Wild olives are natural sources with multi-purpose economic. In the present study, morphological variability of 59 accessions belonging to wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) collected from the Rachidr area in Sarbaz region, Sistan-va-Baluchestan province, Iran was evaluated. The accessions collected exhibited considerable variability based on the traits recorded (ANOVA, P < 0.01). The average coefficient of variation (CV) was 37.30%, and the CV in 50 out of 62 characters measured was more than 20%, thereby indicating high variability among the accessions. The ripening date ranged from late June to late July. The range of quantitative trait variation for characteristics was as follows; fruit stalk length: 1.05–3.33 mm, fruit stalk diameter: 0.66–1.50 mm, fruit length: 4.45–9.76 mm, fruit diameter: 2.75–5.30 mm, and fruit weight: 0.02– 0.13 g. Fruit weight showed significant and positive correlations with dimensions of bunch, flower, fruit, and stone. Cluster analysis based on Ward’s method showed two different major clusters among all accessions. Morphological characterization confirmed a high variability among the accessions for all characters. In conclusion, the present study allowed us to morphologically characterize very diverse wild olives growing in Iran. This will allow us to effectively exploit the potential of the wild olives, whose variation deserves to be adequately cataloged and preserved for future exploitation in breeding programs.
