Comparison between DNA-based, pomological and chemical markers accomplished by bioinformatic tools to distinguish within Tunisian olive cultivars

The genetic diversity of 16 Tunisian olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) of known origin sampled from different areas of the country was assessed using genetic markers (6 SSR and 5 SNP markers). Three dendrograms based on cultivar genotypes generated by SSR, SNP and both SSR and SNP markers revealed three clusters which were consistent with the varieties classification according to phenotypic characteristics, but not correlated with the geographic origin. Also, we compared the results obtained with the genetic markers to those obtained with agro-morphological and chemicals data using bioinformatic analyses. This work provides better understanding of the diversity available in Tunisia olive cultivars and supplies an important contribution for olive breeding and olive oil authenticity.