Effect of crop load on the phenological, vegetative and reproductive behavior of the ‘Frantoio’ olive tree (Olea europaea L.)

Abstract

V. Beyá-Marshall, and T. Fichet. 2017. Effect of crop load on the phenological, vegetative and reproductive behavior of the 'Frantoio' olive tree (Olea europaea L.). Cien. Inv. Agr. 44(1): 43-53. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenological, vegetative and reproductive behavior variables of 'Frantoio' olive trees in an "off" year (with a low crop load) and an "on" year (with a high crop load). To do this, during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons, "off" and "on", respectively, phenological variables, plant growth (shoots and roots) and reproductive growth (type of flower, fruit set and growth), were monitored biweekly. In addition, the yield per tree was assessed, and the crop load was estimated. The main results showed that crop load strongly influenced these variables. The distribution and intensity of vegetative growth, both in the roots and aboveground, decreased more and had lower intensity in the high fruiting season, with a large part of this growth occurring prior to flowering. With respect to reproductive variables, a higher percentage of perfect flowers and fruit set in the low flowering season was observed compared to the high load season. These results suggest a partial crop load compensation mechanism under low flowering conditions. This mechanism, however, does not compensate for lower production in the "off" season. In terms of volume, fruit growth was similar between seasons until pit hardening, then the fruit growth rate dropped dramatically in the "on" season, indicating that fruit growth, until pit hardening, would not be affected by the presence of a higher number of fruits per tree.

It Is Feasible to Produce Olive Oil in Temperate Humid Climate Regions

“…However, the interannual variability in thermal and rainfall regimes (Vaughan et al, 2017) affects regular production. Fruit and oil yields obtained were similar to those obtained in traditional Mediterranean basin regions (García et al, 2013; Gispert et al, 2013; Rallo et al, 2013; Díez et al, 2016; Marino et al, 2017) as well as in new olive growing regions (Tapia et al, 2009; Trentacoste et al, 2015; Beyá-Marshall and Fichet, 2017).…”

“…After several years, the average and the overlap flowering period can be identified among cultivars in relation to climatic characteristics (Orlandi et al, 2005; Benlloch-González et al, 2018). Negative climatic events in non-traditional producing regions as Argentina and Chile, can result in null harvest, leading to regional alternate bearing processes (Cuevas et al, 1994; Goldschmidt, 2005; Beyá-Marshall and Fichet, 2017).…”

Evaluation of the Critical Parameters Involved in Decisions to Control Bactrocera oleae in Olive Orchards in the Southern Region of Lebanon

“…On a weekly basis and randomly (we crossed the field following the letter W to collect the fruits), we collected and examined 6 fruits per zone trap (we had 49 zone traps) up to September 22 (total of 250 fruits); after this date, we collected 12 fruits per zone trap (total of 588 fruits) to obtain more representative samplings, given that the rate of infestation would be increased, and the fruits were collected in three separate bags related to the three fruit load rates obtained and numbered according to the three zone traps: 1 = 50-75%, 2 = 25-50%, and 3 = 0-25%. The calculation of these rates was in relation to the scale of fruit production [26,[30][31][32][33].…”

“…The size gain of the olive fruits was related to the percentage of the fruit load rate (Table 2). Many studies have shown the effect of the fruit load rate, the age, and the variety on the fruit size [31][32][33].…”

Flowering Behavior of French Olive Cultivar ‘Picholine’ Under Syrian Coast Conditions

“…Studies reported many factors which could affect pistil abortion such as genetic factor, Alagna et al (2016) reported many genes involved in pistil abortion of olive such as BAM 1, Inv-cw, Inv-V and GBSSI which involve in starch and sucrose metabolism and NLP1, SPDS and ADC which involve in polyamines biosynthesis. In addition, environmental conditions like drought, mineral deficiency and previous year yield could affect flower gender in olive (Rapoport et al, 2012;Rosati et al, 2012;Beya-Marshall and Fichet, 2017). Garcia-Mozo et al (2009) mentioned that phenological data is an important and sensitive tool in evaluating the adaptability of plants in local environments and how those plants respond to climate change.…”