Some initiatives have been recently undertaken in order to analyze some aspects of genetics and genomics of the olive tree, with particular reference to the identification of gene pools expressed in the main production organs, like leaves, flowers and fruits, the dissection of factors controlling the agronomic performance, and finally, the analysis of the genome structure and sequence. The knowledge and tools resulting from these activities represent an unprecedented opportunity in the research on olive and will allow to fill the large gap separating this species from other major fruit crops.
