Somaclonal variation of three Iranian olive cultivars namely Zard (Z), Roughani (R) and unknown cultivar Iks (X) during long-term propagation were evaluated among 5 subcultures. Morphological traits such as length and width of leaf, number of leaves on shoot, length of shoots, internode distance and rooting percentage were measured. Our results showed that R more than Z and X cultivars affected somaclonal variations especially rooting percentage and root length but Z cultivar had steady behavior especially leaf length and width, root length, leaf number and rooting percentage during several subcultures. Although in all traits fluctuating changes observed but the most significant trait studied with almost similar vibration in three cultivars were internode distance values. Totally we could not select specific subculture period for creation of the maximum satisfied morphological changes because it was suitable increasing of leaf length and width R and X cultivars in second subculture and was suitable for Z in fourth subculture. In order to accomplishment of morphological changes in length of shoots, number of leaves and enhance of rooting percentage in R cultivar and also internode distance in X cultivar somaclonal variation during several subcultures will be appropriate.

 

Key words: Olea europaea L., somaclonal variation, Iranian olive cultivars.