Abstract
To maximize orchard production and tree crop efficiency, optimization of both maximum orchard light interception and radiation distribution within the tree canopy are important strategies. To study the influence of planting density and fruit position within the canopy on oil quality from ‘Cerasuola’ and ‘Koroneiki’ olive (Olea europaea L.), fruits were harvested from the upper and lower canopy layers of trees in hedgerow planting systems at two densities: High at 1000 trees ha−1 (HD) and Medium at 500 trees ha−1 (MD). Tree crop efficiency and fruit weight, water and fat content were measured together with olive oil standard quality parameters, phenolic and volatile composition. Fruits in the upper layers of the canopy always showed a higher maturity index, 6% more fat content, and 4% less water content than lower layers. Upper layers of HD trees showed the highest phenol content, whereas lower layers of MD trees showed the lowest phenol content (36% less than the upper layers of HD). HD trees showed the largest differences in fruit maturation, water and fat content between upper and lower canopy positions, increasing quality and oil yield variability at harvest. ‘Koroneiki’ showed more stable oils with a 28% higher MUFA/PUFA ratio and 12% higher phenol content than ‘Cerasuola’ oils. This study provides further evidence of the fact that cultivar, planting density, and canopy architecture may be strong determinants of olive oil yield and composition in hedgerow planting systems.
Highlights
Due to a global increase of olive oil consumption and labor costs many olive (Olea europaea L.) growers are moving towards the use of hedgerow super-intensive planting systems
Data obtained in this study showed that higher planting density increased yield per hectare of the Sicilian cultivar ‘Cerasuola’, which was proven to adapt to higher density orchards, without losing the quality and peculiar sensory attributes
Upper layers of the canopy were characterized by higher crop loads and more mature fruits with higher fat content
Summary
Due to a global increase of olive oil consumption and labor costs many olive (Olea europaea L.) growers are moving towards the use of hedgerow super-intensive planting systems. Earlier bearing, increased yield, and a reduction of alternate bearing, as well as cost and facilitation of complete mechanization, have spurred adoption of new and superintensive planting systems. Represents an important center of olive oil production in the Mediterranean basin, where ‘Cerasuola’ is one of the most common olive cultivars [1]. The variety adapts well to poor soils, is drought-resistant, and provides excellent results under optimal nutritional conditions [2,3]. The oil content in the drupes of ‘Cerasuola’. Is relatively high (20–25%), and, according to sensory evaluations, generally falls in the category of medium intensity fruitness along with the taste sensations of bitter, pungent, 4.0/).
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