In vitro culture of olive can overcome some difficulties experienced with conventional propagation techniques, and offers a valuable tool for genetic improvement. Shoot proliferation rate is generally low and cultivar-dependent; the formation of adventitious roots in many micropropagated olive cultivars is difficult and the percentage of post-transplanting losses is high.

Rugini Olive Medium is useful for the micropropagation of some types of olive cultivars. It contains the macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins as described by E. Rugini in 1984. The medium is specially used for species that are difficult to propagate in vitro. The formulation is a nutrient blend of inorganic salts, vitamins and amino acid.

In comparison with Murashige & Skoog medium, the formulation is more enriched in nutrients like Zn, Mg, Ca and S, and has the additional vitamins d-Biotin and folic acid.