Distribution: 1 continent
ZAITY
Country : Syria
Purpose: Oil
Synonyms: “Assil”; “Houlkani”; “Kurdi”; “Zeyti”
Asia
A documented cultivar within the Levant
Zaity is documented as a cultivated Syrian variety, with scientific publications explicitly referring to the Aleppo area when using it as study material. In this framing, it is not presented as a “global” cultivar, but as one tied to Asian territories where olive growing is part of established agricultural systems.
Primarily oil-oriented, with studied quality signatures
In research focused on oil quality, Zaity is treated as an oil-oriented variety, with analyses of fatty-acid and triglyceride profiles across maturity stages. This allows the cultivar to be narrated as a technically recognisable identity within its area, rather than a generic label.
Territories and evidence: mapping only what is verifiable
Within the TGoP approach, Zaity in Asia supports a clear rule: distribution is mapped only where verifiable traces exist (cultivation and/or field-based studies). This keeps the territorial narrative precise, avoiding overreach and relying on observable sources.
Agronomic and commercial considerations: Variety of medium hardiness, highly appreciated for its high oil content (about 30%) and for the quality of its product. It flowers early and enters production in the medium period. It is self-incompatible, with high productivity and alternating production. It is characterised by a very high production of parthenocarpic fruit: these are very small of little commercial value and hinder harvesting. The normal fruit ripens early and has low resistance to detachment, which facilitates mechanised harvesting. It has some tolerance to cold and drought and is considered resistant to olive leaf spot (Cycloconium oleaginum) and olive knot (Pseudomonas savastanoi).