Abstract
The new high-density cropping systems (>1200 trees ha-1) represent a very interesting proposal for olive orchard profitability. It is crucial to know the morphology and the dynamics of sprout elongation of a cultivar in order to fully assess its suitability for a high-density olive orchard. For this reason we planned a research on two cultivars, Coratina and Arbequina, in a high-density orchard. The apical sprouts elongation of Arbequina early stopped at fruit set without a further step, while Coratina showed a little growth flux after pit hardening. Similar trends showed the lateral proleptic sprouts. Only the sylleptic sprouts of both cultivars had a second period of activity. In all cases, the sprouts elongation finished at the end of summer, when oil accumulation started. Coratina showed higher apical shoot growth and internodes mean length than Arbequina. On the contrary, Coratina showed lower lateral proleptic shoot growth and nodes number than Arbequina, but the same internodes mean length. No significant differences were observed between cultivars for growth, nodes number and internodes mean length of sylleptic shoots. The differences observed between the two cultivars could be explained considering their different vigour. The introduction of this innovative cropping system is allowed to register a considerable reduction of production costs. The result is a considerable increase in the economic performance of the olive grove and a consequent reduction in the unit cost for kg of oil. These data are very useful for varietal choice and field management in high-density orchards and then for new olive breeding programs.
Highlights
Today the millennial olive tree cultivation all over the world can be defined in a change of epoch: it tends quickly to move from traditional low-density (1200 trees per hectare), which represent a very interesting proposal for olive orchard profitability [1]
A general model of olive tree sprouts elongation provides for two periods of activity: the major one occurs during spring before blooming and the second one, less important, occurs during early autumn separated by a summer rest [26]
The apical sprouts elongation of Arbequina early stopped at fruit set (150 - 160 DOY) without a further step, while Coratina showed a little growth flux after pit hardening (190 - 230 DOY) better following the general model (Figure 1)
Summary
Today the millennial olive tree cultivation all over the world can be defined in a change of epoch: it tends quickly to move from traditional low-density (1200 trees per hectare), which represent a very interesting proposal for olive orchard profitability [1]. The high-density cropping systems are characterized by strong reduction of production costs thanks to total mechanization, from planting to harvesting [2]. The improvement of productivity is fundamental in contexts that are confronted with major international challenges, and the cost containment is essential for the survival of the farm This cost reduction must necessarily be accompanied by sustainable production policies as required from Europe and from the market [3]. The high-density cropping systems are based on early bearing (3rd year from planting), yield stabilization starting from 5th - 6th years from planting (8 - 10 t per hectare per year) with very negligible alternate bearing and continuous harvesting [1,4]
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