QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FIVE VARIETIES OF Olea europaea L. FRUITS AND OIL COMPOSITION GROWN IN DISTRICT LORALAI, BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

Olive, a premium oilseed crop is being grown in Pakistan for two decades. The scientists are convinced that Balochistan, is most suited for olive cultivation in Pakistan. It is estimated that about 86 varieties and 19 cultivars of Olive are being under plantation in the country. However, there is not much research data available for the varietal comparison in the agro-ecological situation in Balochistan especially Loralai. In order to investigate 05 promising olive exotic and locally acclimatized varieties under Loralai conditions, for their qualitative characteristics and quantitative traits, a study was conducted in the Katvi Farm Loralai. In this respect the technological/morphological and qualitative traits of all five cultivars Sorani, Carolea, Biancolilla, Koronieki and Kaissy were determined. The results after the analysis of data depicted that Kaissy is the largest sized fruits 26mm with thickest pulp amongst the five tested varieties followed by Carolea 25mm whereas, Koroneiki produced higher number of fruits with smaller size of 13mm and thinner pulp. Biancolilla gave highest yield/tree 23.3 followed by Carolea and the lowest yield was given by Kaissy variety. Oil % age was highest for Sorani (11.67%), followed by Biancolilla with % age values 9.33. Chemical analysis revealed that acidity of oil samples of all five cultivars was <0.3, peroxide value of 20 except for kaissy >20. Maximum Polphenols contents were found in Sorani variety. K270 value was lower in all cultivars. In this study, Sorani was found to be most productive in terms of higher yield and highest oil content, while Kaissy is recommended for dual purposes owing to its bigger sized fruit and moderate oil production. It is recommended that Sorani variety of Olea Europea may be cultivated under environmental conditions of Loralai to get maximum economic and health benefits.