Effect of Zinc and Boron on Yield and Fruit Quality of Manzanillo Olive Tree under Siwa Oasis Conditions

Abstract

This investigation was carried out on olive trees (Olea europaea L.) cv. Manzanillo grown in private orchard at Siwa Oasis located in Marsa Matruh (governorate) Egypt, during 2018 and 2019 seasons planted in sandy soil. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar sprays with zinc sulphate at 2, 4 and 6 g/L and boric acid 1.5, 3 and 4.5 g/L on yield, fruit quality and oil properties of Manzanillo olive trees.Results showed that zinc sulphate and/or boric acid foliar sprays alone or in combination enhanced yield, fruit quality and oil properties of " Manzanillo " olive trees, In addition, zinc sulphate concentration at 6 g/L with boric acid concentrations at 4.5 g/L was the most effective treatment in improving yield, fruit weight, fruit volume, fruit length, fruit width, pulp thickness, fruit moisture content, oil extracted, lower oil acidity and proved to be saponification number.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Micronutrients and Plant Growth Regulators on Flowering, Fruit Pomology and Oil Yield

“…Furthermore, these areas are completely devoid of irrigation facility. An erratic trend of monsoon and winter rains has become more conspicuous in the last decade which further aggravated the problem of poor growth and bearing of olive trees [15][16][17][18][19]. Acute water stress during autumn coupled with scanty or insufficient and irregular rainfall distribution [20][21][22].…”