Objectives:

The aim of the Lab is to improve olive oil quality in order to enhance its marketing value. This target may reached through selection of varieties means of biochemical characterization of local olive cultivars or descendants obtained through controlled or intervarietal crossings.

Research Themes:

01- Genetic characterization of Tunisian olive varieties for a reliable taxinomic classification (Plant Molecular Biology) 02- Natural antioxidant characterization (phenolic compounds, tocopherols, carotenoïds) in virgin olive oil (physiologically active substances) 03- Volatile compounds characterization in virgin olive oil 04- Characterization of sterols, terpenic alcohols and other minor compounds of olive oil. 05- Improvement of olive oil quality by the choose of interesting varieties obtained through controlled intervarietal crossings 06- Bioprospecting 07- Phytoremediation: identification of plant species able to detoxify heavy metals from polluted sites