Olive Tree Branches Research Articles

Streptococcus Mitis Keratitis: A Case Report

66-years old female patient applied to our hospital’s emergency service with the complaint of an olive tree branch hitting her right eye. She had conjunctival hyperaemia, discharge, decreased vision and pain on her eye. In the ophthalmologic examination, visual acuity was measured as 0.1 on the right and 0.7 on the left eye. Biomicroscopic examination revealed a large, yellow-white keratitis center on superior cornea, hypopyon and an epithelial erosion which extended up to superior limbus. Ocular ultrasonography was normal. Corneal scraping sampling was made for direct microscopic examination and culture to determine the etiological agent.

GacA reduces virulence and increases competitiveness in planta in the tumorigenic olive pathogen Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi.

GacS/GacA is a widely distributed two-component system playing an essential role as a key global regulator, although its characterization in phytopathogenic bacteria has been deeply biased, being intensively studied in pathogens of herbaceous plants but barely investigated in pathogens of woody hosts. P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Psv) is characterized by inducing tumours in the stem and branches of olive trees. In this work, the model strain Psv NCPPB 3335 and a mutant derivative with a complete deletion of gene gacA were subjected to RNA-Seq analyses in a minimum medium and a medium mimicking in planta conditions, accompanied by RT-qPCR analyses of selected genes and phenotypic assays. These experiments indicated that GacA participates in the regulation of at least 2152 genes in strain NCPPB 3335, representing 37.9 % of the annotated CDSs. GacA also controls the expression of diverse rsm genes, and modulates diverse phenotypes, including motility and resistance to oxidative stresses. As occurs with other P. syringae pathovars of herbaceous plants, GacA regulates the expression of the type III secretion system and cognate effectors. In addition, GacA also regulates the expression of WHOP genes, specifically encoded in P. syringe strains isolated from woody hosts, and genes for the biosynthesis of phytohormones. A gacA mutant of NCPPB 3335 showed increased virulence, producing large immature tumours with high bacterial populations, but showed a significantly reduced competitiveness in planta. Our results further extend the role of the global regulator GacA in the virulence and fitness of a P. syringae pathogen of woody hosts.

Potential of the endophyte Penicillium commune in the control of olive anthracnose via induction of antifungal volatiles in host plant

Olive anthracnose, caused by several Colletotrichum species, is the most economically harmful fruit disease of the olive crop. This work aimed to evaluate the ability of the endophyte Penicillium commune CIMO 14FM009 to protect the olive tree against Colletotrichum nymphaeae via induction of plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Accordingly, olive tree branches were inoculated with the endophyte and one month later with the pathogen. After 0, 3, and 24 h of pathogen inoculation, the volatile composition of leaves and fruits was analyzed by HS-SPME-GC/MS, and compared with controls (branches inoculated with buffer, endophyte, or pathogen). The effect of plant-derived volatiles on C. nymphaeae was also evaluated. Penicillium commune induced the release of VOCs on the olive trees, with the capacity to reduce significantly the growth (up to 1.4-fold) and sporulation (up to 1.2-fold) of C. nymphaeae. This effect was most notorious on olives than on leaves, and occurred 3 h after pathogen-challenge, suggesting the need for a stressful stimulus for the production of antifungal VOCs. The observed inhibition was associated to a specific set of VOCs released from olives (mostly belonging to the alcohols and esters chemical classes) and leaves (mostly belonging to the alkenes). Curiously, a set of VOCs belonging to alkene, alkane and ester classes, were emitted exclusively in olive branches inoculated with C. nymphaeae. These findings provide new possibilities for controlling olive anthracnose using P. commune and/or volatiles, which efficacy should be tested in future works.

Effect of multi sourced compost on a rainfed olive tree grove in an arid land: Management practices to adapt to global climate change

In southern Tunisia, in an arid environment subjected to climate change, the olive-production sector is important for the local Economy. With low local biomass production a multi sourced compost composed of olive waste byproducts and seaweed was tested on an Arenic Calcisol. The application at the subsurface of 180 kg (0.5 m3) of compost per tree in a rainfed olive tree (Olea europaea L.) grove with declining productivity showed a significant increase in total C, N, K, P, and respiration rate in amended horizons. Surprisingly the soil volumic water content (Vw%) at the subsurface (0–20 cm) below amended (7.5% ± 2.3) was not significantly different below non amended trees (6.9% ± 3.3). It increased slightly under non-amended trees, from 6.6% (±4.3) at a depth of 5 cm–8.1% (±1.5) at 65 cm depth, while below the amended olive trees the Vw% increased from 6.7% (±3.4) in the composted horizon at 5 cm depth to 13.5% (±1.1) at 70 cm depth. The main positive effect of composting on soils was decreasing the water loss due to capillary rise, since the compost developed clear hydrophobic properties. Two years after applying the compost, olive tree branches were 15% longer and olives were 40% heavier on amended trees.

Configurable trunk shaker for the mechanical harvesting of different fruit branches

Trunk shakers perform a forced vibration that should be set according to tree species and architecture to efficiently detach fruits. However, manufacturing companies produce designs that are poorly customisable according to different trees. This work presents a prototype that is configurable in amplitude and frequency of vibration, which has been developed to generate the different vibration patterns required by various fruit trees. To study the feasibility of the developed technology, we built a test bench with a post, to which we fixed olive, almond and orange tree branches, and tested different configurations of the machine (frequencies from 12.25 to 20.75 Hz and eccentricities from 58 to 86 mm). Acceleration values were recorded at different points: the trunk shaker, the post in the grip, the top of the post, and in each branch. We recorded a large loss of acceleration transmissibility between the shaker and the post (20%–60%) due to existing frictions that dissipate energy through heat loss. There is a non-linear increase between vibration frequency and the resultant acceleration value recorded, as well as with increasing eccentricity. The shaker was able to provide a different vibration pattern in each configuration, affecting the transmission of vibration in each of the branches studied, for which mean acceleration transmissibility ranged between 82% (almond), 104% (olive) and 136% (orange).

Olive shrub buried on Therasia supports a mid-16th century BCE date for the Thera eruption

The precise date of the 2nd millennium BCE (“Minoan”) eruption of Thera (Santorini) has long been a focus of controversy due to a discrepancy between archaeological and radiocarbon-based dating of materials from stratigraphic layers above and below tsunami, ash and pumice deposits resulting from the eruption. A critical, though controversial, piece of evidence has been four segments of a radiocarbon-dated olive tree branch, buried on Thera during the eruption. Here we report new radiocarbon evidence from an olive shrub found carbonized by the same eruption deposits on neighboring Therasia (Santorini). The Therasia olive shrub dates slightly younger than the previous olive branch. Calibrated results and growth increment counts indicate increased probabilities for a mid-16th century BCE date for the eruption, overlapping with multiple volcanic sulfate markers from ice core records.

Effect of leaves in the dynamic response of olive tree branches and their computational model

The application of vibration in the mechanical harvesting of fruit trees is a determining factor to achieve fruit detachment. The acceleration required to do so is experimentally determined in expensive tests using different machines and configurations. A simple, appropriate model that could predict the vibration response of plant matter might facilitate these simulations of different conditions and optimise the process. Several mathematical and computational models exist that employ great simplifications and produce uncertain results. We propose a computational model for simulating the dynamic response of branches with and without foliage under forced vibration, applied to the case of the olive tree. We also present a method for characterising the mechanical properties necessary to conduct the simulation using commercial software, Ansys, and the experimental determination of the properties. To do so, we propose some simplifications in the modelling. Next, computational simulations replicate the same conditions as the real vibration tests conducted in the laboratory, and the accelerations produced at the origin and ends of the branches are determined. The results offer a good degree of similarity between the calculated and experimental values in terms of natural frequencies, although some dispersion of transmissibility exits between the origin and ends of the branches, above all for larger branches and when considering their foliage. Branches without leaves had lower natural frequencies. The damping coefficient of branches with leaves was almost twice than ones without although the acceleration transmissibility is much bigger.

Accumulations and temporal trends of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in olive tree components.

In this study, ambient air samples, olive tree branches (1- and 2-year-old) and their leaves (particulate and dissolved phase) were collected simultaneously between January and December months at a suburban site of Bursa-Turkey. Total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations, sampled by employing passive air samplers, ranged from 0.03 to 0.08ng/m3 in the atmosphere. The average annual total PCB concentrations belonging to the tree components were 1.14 ± 0.32ng/g DM in dissolved phase in leaves, 0.71 ± 0.32ng/g DM in particle phase on leaves, 1.06 ± 0.25ng/g DM in 1-year-old branches, and 0.93 ± 0.23ng/g DM in 2-year-old branches. It was determined that the correlation between PCB concentrations in olive tree components and the air was low. This result indicated that besides the tree-air exchange, other possible factors (such as soil-to-tree transitions, wind effect, etc.) affect the levels of PCB concentrations in the tree components. Total PCB concentrations decreased from summer to winter in all samples. The percentage ratio of PCB in the dissolved phase in the leaves was generally higher than other tree components in seasons. PCB homologous distributions indicated 5-CBs were dominant in the tree components and 3-CBs were dominant in the air samples. Highly chlorinated PCB congeners (8-CBs and 9-CBs) were found at low concentrations in both air and tree components samples. The samples indicated that the ratio of PCBs in tree components to the total (tree component+ambient air) PCBs slightly increased with increasing the chlorine number.

Pollinia pollini (Costa, 1857) (Hemiptera, Asterolecaniidae) infesting olive trees: a first record in Tunisia

During January 2019, mealybugs were observed on branches of olive trees (Olea europaea, L.) for the first time at Nebeur and Charket Saboune (Governorate‐Kef, Tunisia). Samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for identification. The mealybug species was identified based on its morphological characteristics as Pollinia pollini (Costa, 1857) (Hemiptera, Asterolecanidae). This is the first report of this species in Tunisia.

New findings on infestation and phenology of Dasineura oleae Angelini (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae): an emerging pest on olive trees in the Palestinian Territories

Dasineura oleae is a gall midge on leaves and branches of olive trees. Due to the scarcity of information regarding to the infestation and phenology of D. oleae on olive trees, the objectives of this research were: (1) to study the pest status of D. oleae and its damage on olive trees, (2) to describe the life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult, (3) to determine the life cycle duration and number of generations per year and (4) to describe the egg laying, larval development, pupation and adult emergence. Results indicated that there was an outbreak of D. oleae in the Palestinian Territories where the average rate of infestation on olive trees was 51.46% and the damage caused by the insect on leaves, branches and inflorescence of infested trees reached at an average infestation rate of 35.88, 22.70 and 26.54%, respectively. Eggs of D. oleae were laid on the lower leaf surface, and the hatched larvae penetrated the tissues underneath and induced galls in which they live and develop until the emergence of adults. D. oleae developed one generation per year in the hilly regions of Palestinian Territories and two generations in the coastal regions of these territories. A full description of the life stages has been provided for the insect. In conclusion, this study provides with new information regarding to the pest status of D. oleae, infestation and development of the insect on the different organs of olive trees. These findings are necessary for the insect management and its control.

Resultados preliminares de tipos de anelamento em diferentes épocas em plantas de oliveira

Girdling consists of elimination of a small part of the cortex around a pre-selected branch, this technique being successfully applied in fruit trees. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of girdling period and types on branches of olive cultivars on their vegetative development and fructification. The study was conducted at the Epamig Experimental Farm, located in the municipality of Maria da Fé, MG, Brazil. Activities began in March 2012, with use of 7-year-old plants of the Ascolano 315, Grappolo 541 and Maria da Fé cultivars. Three periods were assessed (March, April and May/12) and two types of girdling (10 and 15 mm), plus the control (without girdling). A randomized block experimental design was used with a split plot, three replications and one plant per plot. After girdling, the branches of the plants were assessed, with mean branch length (m), branch diameter near the girdle (mm), diameter of the branch base (mm) and fruit harvest (kg) as variables. It was concluded that the girdling technique did not affect the length and diameter of the branches of the three cultivars. Superior results were found in olive tree branches girdling in March and May. The fruits collected were positively affected by girdling of the branches.

Characterization of biomass burning from olive grove areas: A major source of organic aerosol in PM10 of Southwest Europe

The inorganic and organic geochemistry of aerosol particulate matter (APM) was studied in a major olive grove area from Southwest Europe (Baena, Spain). The biomass consists of olive tree branches and the solid waste resulting of the olive oil production. Moreover, high PM10 levels were obtained (31.5μgm−3), with two days of exceedance of the daily limit of 50μgm−3 (2008/50/CE; EU, 2008) during the experimental period. A high mean levoglucosan concentration was obtained representing up 95% of the total mass of the isomers analysed (280ngm−3), while galactosan and mannosan mean concentrations were lower (8.64ngm−3 and 7.86ngm−3, respectively). The contribution of wood smoke in Baena was estimated, representing 19% of OC and 17% of OM total mass. Positive matrix factor (PMF) was applied to the organic and inorganic aerosols data, which has permitted the identification of five source categories: biomass burning, traffic, mineral dust, marine aerosol and SIC (secondary inorganic compounds). The biomass burning category reached the highest mean contribution to the PM10 mass (41%, 17.6μgm−3). In light of these results, the use of biomass resulting from the olive oil production for residential heating and industry must be considered the most important aerosol source during the winter months. The results of this paper can be extrapolated to other olive oil producing areas in the Mediterranean basin. Therefore, a fuller understanding of this type of biomass combustion is required in order to be able to establish appropriate polices and reduce the environmental impact on the population.

Use of digital images to disclose canopy architecture in olive tree

The use of digital cameras for monitoring natural vegetation and agricultural ecosystems is particularly attractive since it necessitates neither expensive equipment nor extensive skill. In this study we tested the use of digital images (DIs) to generate 3D plant reconstruction for retrieving the main plant architectural features (leaf area, leaf inclination, leaf azimuth) of olive tree branches. High resolution image of tree branches were firstly used to generate 3D reconstruction of plant structures using a Structure From Motion approach; we therefore answered the question whether these 3D models may be segmented to discriminate main plant structures (leaves and branch) proposing a simple classification algorithm (Random Forest, RF) with saliency features and color indices as predictors. Finally, on the good and robust performances of the proposed classification algorithm, the single leaves were analyzed to retrieve the relevant area, inclination and orientation and compared to the relevant observed data. The calibration of the RF model indicated that color indices better discriminated leaves and stem than the sole use of saliency features. The classification performances were further improved by tuning the scale at which saliency features were calculated and by filtering the final result to reduce misclassified points. A RF model calibrated on a single plant was successfully applied to 5 others, indicating the robustness of the calibration strategy. The analysis of single leaves, as segmented after the classification process, indicated that plant architecture was satisfactorily reproduced with strong correlations obtained between measured and calculated values of leaf inclination and azimuth, while biases were observed for leaf area. These results emphasize the effectiveness of SFM in reproducing complex arrangements of leaves like on an olive tree. The use of such a system can be therefore suggested as a first step towards an improved low cost plant phenotyping platform to speed up our understanding of plant responses to environment. Further experiments are required to test the effectiveness of the approach also under outdoor conditions.

Nutraceutical Properties of Olive Oil Polyphenols. An Itinerary from Cultured Cells through Animal Models to Humans

The increasing interest in the Mediterranean diet hinges on its healthy and anti-ageing properties. The composition of fatty acids, vitamins and polyphenols in olive oil, a key component of this diet, is considered a key feature of its healthy properties. Therefore, it is of significance that the Rod of Asclepius lying on a world map surrounded by olive tree branches has been chosen by the World Health Organization as a symbol of both peace and well-being. This review travels through most of the current and past research, recapitulating the biochemical and physiological correlations of the beneficial properties of olive tree (Olea europaea) polyphenols and their derivatives found in olive oil. The factors influencing the content and beneficial properties of olive oil polyphenols will also be taken into account together with their bioavailability. Finally, the data on the clinical and epidemiological relevance of olive oil and its polyphenols for longevity and against age- and lifestyle-associated pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases are reviewed.

A round robin test for the hand-transmitted vibration from an olive harvester

In this paper we present the outcome of a Round Robin test carried out to validate a proposed standard procedure to measure the acceleration produced by an hand held olive harvester. Ten independent laboratories using a custom-built device were involved. The device was developed to simulate olive tree branches as far as their interaction with the harvester sticks is concerned.Collected data were analysed according to the ISO 5725-2 procedure. Accelerations measured in three of the ten laboratories were found by a cluster analysis to be statistically different from those of the remaining seven laboratories. Based on this evidence, results from the three stray laboratories were eliminated from the final sample.Laboratory data were shown to be statistically consistent with field data in the dominant front and rear X axes as well as in the rear Z axis. No statistically significant discrepancy were found for the front and the rear acceleration vector sums, which are the quantities used to quantify the occupational exposure. The procedure developed in this Round Robin test could represent a viable basis for a future test standard for hand-held olive harvesters. Relevance to industryOlive beaters are devices characterized by high vibration levels transmitted to the hand-arm system. Because of the lack of a harmonized C standard, manufacturers struggle to report reliable acceleration values in the instruction manuals, as requested by the 2006/42/EC Directive. This work could help EN working groups to draft a C standard for the measurement of vibration of hand-held olive beaters.

Extraction and Bleaching of Olive Tree Branch Cellulose

The objective of this work was to extract and bleach cellulose from a low-value agricultural waste, namely, olive tree branches. The extraction procedure began by subjecting finely powdered olive tree branches to alkaline treatment, using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide solution to remove/dissolve the non-cellulosic cementing constituents, such as pectin, hemicelluloses, and natural waxes from the structure of this lignocellulosic network. The second step of the extraction procedure was the oxidation/bleaching treatment, and for this purpose, a powerful oxidizing agent composed of sodium chlorite/triethanolamine salt was used. All factors and conditions affecting the bleaching reaction, including triethanolamine salt concentration, bleaching temperature, and utilization of different triethanolamine salts, were extensively studied. The efficiency of the bleaching/oxidation treatment was evaluated by recording the FTIR spectra of the samples before and after extraction and analyzing the bleached samples to estimate the carboxyl content, loss in weight, and whiteness index.

Effects of olive tree branches burning emissions on PM2.5 concentrations

An olive tree branches burning emission inventory for Greece is developed based on recently measured emission factors and the spatial distribution of olive trees. A three-dimensional chemical transport model (CTM), PMCAMx, is used to estimate the corresponding impact on PM2.5 concentrations during a typical winter period. Assuming that burning of olive tree branches takes place only during days with low wind speed and without precipitation, the contribution of olive tree branches burning emissions on PM2.5 levels is more significant during the most polluted days. Increases of hourly PM2.5 exceeding 50% and locally reaching up to 150% in Crete are predicted during the most polluted periods. On a monthly-average basis, the corresponding emissions are predicted to increase PM2.5 levels up to 1.5 μg m−3 (20%) in Crete and Peloponnese, where the largest fraction of olive trees is located, and by 0.4 μg m−3 (5%) on average over Greece. OA and EC levels increase by 20% and 13% respectively on average over Greece, and up to 70% in Crete. The magnitude of the effect is quite sensitive to burning practices. Assuming that burning of olive tree branches takes place during all days results in a smaller effect of burning on PM2.5 levels (9% increase instead of 20%). These results suggest that this type of agricultural waste burning is a major source of particulate pollution in the Mediterranean countries where this practice is prevalent during winter.

Utilization of olive tree branch cellulose in synthesis of hydroxypropyl carboxymethyl cellulose

This paper describes the functionalization of cellulose extracted from olive tree branches by subjecting it to successive etherification reactions, hydroxypropylation and carboxymethylation. Factors affecting the efficiency of etherification reactions like propylene oxide concentration, alkali concentration, reaction temperature and reaction duration were studied. The etherification efficiency was evaluated by analyzing the mixed cellulose ether to estimate its molar substitution and degree of substitution. Optimum conditions for hydroxypropylation reaction are to use 10% NaOH, together with 115% propylene oxide (all based on weight of cellulose), at 60°C for 120min. The obtained samples were characterized by estimating the molar substitution and the best value suitable for water solubility (0.39) was attained upon using the above optimum conditions. Optimum conditions for carboxymethylation of the hydroxypropylated cellulose were to use 20% (w/v) from NaOH during the alkalization step. This optimum condition gave carboxymethylated sample having degree of substitution 0.4 which is suitable for water solubility.

Effects of the olive-derived polyphenol oleuropein on human health.

The use of the products derived from the olive tree on human health dates back centuries. In several civilizations, the olive tree had and still has a very strong cultural and religious symbolism. Notably, the official seal and emblem of the World Health Organization features the rod of Asclepius over a world map surrounded by olive tree branches, chosen as a symbol of peace and health. Recently, accumulating experimental, clinical and epidemiological data have provided support to the traditional beliefs of the beneficial effect provided by olive derivates. In particular, the polyphenols present in olive leaves, olives, virgin (unrefined) olive oil and olive mill waste are potent antioxidant and radical scavengers with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we review the positive impact on human health of oleuropein, the most prevalent polyphenol present in olives. In addition, we provide data collected in our laboratory on the role of oleuropein in counteracting lipid accumulation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Design and test of a device for acceleration reproducibility of hand held olive harvesters

Hand held olive harvesters may cause severe HAV (Hand Arm Vibration) pathologies to the operators. The measured vibration data should be available to the end users in the instruction manual issued by the manufacturers, who should follow the procedures specified by a C type European standard.Since the hand held olive harvesters do not have such a standard, manufacturers are not able to provide reliable data. This paper describes a test methodology in view of a C type European standard for these machines.The work started with field activities to collect acceleration data to compare with laboratory results, as requested by the EN ISO 20643. A device to simulate the dynamic vibration response of olive tree branches was then designed, assembled and tested with different configurations, to obtain repeatable acceleration data of hand held olive harvester. When the final prototype was configured, a second laboratory was involved, equipped with a different measurement chain to test the reproducibility. Relevance to industryThis paper describes the use of a new custom built device (designed and assembled by the Authors) to simulate the dynamic vibration response of olive tree branches, to obtain repeatable acceleration data of hand held olive harvester. Laboratory tests showed that device can support companies in their task of designing safe and health hand held olive harvesters.