of nitrogen on vegetative growth, fruit set, fruit weight, yield, maturation index, and leaf N, P, and K concentrations. The results indicate that, under these conditions, application of up to 4 kg NH4NO3/tree significantly increased yield to 62.5 kg/tree compared to the control (37.09 kg/tree). The positive effect was attributed to the initial and final fruit set increases (7.63 and 3.73%, respectively at 4 kg NH4NO3/tree). However, the weight of 100 olives (W100 = 331 g) at 4 kg NH4NO3/tree obtained during harvest was considerably lower compared to the control (W100 = 384 g). Higher nitrogen rates decreased yield while increasing overall shoot growth. Nitrogen fertilization did not significantly influence the oil content of olive fruit. Fruit weight, maturation index, and concentration of oil reached maximum levels in the beginning of December, indicating a suitable start to olive harvesting. The concentration of N in olive leaves increased from 1.23% to 2.38% as fertilizer levels increased from 0 to 6 kg NH4NO3. Maximum yield was achieved at a level of 6 kg NH4NO3/tree, which corresponded to 2.01% N in leaves. The results suggest that application of 3 kg NH4NO3/tree can be recommended for table olive production, due to the fact that fruit weight was not decreased, while fertilization with 4 kg NH4NO3/tree was suitable for oil olives.

Developing Predictive Models under Controlled Conditions for the Selection of New Genotypes That Are Less Susceptible to Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) in Table Olive (Olea europaea L.) Breeding Programs

Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), the olive fly, represent an important biotic factor in olive groves (Olea europaea L.) causing significant production losses. Ensuring effective management of this pest is of paramount importance to safeguard and uphold the quality and quantity of table olive production. The University of Seville’s (US) table olive breeding program has focused its attention on finding new cultivars that exhibit reduced susceptibility to the olive fly. This study attempted to develop predictive models to enable the selection of new genotypes that are less susceptible to the olive fly based on fresh fruit traits. An extensive analysis of fruit physical (weight, size, symmetry, color, and texture) and chemical traits (moisture, oil content, and phenolic compounds) was conducted to evaluate the fly’s preference in oviposition bioassays (multiple choice and no choice) among four genotypes (US-06-1388, US-06-194, ‘Hojiblanca’, and ‘Kalamon’), under controlled conditions. The oviposition bioassays revealed the higher susceptibility of genotype US-06-194 and the lower susceptibility of ‘Kalamon’. The predictive models incorporated physical traits such as, fruit weight, longitudinal diameter, symmetry, CIELAB color attributes (L*, a*, and b*), and compression hardness, as well as chemical traits such as moisture, and the contents of demethyloleuropein, oleuropein, rutin, and verbascoside. These traits consistently predicted the preference of B. oleae for certain fruits.

Yield and physical-chemical quality of table olives in different hedgerow canopy positions (cv. Manzanilla de Sevilla and Manzanilla Cacereña) as affected by irradiance

Unlike olive orchards intended for olive oil, the production of table olives in narrow hedgerows is very recent and the information available about this cropping system is yet very scarce. In this work, we studied for the first time in table olive hedgerows (3.75m x 1.35m, N-S oriented) of Manzanilla de Sevilla and Manzanilla Cacereña cultivars, the distribution within the canopy of yield components and physical-chemical fruit quality traits in response to the incident irradiance. Hedgerow canopies were divided into four positions on each side (East and West) according to height aboveground: 0.5–1.0m, 1.0–1.5m, 1.5–2.0m, 2.0–2.5m, and an additional top canopy position (> 2.5m) integrated for both sides. Total production, number of fruits and size distribution were recorded for each position and the following fruit traits were assessed: fresh weight, length, equatorial diameter, pulp-to-pit ratio, color index, bruising percentage, oil content, water content, total sugars and total phenols. Individual phenolic compounds were also quantified. The incident irradiance at each position was calculated over the fruit growth period using a model based on hedgerow parameters, resulting in a positive gradient from base to top canopy positions. For both cultivars, yield components and most quality traits were positively affected by incident irradiance as they followed a similar trend showing larger mean values with increasing canopy heights. Conversely, the total contents in sugar and phenols and individual phenolic compounds were not affected by the canopy positions. No remarkable differences between East and West sides of the hedgerow were observed.

Use of molecular methods for the identification of yeast species isolated from fermentations of table olives produced traditionally in Kahramanmaraş

In this study, yeast species involved in the naturally fermented green table olive produced in Southern Turkey were investigated. Table olive samples were prepared with regional olive cultivars and traditional methods were employed in the production. Yeasts were isolated from the brines of the samples at the late fermentation stage and identified at the species level by the DNA sequences of the D1/D2 domain of 26S rRNA genes. The D1/D2 domains were amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared to reference sequences deposited in the NCBI database. According to the results, isolated yeasts belonged to the Candida, Debaryomyces, and Rhodotorula genera and salt tolerant species were dominant as the salt content of the brines exceeded 11%. Among the determined species, Candida oleophila was the most dominant one and it was thought that isolated strains of Candida oleophila may be taken into consideration to be used as starter culture in table olive production.

Application of technological protocols on an industrial scale to improve Seville-style table olive production in Italy and Spain

Improving the fermentation performance of starter strains used in the fermentation of table olives is a biotechnological solution of current interest to improve the quality characteristics of the final product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus OM13 as a starter culture for the fermentation of Seville-type table olives in two different production areas: Italy and Spain. The starter strain L. pentosus OM13 was inoculated into two different table olive varieties: Nocellara del Belice in Italy and Manzanilla in Spain. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Vege-Start 60 was used as a commercial control, while an additional control production was carried out by spontaneous fermentation. The industrial productions consisted of three different protocols, differing in the type of nutrient and the presence/absence of acclimatisation of the starter strain. All trials were subjected to microbiological monitoring, evaluation of acidification dynamics and sensory analysis of the final product. After 90 days, the pH reached values below 5 in the different treatments. The LAB reached microbial loads varying between 6.5 and 8.7 log CFU/mL throughout the monitoring period. The microbial populations of spoilage and/or potential pathogenic microorganisms were variable depending on the microbial group monitored. However, after 12 days of fermentation, Enterobacteriaceae showed values below the detection limit. In contrast, a fluctuating trend was observed for yeasts, Pseudomonadaceae and Staphylococcaceae. Sensory analyses showed variable differences depending on the technological protocol used. Table olives obtained with L. pentosus OM13 in the presence of nutrient, activator and acclimatisation period achieved higher overall acceptability values compared to the other trials. The use of adjuvants (nutrients and activators) is a strategy used in the production of table olives fermented with L. pentosus OM13 to improve the sensory characteristics of table olives.

The Ancient Olive Trees (Olea europaea L.) of the Maltese Islands: A Rich and Unexplored Patrimony to Enhance Oliviculture.

A prospecting campaign in the Maltese Islands has ensured the survival of several ancient olive trees (Olea europaea L.), genetically distant from known cultivars. Most of these plants were abandoned or partially cultivated. A two-year evaluation of fruit characteristics and compositions was performed on samples collected from the main representatives of these indigenous genotypes. Analyses were carried out using Gas Chromatography, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Near Infrared Spectrometry. Among the fruit samples, a wide range of variations was observed. Some of the genotypes showed fruit traits suitable for table olive production. This is the case of samples with a pulp/pit ratio higher than four, such as 1Wardija, 1Caritas, 1Plattini, 1Bingemma Malta and 3Loretu, whilst 1Bidni, 1Mellieha, 2Qnotta, 3Loretu, 1Bingemma Malta and 1Caritas were suitable for dual purpose. The total phenol content ranged from 6.3 (1Wardija) to 117.9 (2Mtarfa) g/kg of fresh pulp. The average percentage of MUFA was quite low for most of the varieties. These genotypes, which presumably originated in the Maltese Islands and are well adapted to the local pedo-climatic conditions, are being propagated for the following evaluation of their bio-agronomical performance (production, suitability to intensive cultivation, environmental sustainability, product quality, etc.). The purpose is to select, among these local genotypes, the most outstanding varieties, in terms of phenolic and FA profile and agronomical potential, to spread into cultivation, thereby contributing to an increase in the quality of the local table and olive oil production, strongly linked to the territory.

Microbial community and volatilome changes in brines along the spontaneous fermentation of Spanish-style and natural-style green table olives (Manzanilla cultivar)

Microbial community and volatilome of brines were monitored during the spontaneous fermentations of Spanish-style and Natural-style green table olives from Manzanilla cultivar. Fermentation of olives in the Spanish style was carried out by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts, whereas halophilic Gram-negative bacteria and archaea, along with yeasts, drove the fermentation in the Natural style. Clear differences between the two olive fermentations regarding physicochemical and biochemical features were found. Lactobacillus, Pichia, and Saccharomyces were the dominant microbial communities in the Spanish style, whereas Allidiomarina, Halomonas, Saccharomyces, Pichia, and Nakazawaea predominated in the Natural style. Numerous qualitative and quantitative differences in individual volatiles between both fermentations were found. The final products mainly differed in total amounts of volatile acids and carbonyl compounds. In addition, in each olive style, strong positive correlations were found between the dominant microbial communities and various volatile compounds, some of them previously reported as aroma-active compounds in table olives. The findings from this study provide a better understanding of each fermentation process and may help the development of controlled fermentations using starter cultures of bacteria and/or yeasts for the production of high-quality green table olives from Manzanilla cultivar.

OliveAtlas: A Gene Expression Atlas Tool for Olea europaea

The olive (Olea europaea L.) is an ancient crop of great importance in the Mediterranean basin due to the production of olive oil and table olives, which are important sources of fat and have benefits for human health. This crop is expanding and increasing its production worldwide and five olive genomes have recently been sequenced, representing a wild olive and important cultivars in terms of olive oil production, intensive agriculture, and adaptation to the East Asian climate. However, few bioinformatic and genomic resources are available to assist olive research and breeding, and there are no platforms to query olive gene expression data. Here, we present OliveAtlas, an interactive gene expression atlas for olive with multiple bioinformatics tools and visualization methods, enabling multiple gene comparison, replicate inspection, gene set enrichment, and data downloading. It contains 70 RNA-seq experiments, organized in 10 data sets representing the main olive plant organs, the pollen germination and pollen tube elongation process, and the response to a collection of biotic and abiotic stresses, among other experimental conditions. OliveAtlas is a web tool based on easyGDB with expression data based on the 'Picual' genome reference and gene annotation.

Effect of alkali treatment and natural fermentation on the residue behaviour of malathion and malaoxon during table olive production

Pesticide use is indispensable for combating diseases occurring during olive cultivation. However, this has led to challenges of pesticide residues in consumer products as a result of pesticide application errors and the methods used during processing and preservation. This work aimed to identify the effects of table olive processing and preservation techniques on the concentrations of malathion and its degradation product malaoxon. For this purpose, olive trees in an experimental olive orchard were sprayed homogeneously with malathion at a dose of 975 mg L−1 and processed as (i) vacuum-packed, (ii) alkali treated and (iii) directly brined for natural fermentation. The changes in microbial growth, pH-acidity and pesticide (malathion and malaoxon) concentrations were monitored regularly during the experiment. Lactic acid bacteria, yeast and mould growth were not detected in any of the treatments. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria and enterobacteria were the dominant microbial groups in all non-sprayed treatments, but no enterobacteria growth was detected in sprayed treatments. Lower pH values were observed in the brines of natural fermentation treatments of both sprayed and non-sprayed olives. The independent effects of time and processing method and their interactions on malathion and malaoxon concentrations were found significant (p < .05). During the experiments, the highest reduction in malathion concentration was observed in alkali treated samples (95–99%), followed by naturally fermented (77–88%) and vacuum-packed samples (74–76%). Processing factors for all treatments were lower than 1.

The Link Between Geographic Indication, Sustainability, and Multifunctionality: The Case of Table Olive Groves in Western Turkey.

As in all branches of agricultural production, it is thought that the concepts of sustainability, geographical indication, and multifunctionality are very important in table olive farming. The main purpose of this study is to examine the holistic and organic link between geographic indication, sustainability, and multifunctionality parameters in table olive cultivation. Table olive production supplied by Manisa has unique attributes. Of the 12varieties of table olives with geographical indication registration in Turkey, two belong to Akhisar district. These cultivars are named 'Akhisar Domat Zeytini' and 'Akhisar Uslu Zeytini'. Therefore, Akhisar district was chosen as the study area. Asurvey was conducted with atotal of 121 olive farmers between February and July 2020. In the survey questions, besides continuous and discrete data, the answers and data obtained from the questions formed with the yes/no options were evaluated. Basic descriptive statistics such as arithmetic mean and percentage rates were used in the analysis. It can be emphasized that table olive farming in the region has become an important habit and culture that has along cultivation experience. The effects of parameters such as marketing possibilities and price advantages are very important. The fertilization and plant protection practices are carried out in acoordinated manner in the region and with as little damage to the environment as possible. It is clarified that geographical indications are an important tool in the sustainability of table olive cultivation and that the principle of multifunctionality in agriculture is ensured by keeping the farmers in table olive farming.

Molecular Characterization of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars in Duhok Governorate

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) was considered one of the most cultivated crops in the Mediterranean region, and it had an economically important value due to it began consumed as a table olive and oil production. In this study, AFLP and SRAP techniques were used to identify 15 cultivars of olive plants that were collected from 12 different locations in the Duhok governorate, eleven primer combinations of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and ten primer combinations of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) were used to fingerprinting these cultivars. The results show that the SRAP marker had the least genetic distance 0.241between (Shtla falay olive and Khodeiri olive) and the highest value 0.946 was found between (Zawita olive and Sorani olive). While AFLP marker show the lowest value of 0.107 between (Nzarky olive and Dger olive) and the highest value of 0.916 between (Amedi olive and Shtla falay olive). Cluster analysis based on AFLP and SRAP combined data clearly differentiated the genotype and it showed it was a powerful tool to evaluate the genetic distance and fingerprinting of these tested cultivars. Establishing the genetic relationships between cultivars and species, and the construction of genetic maps, had the main aims for the researchers in plant breeding programs and to understand the plant evolution lingues, and as a conclusion, this study demonstrates that AFLP and SRAP markers both are powerful tools in plants tree genetics.