Olives are one of the largest crops in the Mediterranean region, especially in Tunisia. This research assessed the performance of 19 cultivars of olives in rainfed conditions in the region of Chott Mariem during the 2010 to 2013 crop years. Average rainfall for those years was 422 mm in the area. In this study, varietal differences were considered in terms of yield, physical characteristics of the fruit and the oil content. The cultivars examined had their origins in Tunisia, Italy, Spain, France and Morocco. The effect of variety was highly significant (p < 0.05) for all traits. Based on our results, ‘Meski’, ‘Roumi’, ‘Besbessi’, ‘Picholine’ and ‘Lucques’ produced the highest cumulative yield over the four years of study. The largest fruits were given by ‘Tounsi’ and ‘Ascolana’, averaging respectively 7,98 and 6,09 g, whereas ‘Chemlali’ (0,74 g) and ‘Chetoui’ (1,91 g) had the smallest ones. The highest oil content was in ‘Picholine’ (19,62%), ‘Fougi’ (17,42%), ‘Chemlali’ (14,34%) and ‘Chemchali’ (14,05%). Finally and based on our results, ‘Dahbia’ and ‘Lucques’ are suggested for table olives production in the Chott Mariem region whereas; ‘Fougi’ and ‘Chemchali’ are the most suitable for oil production. ‘Picholine’ is considered as a cultivar with double attitude.
