Publications (2)3.43 Total impact
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Article: Olive oil composition as a function of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plant nutrition
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Macronutrients play fundamental roles in processes affecting olive oil productivity and are expected to influence oil composition. A necessary step in optimal nutrient application management for olives is an understanding of the relationship between olive tree nutritional status and oil quality parameters. We studied the independent effects of N, P and K concentrations in irrigation solution on the oil quality of ‘Barnea’ olives by applying a wide range of macronutrient concentrations under highly controlled conditions.RESULTS: Oil composition was significantly influenced by P and N levels, while K levels had only a minor effect. Unsaturation levels were unaffected by the treatments but, within the unsaturated fatty acids, the levels of PUFA increased compared to those of MUFA. Specifically, levels of the MUFA C18:1, polyphenol content and peroxide values decreased while levels of the PUFA C18:3 increased in response to higher doses of N and P.CONCLUSION: Decreased MUFA and polyphenol levels coupled with increased omega-3 levels demonstrated a potential negative influence on oil profile alongside increased nutritional benefits. The sum effects on oil yield and composition should be considered in designing of nutrient application management strategies for olive orchards. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical IndustryJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 06/2009; 89(11):1871 - 1878. · 1.44 Impact Factor -
Article: Whole-tree water balance and indicators for short-term drought stress in non-bearing 'Barnea' olives
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ABSTRACT: Drainage-weighing lysimeters allowed monitoring of water balance components of non-bearing olive (Olea europaea cv Barnea) trees over a 3-month period including short-term events of controlled but severe water stress. The objective of the study was to evaluate a variety of soil and plant-based water status and drought stress monitoring methods on the basis of tree-scale evapotranspiration (ET). As the trees entered into and recovered from water stress, meteorological data, actual ET (ETa), soil water content and changes in leaf turgor pressure were continuously monitored. Additionally, midday measurements of stem water potential, stomatal conductance, canopy temperature, and quantum yield of PSII photochemistry were conducted. Diurnal (dawn to dusk) measurements of all the above were made hourly on days of maximum stress. Shoot elongation rate was measured for periods of stress and recovery. Quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, stomatal conductance, and stem water potential all successfully indicated reductions in whole-tree water consumption beginning at moderate stress levels. These measured parameters fully recovered to the levels of non-stressed trees soon after water application was renewed. Shoot elongation was reduced 25-30% for the 10-day period during and following drought and recovered thereafter to levels of non-stressed trees. Whole-tree ETa was reduced by as much as 20% even following full recovery of the leaf level parameters, suggesting reduced canopy size and growth due to the stress period. Non-destructive, continuous (turgor pressure) and remotely sensed (canopy temperature) methods showed promising potential for monitoring effects of water stress, in spite of technological and data interpretation challenges requiring further attention.Agricultural Water Management 98(1):124-133. · 2.00 Impact Factor
