Conference Paper

Fruit growth and olive oil quality in relation to foliar nutrition and time of application

Authors:
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the authors.

Abstract

The experiment was designed to evaluate the influence of foliar nutrition with N and K, also in relationship to the stage of fruit development. The integration of foliar nutrition had a positive effect on the characteristics of drupes and reduced fruit drop, therefore increasing plant production in terms of fruit crop and oil yield. Fertilization with KNO3 during the second and third phase of development of the fruit gave the best results in terms of fruit size and flesh to pit ratio. Oil quality was only marginally influenced by treatments.

No full-text available

Request Full-text Paper PDF

To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.

... Erner et al. [1993], Boman [1997], Boman and Hebb [1998] and Boman [2001] showed that the orange trees sprayed with KNO 3 increased yield and fruit quality compared to the untreated control treatment. Gill et al. [2012] studied the effect of spraying of 'Patharnakh' pear trees with KNO 3 , and found that maximum fruit size was recorded with three sprays of KNO 3 at 1.5 %. Inglese et al. [2002] on olive trees, showed that potassium nitrate sprays at 3% increased fruit yield and fresh fruit weight. Khayyat et al. [2012] showed that potassium nitrate foliar spray on pomegranate increased juice weight and total soluble solids (TSS) compared to the control. ...
... Generally, the essential element potassium has a significant regulatory role within plant cells and organs, such as activating more than 50 enzymes, osmosis regulation and photosynthesis, and loading and unloading of sugars in phloem [Mengel 2007]. Also, Inglese et al. [2002] on olive trees, showed that potassium nitrate sprays at 3% increased fruit yield. These results are in line also with those reported by Hegab et al. [2005], Atawia and El-Desouky [1997] and El-Motty et al. [2010] showed that spraying yeast improving yield as a number of fruits or weight [kg tree -1 ]. ...
... In general, these findings concerning the response of Ziziphus jujuba fruit physical properties to a foliar spray of yeast extract and potassium nitrate go in line with those found by Khafagy et al. [2010], Hegab et al. [2005], Atawia and El-Desouky [1997] and El-Motty et al. [2010] they foliar spray of yeast extract on fruit trees, and found that increasing in weight, length and volume. These results are in agreement with those reported by Boman [1997], Boman and Hebb [1998], Boman [ 2001], Gill et al. [2012], Inglese et al. [2002], Sotiropoulos et al. [2010] they showed that the fruits sprayed with KNO 3 improved the average physical characteristics such as fruit weight, fresh weight, fruit volume and fruit dimension. These results are in line with those reported by Abd El-Ghany et al. [2001] and Ismaeil et al. [2003] on vines as well as by Atawia and El-Desouky [1997], Boman [1997], Boman and Hebb [1998] Gill et al. [2012] and Khayyat et al. [2012] on pomegranate, they found that foliar spray of yeast extract and potassium nitrate was more effective in increasing total soluble solids, total, reducing and non-reducing sugars percentage ascorbic acid and decreasing fruit acidity. ...
Article
Full-text available
The present study was conducted during the two successive seasons, 2017 and 2018, at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, to investigate the effects of foliar sprays on Ziziphus jujuba trees by yeast extract at 1% and 2% and potassium nitrate (KNO3 ) at 1% and 2%. All treatments were foliar applied twice (December 15 – January 15) in both seasons. Yield and fruit quality were studied. Treatments significantly improved yield, physical fruit and fruit chemical characteristics, moisture content, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll by most tested treatments in both seasons than the control (water only). Yeast spray treatments significantly decreased juice content vitamin C (mg/100 g), while KNO3 spray treatments increased juice content vitamin C in both seasons. It can be concluded that foliar application with KNO3 at 2% recorded the best treatment to obtain the highest yield, fruit weight, flesh weight, fruit volume, fruit length and fruit diameter, while yeast extract at 2% treatment gave the highest TSS% and total sugar contents in this study.
... Toplu et al. (2009) found that soil fertilization (i.e., urea, potassium sulphate and mono-ammonium phosphate) increases fruit and oil yield, mean fruit weight and pulp/pit ratio. Fruit oil content may increase with supplemental N-K fertilization (Toplu et al., 2009;Malek and Mustapha, 2013) or it may not increase (Talaie et al., 2001;Inglese et al., 2002;Morales-Sillero et al., 2007). ...
... These results are consistent with previous reports, finding that NPK fertilizers, applied jointly, increase average fruit weight and pulp/pit ratio (Abbasi et al., 2012;Malek and Mustapha, 2013;Toplu et al., 2009). Inglese et al. (2002) reported that N and K fertilization during pit hardening increased fruit size and pulp/pit ratio. Also Ben Mimoun et al. (2004) reported that K fertilization improve yield and quality as well as fruit weight and pulp/pit ratio. . ...
... While no previous studies investigated the effect of fertilization on pulp oil concentration in olive, many studies reported the effects of fertilization on fruit oil content, with dissimilar results. Inglese et al. (2002) found no differences in oil content and quality when N and K foliar applications were applied to "Carolea" olive trees (expressed as percent dry weight). The same results was reported by Talaie et al. (2001) in "Zard" olive cultivar sprayed with N, B and Zn. ...
... In general, plants need N almost all stages while they need more P during flowering and more K during fruit development and oil accumulation stages. Through fruit maturity, N content in leaves decreased , during oil accumulation K concentration decreased in leaves but increased in fruit indicating that more K is required in such period (Jordao et al., 1994;Soyergin and Katkat, 2002;Inglese et al., 2002). ...
... Our results are in corroboration with those of d' Andria et al. (2004) who found greater fruit width and length in increased irrigation supplements using several cultivars. Inglese et al. (2002) reported also that fertilization during stone hardening increased the fruit size. ...
... However, fertilizing duringF 2 was not significantly different from F 3 (Table 2) indicating that fertilization during these periods may not change the pulp/stone ratio. Irrigated olive trees had higher pulp/stone ratio compared to control treatments (Proietti and Antognozzi, 1996;Magliulo et al., 2003;d'Andria et al., 2004;Lavee et al., 2007) and K fertilization during stone hardening also increased pulp/stone ratio (Inglese et al., 2002). ...
Article
Full-text available
We evaluated plant growth, fruit and oil characteristics of olive (Olea europaea L. cv. 'Gemlik') grown on different fertilization and irrigation treatments. Irrigation regimes included rainfed-control (T0), two treatments with 50% (T50) of the full irrigation treatment (T100) which received 100% class-A pan evaporation. Four fertilization treatments included unfertilized-control (F0), traditional fertilization (F1) and application of P and K during different growing stages (F2 - F3). Experiments were conducted in each of three years considered as repeated units in a repeated measurement design. Fruit and total oil yields of olive increased about three times in highest irrigation and fertilization combination compared to rainfed and unfertilized treatments. The fruit and oil yield increased from 11.46 and 2.78 kg/tree (T0F0) to 30.07 and 7.12 kg/tree (T100F3), respectively. Mean fruit weight (from 2.87 to up to 4.24 g) and pulp stone ratio (from 3.68 to up to 5.60) also increased with additional water as P and K applied during flowering and endocarp hardening stages, respectively. Fertilization treatments had little effect on fatty acid compositions while additional irrigation resulted in increased palmitic and linoleic acid and decreased oleic acid content. Monounsaturated fatty acids/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio was also decreased with irrigation supplements.
... This element could be applied with different methods. The foliar application is helpful to satisfy plant requirement and has a high efficiency (Inglese et al. 2002). Potassium is easily adsorbed and distributed trough leaf tissues (California Fertilizer Association, 1998). ...
... 2) although fruit growth was higher during stage 3 for the 100% foliar treatment but this increase was not statistical significant. The same result was observed by Inglese et al (2002). At maturity, fruit fresh weight and flesh to pit ratio were lower in untreated trees (Table 3). ...
... tion of fruit maturity. Lazzez et al. (2002) working with Chemlali cultivar observed a decrease from 6.7 ppm to traces during maturity process. All the oil has an extra virgin quality; the highest value is 0.32 % lower than the 1% reference value for this quality (C.O.I, 1998). No significant differences were observed for the polyphenols (Table 4). Inglese et al (2002) got the same results with KNO 3 treatment. The oil chromatography analysis shows no effect of the potassium fertilization treatment (Table 5) as reported previously by Simeos et al. (2002) working on nitrogen and potassium fertilization effect on the qualitative profile of the oil. The foliar analysis showed no effect of the treatment o ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of potassium (K) fertilization on vegetative growth, fruit production and leaf mineral content of olive tree (Olea europeae L.) under rainfed condition. Different fertilizer, techniques and rates of application were applied in 2003 on Chemlali olive. The potassium fertilizer used was potassium nitrate. The foliar fertilizer rates were 50 and 100% of the tree requirement and for soil spreading the rates were 100% and 200% of the tree needs. A control was also observed with no applied fertilization as used on the experiments region (Sfax). The results did not show any significant effect of treatment on olive vegetative growth. However, foliar treatment increases significantly leaf area. Foliar fertilization at 100% accelerates fruit maturation, increases fruit weight, pit ratio and polyphenol, respectively to 0.81g, 3.65 and 59.37ppm. No significant differences on fat content and acidic composition were observed. Leaf mineral analysis revealed that K fertilization increased significantly K foliar content with no differences for the others mineral elements (N, P, Mg).
... Because foliar nutrition under water stress condition not only provides essential plant nutrients to field crops but is also beneficial in terms of removing water stress . Foliar application of nutrients is in general helpful to satisfy plant requirement and has a high nutrient use efficiency (Inglese, Gullo, and Pace 2002). ...
... Foliar spray of nutrients at tillering stage increased yield components in wheat when the nutrients were applied as Zn+B; spray of nutrients at booting also increased spikes m −2 as Zn+B (Karim et al. 2012;Mousavi 2011). The increase in yield and yield components with foliar nutrition probably may be due the decrease in water and nutrients stress and also the increase in water and nutrients use efficiency (Karim et al. 2012;Khan et al. 2004;Wei et al. 2005;Inglese, Gullo, and Pace 2002). The increase in yield components with foliar nutrition particularly under dryland condition might also be attributed the decrease in drought and nutrients stresses (Karim et al. 2012). ...
Article
The increase in world population especially in developing countries, where soil fertility and health are decreasing continuously, leading to soil degradation and desertification. Water scarcity in developing countries mostly under semiarid climates is one of the major problems that decrease crop growth and yield leading to food security problems. Integrated foliar nutrients management system could improve crop growth, yield and yield components of crops under arid and semiarid climates. There is lack of research to study the impact of integrated foliar nutrients management in field crops. Therefore, two field experiments were designed (2010–11 & 2012–13) with an objective to investigate the impact of integrated foliar nutrients management on wheat productivity under the semiarid condition. In experiment one, foliar spray of sole boron (B), sole zinc (Zn) and their combination (Zn + B) was applied at various growth stages (tillering, booting and anthesis) under irrigated vs. dryland wheat. It was concluded that integrated foliar application of Zn + B in one single split (0.2% each) or two equal splits (0.1% + 0.1% each) at booting stage increased yield and yield components of wheat. In experiment two, foliar macro nutrients [phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] and micronutrients [boron (B) and zinc (Zn)] alone and in various combinations at boot and pre-anthesis stages was investigated. The results revealed that integrated use of foliar micronutrients (Zn+B) produced the highest spikes m⁻², grains spike⁻¹ and heavy seeds (grains). On the other hand, integrated use of foliar macro nutrients along with boron (P + K + B) produced longer spikes, more spikelets spike⁻¹ and higher grain yield. Earlier foliar nutrients spray at boot stage increased wheat productivity.
... It is expected that the levels of available nutrients may influence plant growth, fruit production and oil yield and quality (Fernández-Escobar et al., 2006;Morales-Sillero et al., 2007;Erel et al., 2008). Foliar spraying of nutrients is known to be helpful to satisfy plant requirement and is a convenient method to apply fertilizers in small amounts (Inglese et al., 2002). ...
... The ratios C18:1/C18:2 and MUFA/PUFA decreased which was in agreement with the findings of Dag et al. (2009) andInglese et al. (2002) studying the effect of macronutrient (N, P, K) on the olive oil quality. ...
Article
Full-text available
Foliar fertilization has been used as an important tool to meet the tree nutrient demand and to be an environmental beneficial with the use of little quantities. Actually modern fruit trees physiology is focused on the stimulation of plant cell development and fruit production using biostimulants. In olive trees, few products have been used for improving oil quality. For this purpose, two biostimulants products have been tested and used simple or combined with a third product rich in nitrogen. The treatments were classified to: T1 (rich in nitrogen) and biostimulants treatments as following T2 (combination of boron, magnesium, sulfur and manganese associated with seaweed) TNi (biostimulant combining a protein extract with a calcium base), T12 (combined application of T1 and T2) and finally T12Ni (combined application of T1, T2 and TNi) with a control treatment CON (without foliar fertilization). All these foliar nutrients were sprayed during two successive years on trees issued of Chemlali cultivar cultivated in rain-fed conditions of central Tunisia. Biochemical parameters of the olive oil, like physiochemical characteristics, fatty acid profile total polyphenols, ortho-diphenols, chlorophyllic and carotenoids pigments were analyzed annually after the application of these foliar compounds. All the olive oils issued from the treatments were classified as extra virgin and the physiochemical parameters were sensitive to foliar fertilization except for some parameters. Quantitative changes were observed in the pool of the fatty acids composition and the treatment TNi (rich in calcium) increased significantly the percentage of the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) C18:1 as well as the ratios C18:1/C18:2 and MUFA/polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) during the first year of experimentation. This treatment induced also an increase in the total polyphenols concentration. An annual variation between treatments has been observed according the polyphenols concentration and othodiphenols which can be influenced by climatic conditions principally in rain-fed conditions. This study highlighted the effect of the nutrient availability cumulated after two years of foliar application on the olive oil quality.
... 10, 13−16 However, the single top-dressing application of high doses of water-soluble K fertilizers may have deleterious effects on both soil fertility and plant growth. For instance, high concentrations of K salts in soil solution may negatively affect both the soil structure and the plant root uptake of other relevant cations such as NH 4 + , Mg 2+ , and to a lesser extent Ca 2+ . 17 In addition, high doses of potassium chloride (KCl), the main K salt used in most industrial crop fertilization-plans, may also cause negative effects on plant development resulting from both a punctual increase in soil electrical conductivity (EC) and the root uptake of high concentrations of Cl − . ...
... Finally, the dynamics of N leaching is coherent with that observed for K, though the degree of protection is much lower than that for K, probably due to the nonionic character of urea ( Figure S3). This result and the fact that other charged ions, such as Ca 2+ and SO 4 2− also present in the fertilizer, underwent a pattern of release to the soil solution close to that of K + indicate that nutrient protection mechanisms probably also include some type of electrostatic interactions between ionized nutrients and some RAC component. 40 Agronomic Efficacy of Top-Dressing Application of RAC-Coated KF to Provide Plant Available K to Annual Crops. ...
Article
This study describes the efficiency of a new coating material for preparing granulated potassium-fertilizers with a potassium release to the soil solution sensitive to rainfall intensity. The composite is prepared by reaction of an alkyd-resin with cement in the absence of water. The complementary use of diverse analytical techniques showed that the presence of the cement fraction induced alkyd resin reticulation and gradual cement-resin hardening. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of micro and nanopores within cement-clusters, whose water permeability is affected by the resin reticulation and amphiphilic character. Potassium release was evaluated in water, soil-columns, and in soil-plant trials in pots and open-field. Agronomic results were consistent with potassium release rates obtained in water solution and soil columns. The composite-coated potassium fertilizer was more efficient than the non-coated one in providing plant available potassium, with this effect being dependent on water presence in soil.
... A significant decrease in saturated fatty acids content, and so an increase in unsaturated/saturated and polyunsaturated/saturated acid ratios, was observed when high levels of N and K were supplied to the soil around the tree trunks in a 'Carrasqueña' olive orchard (Simões et al., 2002). On the contrary, no differences in oil content and quality were found when N and K foliar applications were made on 'Carolea' olive trees (Inglese et al., 2002). ...
... Simões et al. (2002) found a significant decrease in saturated fatty acids content and so an increase in unsaturated/saturated and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratios when supplied to the soil around the tree trunks high levels of N and K in a 'Carrasqueña' olive orchard. On the contrary, no differences in oil content and quality were found when N and K foliar applications were made on 'Carolea' olive trees (Inglese et al., 2002). In others oleaginous species, it has been suggested that water and nutritional status may influence the genetically programmed activation or synthesis of oleate desaturase (Flagella et al., 2002). ...
Article
Full-text available
We report the results of a study carried out in a 'Manzanilla de Sevilla' olive orchard near Seville, Spain, where the influence of different fertigation treatments on oil chemical composition was considered. Four treatments were established: control (no fertilizer) and T200, T400, and T600 in which each tree, respectively, received 200, 400, or 600 g N per irrigation season of a 4N-1P-3K complex fertilizer applied daily from 1999 to 2003. Results shown here correspond to the last 2 years of the experiment, 2002 and 2003. Fruits were sampled at the beginning of ripeness at the "green" stage. Fruit water content increased with the amount of fertilizer, probably because of the increase of potassium in the pulp. Oil content was unaffected by the treatments, but oil yield increased with the fertilizer dose in 2003 as a result of the number of fruits per tree. Polyphenol content, which is related to antioxidant oil capacity, K225 (bitterness), and oxidative stability were lower in the oils made from trees receiving greater fertilizer doses. The monounsaturated fatty acid content, in particular oleic acid, decreased with increasing amounts of applied fertilizers, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular linoleic acid, increased with it.
... Foliar application of nutrients is in general helpful to satisfy plant requirement and has a high efficiency (Inglese et al. 2002). Potassium is particularly well adapted to this form of fertilization because soon after foliar spraying takes place it is rapidly translocated from the leaves (Mengel, 2002). ...
... Although fruit growth was higher during stage three for the 100 per cent foliar treatment, this increase was not statistically significant. Similar results were observed by Inglese et al. (2002). ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
Introduction The fruit tree industry is one of the most important agricultural sectors in Tunisia, with more than 2 million hectares planted mainly with olive (1.5 million ha), almond (257,000 ha), pistachio (44,000 ha) and palm date (26,000 ha). Citrus and stone fruits are also economically important crops (Table 1). Owing to water scarcity, the sector is characterized by significant disparities between regions and growers. For example, olive tree orchards have been found to vary from very low density (17 trees/ ha in the center and south of the country) to very high density with more than 1,250 t/ha, the difference depending mainly on water availability for irrigation. Water scarcity is the main limiting factor for Tunisian agriculture. Mineral nutrition is one of the major tools to optimize fruit yield and quality (Tagliavini and Marangoni, 2002). Potassium is known not only to play an important role on olive yield and quality but also on water-use efficiency (Arquero et al., 2006), which indicates its importance for the Tunisian fruit sector where trees have been traditionally grown on calcareous soils under rainfed conditions. Nutrient uptake depends on nutrient supply to the root system i.e. nutrient availability and the nutrient requirement level and the uptake period (Chapin, 1991). Fine textured soils are characteristically K + fixing soils, where soil-surface application is almost without effect (Mengel, 2002). Fertigation relative to broadcast
... The pistachio tree area is more than 40,000 hectares with almost 98% of it under rainfed conditions in arid and semi arid zones. Optimal potassium nutrition is essential to maximize yield and quality (Weinbaum and al., 1994; Zeng et al, 1998; Inglese and al., 2002). Soil moisture is a factor affecting potassium release or fixation (Brown, 1995). ...
... This result could be a consequence of a higher availability of assimilates. These results confirm those obtained by Inglese and al. (2002) showing that foliar application of KNO 3 , during the second and the third phase of olive development, improved the fresh weight and the flesh to pit ratio. ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
In Tunisia, olive and pistachio trees are mainly conducted under rainfed conditions and subjected to water and nutrient deficits. An experiment was established in semi arid region to study the response of olive and pistachio trees to potassium mineral nutrition using potassium sulphate in reference to control. Potassium was supplied by foliar spray and soil spreading at two levels. Foliar treatments were 50 and 100% of tree requirement. For soil spreading, 100% and 200% of the tree needs were applied. For olive trees, after five years of experimentation, cumulated yield was significantly higher for 100% foliar spray than the control and there was also an important effect on olive quality. For pistachio trees, after five years, no effect was observed on cumulated yield. However foliar analysis showed that during "on" years potassium was a limiting factor for production and important differences were observed between treatments.
... In contrast, no differences in oil quality were found consequent to foliar applications of N and K to 'Carolea' olive trees. 20 Most of these studies focused on the combined effect of macronutrients (e.g. N and K) on oil-quality parameters and not on the effects caused by each element separately. ...
... These results and the fact that, for the deficient levels of N and P, and for all K treatments, the PUFA levels exceeded the standards established by the IOC 34 suggest that olive oil composition is negatively influenced by increasing available N and P in the root zone. Our findings contradict those of Simões et al. 19 who found decreased saturation and saturated-to-unsaturated fatty-acid ratios with excess N and K fertilisation of a 'carrasquenha' olive orchard, but agree with Ingles et al., 20 who evaluated the influence of foliar application of N and K on fruit growth and oil quality. The different conclusions may result from differences in the varieties assessed, and/or from differences in environmental conditions such as soil type and climate. ...
Article
Full-text available
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 Industry
... Olive plants sprayed with KCl solutions (0.2 and 4%) showed a positive linear response to increasing leaf K applications while the foliar K uptake was higher in the young olive leaves than in the mature ones (Southwick et al. 1996;Restrepo-Diaz et al. 2009). A foliar fertilisation with KNO 3 during the second and third phase of development of the fruit gave the best results in terms of the fruit size and flesh to pit ratio, whereas the oil quality was only marginally affected (Inglese et al. 2002). Foliar sprays with K 2 SO 4 in the same stages also gave very satisfactory results (Inglese et al.2002). ...
Article
Full-text available
The application of nutrient solutions to the foliage of plants is an alternative means to fertilize crops. Foliar fertilization is used to overcome disadvantages of soil applications. Variable plant responses to these spray solutions have often been described in the literature about foliar fertilization. However, knowledge about the penetration mechanisms, the role of a leaf-applied inorganic or organic solution, and the results obtained by its application is still limited. The complex character of the factors determining the effects of sprays hinders the development of suitable foliar fertilization strategies, applicable under variable local conditions and for various plant types. This review describes some basic factors involved on the process of penetration of foliar sprays in olive (Olea europaea L.) trees. Chemistry, leaf penetration, and plant nutrition principles will be merged with the aim of clarifying the constraints, opportunities, and future perspectives of sprays to cure olive tree nutrient deficiencies and hence both increase yield and improve fruit quality.
... Despite the fact that most of the studies show that an increase in N fertilization leads to a decrease in the phenol content of the VOOs in a different way, depending on olive orchard management and cultivars, some results are not so clear (Inglese et al., 2002;Mezghani et al., 2018). ...
Article
Full-text available
The total phenols in virgin olive oil are highly dependent on cultivar, but also on ripening stage and other agronomic factors. The focus of most studies on agronomic factors has been irrigation, while fertilization has received less attention. Most of the fertilization works find that nitrogen over-fertilization leads to a decrease in phenol contents in virgin olive oil (VOO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), under rain-fed or irrigation management. Ortho-diphenols also decrease with high doses of nitrogen, with no effect on secoiridoids. Phosphorous has a minor effect on irrigated trees; while the role of potassium is controversial, with a lack of trials with calcium and micro-nutrients. Due to the great impact of the fertilization on the phenol content and quality of VOO, new research is necessary with focus aimed at different cultivars and agronomic factors.
... Fine-textured soils are characterized by potassium uptake, so the addition of potassium to the soil surface is almost ineffective [34]. Foliar nutrient inputs are, in general, useful for meeting plant requirements and have high efficiency [35]. Potassium is particularly well suited to this fertilization form because just after foliar spraying, its translocation takes place quickly through the leaves [34]. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
This chapter focuses on olive tree fertilization in Morocco: Describe the practices used by olive growers, diagnose the nutritional status of olive orchards and synthesize the different results and the recommendations of research carried out in Morocco around this theme. Before that, a general overview of the olive tree nutrition and its needs in mineral elements as well as the role of each of these nutrients in the olive tree growth and development will be presented. An introduction to the importance given to the olive tree in national agricultural strategies is necessary. The surveys carried out in the Sais region have shown that farmers do not control olive tree fertilization. This affected negatively the soil fertility level and the olive tree’s nutritional status, which were determined through soil and leaf analyzes. From the results of three field trials, carried out in the Fez-Meknes region, it can be concluded that nitrogen and potassium are the two most important elements for the olive tree nutrition and which can affect both its productivity and its quality. The impact of phosphorus on the crop has not been significant, whereas our farmers provide it in high doses compared to the crop’s need.
... Saadati et al. (2021) reported that foliar application of fertilizers could contribute to enhancing the olive freezing tolerance by increasing antioxidant activity and some osmolite compounds. Several works have also demonstrated that foliar sprays of fertilizers and biostimulants on olive tree improved the final olive fruit size, yield and oil quality (Inglese et al., 2002;Mahmoud et al., 2017;Tekaya et al., 2013). ...
Article
Many studies on biostimulants and nutrient-based fertilizers of olive trees have been focused on the ability of these products to increase olive productivity and ameliorate oil quality. However, little information is available on their effects on rhizosphere microbial communities; whereas it is well known that microorganisms associated with plants play a key role on the productivity and the health of their host. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of a biostimulant and nutrient fertilizers on photosynthesis, carbohydrate profile of the roots and soil microbial community structure. Specific attention was paid to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) 16:1ω5 and the neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA)16:1ω5 in the roots (intraradical mycelium) and in the soil (extraradical mycelium) were used as biomarkers for AM fungi. Experimentation consists of the annual foliar application of six nutrient-based treatments during two successive growing seasons: TC (untreated trees), T1 (nitrogen-based fertilizer), T2 (biostimulant rich in boron, magnesium, sulfur, manganese and amino acids), T3 (products rich in phosphorus, potassium and boron), T4 (product rich in phosphorus, calcium and zinc), T12 (application of T1 and T2) and T1234 (application of T1, T2, T3 and T4). At the end of the experiment, statistical analysis revealed a significant modification of macronutrient and micronutrient profiles of olive leaves, which caused a significant increase of photosynthesis and induced quantitative changes in the most of individual root sugars, essentially the translocated forms of sugars (sucrose and mannitol). Foliar application of fertilizers and biostimulant increased the PLFA biomarkers indicative of Gram-positive bacteria (i15:0, i16:0), Gram-negative bacteria (16:1ω7, 16:1ω9, cy17:0, 18:1ω7 and cy19:0) and actinobacteria (10Me16:0). The level of NLFA 16:1ω5 in both the rhizosphere and roots, increased significantly under foliar fertilization, however the level of PLFA 16:1ω5 did not appear to be significantly influenced, suggesting that spore and vesicle formation was more sensitive to foliar fertilization than the hyphae development. The NLFA 16:1ω5/PLFA 16:1ω5 ratio, in the roots of olive trees, showed a significant increase, indicating that AM fungi allocated high carbon to storage structures following foliar fertilization. Our study provides evidence that foliar fertilization induces rapid changes in specific microbial groups, which in turn increase the rhizosphere carbon metabolism.
... Foliar application of nutrient is used more and more by fruit growers to satisfy during certain period of the fruit growth mineral requirement. Inglese et al. (2002) observed that foliar spray is more efficient than other fertilization methods. Lovatt (2013) observed better results for citrus mineral nutrition using foliar spray. ...
... Restrepo-Díaz (2008b) observed a positive effect of K application on olive fruit size in olive trees which was close to the deficiency level of 0.4% K, and Erel et al., (2008) obtained higher olive yield and number of fruits by applying K by fertigation. Inglese et al., (2002) obtained higher yields by applying K foliarly in different phases of fruit development, because of a significant increase in fruit fresh weight and a high pulp/stone ratio, however oil quality was not influenced by treatments. In this work leaf nutrient levels were not reported. ...
Article
Full-text available
A completed hedgerow of cv. Arbequina and a youth vase trained orchard of cv. Picual were fertilized with foliar applications of Phosphorus (P) or Potassium (K) throughout four seasons. The orchards were located near Valdepeñas in the dry area of La Mancha (Spain). Vegetative growth, yield and oil quality were evaluated. Foliar treatments did not increase P or K leaf concentration. Most of the evaluated parameters were not significantly affected by treatments. It was observed that the P treatment increased olive growth and oil yield in both orchards and in certain seasons due to an increment in fruit number. P and K application significantly increased ‘Arbequina’ olive and oil yield in 2008 when spring was wetter than the other years. Oil quality was not modified by fertilizer treatments in the ‘Arbequina’orchard. However, oxidative stability was negatively affected by P and K treatments in ‘Picual’. Oil extraction could be negatively affected by treatments because of the increase in the water content in the fruit obtained from both orchards.
... It can be assumed that the increase in the size of the fruits detected by other researchers [31,32] after foliar nitrogen fertilization is due to nitrogen deficiency conditions in the olive trees subjected to N fertilization in those experiments, or to the administration of N in times when the fruit demand for this element could be higher, and particularly during the first phases of fruit development when, due to the intense cell division, the basis for the potential subsequent growth of the fruit is created [31,32]. In accordance with [33], the course of the maturation of the olives was not influenced by foliar fertilization. The quality of the oil was not influenced by the foliar treatment and was excellent, even though there was no increase in the content of polyphenols in the oil following N foliar fertilizations as reported by other authors [30,34]. ...
Article
Full-text available
The correct management (dose, time of distribution) of N fertilization in olive growing is still not completely clarified but is nowadays essential in order to guarantee sustainable production. In this regard, in central Italy over a 4-year-period a study was carried out to investigate the effect of high nitrogen availability during oil accumulation in the fruit (second phase of fruit growth) on vegetative and productive activities of olive trees and oil quality. In May of each year, secondary branches were selected and girdled in their proximal part. Afterwards, half of the girdled branches were sprayed three times with a solution containing urea (2% w/w), whereas the other half was sprayed only with water. The nitrogen treatments did not cause any damage to the foliage and fruits nor did it cause appreciable changes in leaf photosynthesis and specific weight, fruit-drop, ripening pattern and weight, water and oil contents, pulp/pit ratio of the fruits, fatty acid composition, polyphenols content, and sensorial characteristics of the oil. The N provided via foliar fertilization during the oil accumulation phase in trees in conditions of good supply of N does not induce significant effects on the vegetative-productive activity of the tree.
... The inefficacity of the K100 treatment may refer to the low assimilation. For this reason different studies enhanced the foliar spray potassium supply (Inglese et al., 2002;Elloumi et al., 2009;Ben Mimoun and Marchand, 2013). In citrus, Alva et al. (2006) affirmed that fruit yield increased with the increase of the potassium foliar spray (2 sprays) compared to those unsprayed. ...
Article
Fruit yield and quality in citrus tree is related to mineral nutrition especially to potassium. A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons in the semi-arid climate of Tunisia with the aim to evaluate the agronomic citrus response to different K rates. A commercial orchard of ‘Maltaise’, the main Tunisian orange cultivar, was used. Potassium treatments were applied as: 0, 100 and 200% K of potassium tree requirement. Each rate was divided equally and supplied three times during fruit growth. Results showed an increase in fruit yield, diameter and weight in treated trees especially with 200% K. Similarly, an improvement in orange color was observed. The technological parameters were unaffected except for the K200 treatment which showed an increase in acidity in the second season of experiment. Concerning the vegetative growth, the average shoot length was unaffected by treatments. © 2018 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.
... To this regard, it has been reported that N, P, K fertilizers, used simultaneously, increase both fruit weight and pulp/stone ratio (Abbasi, Bakhshi, Forghani, Sabouri, & Porghauomy, 2012;Malek & Mustapha, 2013;Toplu & Yıldız, 2009). The most benefical effect of N and K fertilization during pit hardening has been demonstrated by Inglese, Gullo, & Pace (2000) who reported an increment of fruit size and pulp/stone ratio. These results were later confirmed by Mimoun, Loumi, Ghrab, Latiri, and Hellali (2004); authors obtained an improvement of yield, quality, fruit weight and pulp/stone ratio when K fertilization was used. ...
Article
De-stoning technology has been introduced in the olive oil sector more than twenty years ago. It has not gained momentum because, sometimes, innovative ideas are not accepted since they are suggested at the wrong time or under the wrong circumstances. Virgin olive oil (VOO) is one of the most popular functional foods, mainly due to its antioxidant properties. These features, as well as other nutritional characteristics are generally enhanced by the de-stoning process. However, despite the improvement of the nutritional value, in the past the de-stoned oil didn't achieve marketing success mainly in relation to technological limitations (i.e. low oil yield). Only in recent years healthy properties became an element able to influence consumers' behavior, overcoming the limit of low oil yields and attracting the attention of olive oil producers. An analysis of the advantages, in terms of product quality and process sustainability, is given in this review. Here, for the first time, the fragmented results reported in literature are critically analyzed underlining the contradictions reported by different authors showing the main reasons for the unlucky fate of this technology in the industrial sector. In the final section the challenges, that future research must focus on, are presented, including emerging technologies in VOO processing. Literature data, for the first time discussed here exhaustively , show that de-stoning technology is a mechanical strategy useful to increase the nutritional and the sensory quality of the product. Moreover, it reduces the depletion of natural resources obtaining a selective crushing of the drupe by removing the stones from the olive paste so increasing the sustainability and efficiency of VOO extraction plants.
... The competition between developing fruits and vegetative organs for photoassimilates can limit root growth/activity and K uptake (Lester et al. 2010a). Foliar application of nutrient is the rapid way to correct its deficiency before the development of symp- toms (Southwick et al. 1996) and is helpful in satisfying plant requirements by increasing nutrient efficiency (Inglese et al. 2002). The supplementing soil potassium supply with foliar applications to fruit-bearing plants increases fruit firmness, sugar content, ascorbic acid and betacarotene levels, thus improving the fruit quality ( Lester et al. 2010b). ...
Article
Plum is an important fruit crop of temperate climate, but its low chill varities can be grown successfully in sub-tropics. To improve the prospects of plum cultivation in sub-tropics, it is essential to improve the size and quality of fruits. Keeping it in view, the present investigation was planned to study the effect of foliar application of potassium nitrate on fruit yield and quality of plum cv. Satluj purple. Two foliar sprays of potassium nitrate @ 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %, first after two weeks of full bloom and second 10 days thereafter were applied on plum plants cv. Satluj Purple. Foliar applications of KNO3 were found effective in increasing fruit yield, fruit weight and size as compared to control. Potassium nitrate applications also increased total soluble solids (TSS) content and decreased titratable acidity (TA) of fruits as compared to control. Foliar estimation of nutrients indicated higher N and K content in leaves of KNO3 sprayed plants. Among all the treatments, KNO3 @1% was found most effective to improve the yield and quality of plum fruits.
... The competition between developing fruits and vegetative organs for photoassimilates can limit root growth/activity and K uptake (Lester et al. 2010a). Foliar application of nutrient is the rapid way to correct its deficiency before the development of symptoms (Southwick et al. 1996) and is helpful in satisfying plant requirements by increasing nutrient efficiency (Inglese et al. 2002). The supplementing soil potassium supply with foliar applications to fruit-bearing plants increases fruit firmness, sugar content, ascorbic acid and betacarotene levels, thus improving the fruit quality (Lester et al. 2010b). ...
Article
Full-text available
Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench] is tall annual dicotyledonous crop thought to be African in origin. Okra is rich in valuable nutrients, nearly half of which are soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins which help in lowering serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart diseases and other half are insoluble fibre which help in keeping the intestinal track clean and healthy. India is the largest producer of okra in the world with an area of 5,33,000 hectares, 6,346,000 mt production and productivity 11.9 mt/ha.(NHB-2014).
... For this purpose applying an efficient nutritional management such as foliar nutrient application is one of the important practices. Since foliar feeding provides the stems, leaves or fruits directly with nutrients, it is a suitable method to reduce the environmental risks arising from the use of the soil-applied chemical fertilizers (Inglese et al., 2002). Meanwhile, potassium (K) is one of the most important and highly consumed nutrients in plants, which plays important roles in their growth, metabolism and survival. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study was conducted under Ahvaz, Iran environmental condition during 2012 and 2013 growing seasons in order to investigate the influence of foliar application of potassium on some physiological and biochemical characteristics of three olive cultivars including 'Mission', 'Koroneiki' and 'Dezfuli'. Potassium sulfate in different concentrations of 0, 1, and 2 g l-1 was sprayed twice on selected mature 10 year old trees; at 50 and 65 days after full bloom. Potassium sprays increased leaf chlorophyll content of all cultivars, leaf potassium content in 'Mission' and 'Koroneiki' cvs., fruit anthocyanin concentration of 'Dezfuli' in two crop seasons. However, K treatments had no significant effect on leaf N and P content, fruit K and P content in all studied cultivars. Fruit soluble carbohydrates increased by foliar application of potassium in 'Koroneiki' and 'Dezfuli' cultivars in the second year of study. Stem water potential and leaf stomatal conductance were significantly affected by cultivar and K treatments during the two years. Our findings showed that foliar application of potassium resulted in the decrease of stomatal conductance of 'Koroneiki' and 'Dezfuli' in two crop seasons. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the studied cultivars differently respond to K treatments during the two crop seasons and foliar potassium application could have a positive impact on leaf chlorophyll, leaf potassium, fruit soluble carbohydrates and fruit anthocyanins in olive cultivars.
... Foliar nutrition under semiarid climates not only applies nutrients but is also beneficial in terms of providing water to the crops 2 . Foliar application of nutrients is in general helpful to satisfy plant requirement and also has a high efficiency 23 . Foliar K application is particularly well adapted to this form of fertilization because soon after foliar spraying takes place it is rapidly translocated from the leaves 24 . ...
Article
Full-text available
Potassium (K) fertilizer management is beneficial for improving growth, yield and yield components of field crops under moisture stress condition in semiarid climates. Field experiments were conducted to study the response of maize (Zea mays L., cv. Azam) to foliar and soil applied K during summer 2013 and 2014. The experiments were carried out at the Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Northwest Pakistan under limited irrigation (moisture stress) condition. It was concluded from the results that application of foliar K at the rate of 1–3% and foliar Zn at the rate of 0.1–0.2% was more beneficial in terms of better growth, higher yield and yield components of maize under moisture stress condition. Early spray (vegetative stage) resulted in better growth and higher yield than late spray (reproductive stage). Soil K treated plots (rest) plots performed better than control (K not applied) in terms of improved growth, higher yield and yield components of maize crop. The results further demonstrated that increasing the rate of soil applied K up to 90 kg P ha⁻¹ in two equal splits (50% each at sowing and knee height) improve growth and maize productivity under semiarid climates.
... Hartmann (1958) and García-Novelo et al. (2002) reported a significant effect of N application on yield only when olive trees had deficient leaf N levels. Inglese et al. (2002) obtained optimal results in terms of fruit weight and crop yield, with no significant influence on oil quality, by applying N and P during the second and third stages of fruit growth. In mature 'Frantoio' olive trees, Jasrotia et al. (1999) recorded an exponential increase in yield by increasing the levels of N and K. ...
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of applying additional nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to trees with adequate leaf nutrient status. Growth and yield of mature 'Picual' (208 plants/ha) and 'Arbequina' (1667 plants/ha) trees were determined in 2007 and 2008. N was applied to the soil in spring as ammonium sulfate at a rate of 92 and 138 kg N/ha in 'Picual', and 250 and 367 kg N/ha in 'Arbequina' in 2007 and 2008, respectively. P and K were applied by foliar fertilization during the summer. P was applied at a rate of 1.3 and 1.5 kg P 2O 5/ha in 'Picual', and 6.5 kg P 2O 5/ha in 'Arbequina' in 2007 and 2008, respectively. K was applied at 3.1 and 7.2 kg K 2O/ha in 'Picual', and 8.3 and 25.3 kg K 2O/ha in 'Arbequina' in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Trunk perimeter only increased in 'Picual' with N fertilization. In 2008, yield increased in N-, P-and K-fertilized 'Arbequina' but not 'Picual' trees. Although olive trees initially had adequate leaf nutrient levels, these preliminary results show positive responses to additional N, P and K fertilization.
... However, in severe deficiencies, K foliar fertilization might be ineffective to satisfy the tree requirement. Thus, foliar in combination with soil fertilization might be helpful in satisfying plant requirement [10][11][12] . It has been reported that K foliar spray increased yield and fruit quality of several fruit type such as lemons and oranges 13 . ...
Article
Full-text available
Potassium (K) is a critical element for date palm production especially under stress conditions. During 2011 and 2012 seasons, two methods of K fertilization (K2SO4, 52% K2O) at different rates were evaluated on 'Seweda' date palm cultivar. The first method was soil broadcast (SB) of 2, 3 and 4 kg/palm in 3 equal doses (February, April and May). While in the second method, half of these amounts were applied as SB and the other half as foliar spray (FS) in 10 equal doses during growing season. The results showed no significant effect of K fertilization on either bunch weight or yield as the mean of two seasons. However, in 2012, the highest bunch weight and yield was at the 2 kg SB + 2 kg FS treatment while, the lowest values were at the 2 kg SB treatment. The highest rutab % obtained from the 2 kg SB treatment. Both fruit and flesh weight at the bisir stage were higher at the high rates of K applied as SB + FS than SB. Also, K concentration of leaves was higher in SB + FS than SB. K had no clear effect on chlorophylls, however, the highest Chl a/Chl b ratio was at the 2 kg SB + 2 kg FS treatment. Most of physical and biochemical characteristics of fruit showed unclear response to K fertilization. In fruit, N concentration was lower at the high rates of K applied as SB + FS than SB. At the same K fertilization rate, both N and K concentration in the soil were higher at SB than SB + FS treatments. Potassium fertilization especially at 4 kg K2SO4/palm/year (2 kg SB + 2 kg FS) is recommended for 'Seweda' dates.
... In the recent years, foliar application became most popular among fruit tree growers since foliar application of nutrients generally capable to satisfy plant nutrient requirement and is highly efficient (Inglese et al., 2002). ...
Article
Potassium (K) is an essential mineral nutrient for the fruit growth and quality. Foliar spray is starting to be used by fruit growers in addition to soil application or fertigation. Different experiments were conducted over a period of 5 years on six fruit tree species, i.e., apple, pear, peach, olive, citrus and plum, in order to evaluate the effects of K foliar applications on the fruit growth, yield, quality and mineral status. Potassium as potassium sulfate was applied by foliar sprays several times according to the various critical growth stages of the fruits. Other treatments using fertigation or soil application were also included depending on the experimental designs. The results showed different effects of foliar spray over the years. For fruit yield, the effect of K was significant only after 5 years of application for olive tree, but no effect was detected in peach and plum, whereas the improved yield was detected only after one year for citrus, apple and pear. Fruit quality was improved in most of the experiments, showing an increase in fruit weight and a higher soluble solid content.
... Pollinators are suggested when the chief variety is incompatible or when an orchard is set up with a cultivar not widespread in the area. Foliar fertilization has also been tested as a means to encourage shoot growth, reduce alternate bearing and increase plant production (Cimato, 1994, Inglese, 2002, Connell, 2002. Recently, deficit irrigation strategies have been proposed in order to save water without reducing yields or modifying unfavorably color characteristics and phenolic composition (Fontanazza, 1996, Romero, 2002, Alegre, 2002. ...
Article
This chapter highlights the history of the olive tree and describes that olive is the common name for about 35 species of evergreen shrubs and trees of the genus Olea in the olive family, the Oleaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions. The name is especially used for Olea Europaea, the well-known olive that is grown for its edible fruits. The olive tree has many varieties that exhibit major or minor phenotypical and genetic differences. Today, most of the differences in size, color, oil content, fatty acid composition, and other properties have been recorded in the main olive growing countries. The most important varieties have been discussed by Fontanazza (1996). Some of them are only of local interest, others are more widely distributed. The same olive cultivars can be used for table olives and oil production but generally olives for oil production have a lower pulp to kernel ratio (4:1-7:1) in relation to the same ratio of olives for the preparation of table olives (7:1-10:1). As emphasized by Essadki and Ouazzani (2003), the task of identifying and classifying olive varieties is very complex. © 2006 AOCS Press Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
... Nitrogen deficiency in leaves is well established as a factor limiting fruit set in olive trees (Cimato et al., 1990;Freeman et al., 2005;Therios, 2006). Furthermore, correction of insufficient N has been found to reduce fruit abscission throughout all developmental stages (Cimato et al., 1990;Inglese et al., 2002). Nitrogen is essential for protein biosynthesis, and the fact that developing inflorescences have been shown to be strong sinks for N and water-soluble proteins that its availability is important for flowering (Bouranis et al., 1999). ...
Article
Full-text available
This experiment was conducted to explore the reasons of difference between 'Zard' olive orchard with the poor vegetative growth rate and fruit set and orchard with suitable vegetative growth rate and fruit set in relation to some soil and plant factors during two seasons. Note that assumptions were based on the overall canopy greenness of the olive trees, so experimental orchards in which the planted trees showed optimum leaf greenness were considered good situations for optimum vegetative growth and productivity. Remote sensing technologies based on normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were employed on olive orchards, and two orchards meeting the criteria of highest amount of greenness and lowest amount of greenness were selected. Length of current-year shoot (LCYS) and fruit set were considered indicators of tree vegetative growth and productivity, respectively. Results clearly indicated a significant difference between the two selected orchards in terms of canopy volume (CV), leaf nitrogen content (N), leaf potassium content (K), silt, sand, Sodium adsorption rate (SAR), available phosphorous (P avi), total neutralizing value (TNV), electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl), and Fe variables. A stepwise regression method was used to evaluate the effects of soil and plant variables on fruit set and LCYS. According to the obtained results, the main reasons for differences between two orchards in fruit set and vegetative growth was N and K deficiencies, soil salinity, and a high percentage of silt in the soil.
... in fruits, although a general decrease in comparison with 2003 of about 10 and 25% on a fresh weight or dry mass basis, respectively, was evident. Inglese et al. (2002) found that the integration of foliar nutrition had positive effects on fruit characteristics and reduced fruit drop, therefore increasing crop yield and oil production. Besides, fertilization with KNO 3 during the second and third fruit developmental phase gave the best results in terms of fruit size and flesh-to-pit ratio, though oil quality was only marginally influenced by these treatments. ...
Article
The response of mature olive (Olea europaea L.) trees to both regulated deficit irrigation and fertigation was studied for some consecutive years in sub-humid (Italy) and semi-arid conditions (Spain). All cultivars tested in these experiments were preferentially for table olive consumption (pickling and double-aptitude). Data from these long-term studies on field-grown, mature trees are summarized for assessing common effects of water and nutrient supply on plant behaviour and fruit yield. Seasonal yield variations were observed, and showed that the effect of irrigation treatments was somewhat more gradual in the “on” than in the “off” year. Differences amongst cultivars were always marked. Dry matter accumulation in pulp and pit was positively affected by progressively increasing the amount of water supplied to plants, regardless of years and cultivars. The ratio between pulp and pit fresh weight was negatively affected by irrigation, while fruit size was positively influenced by the gradual increase of irrigation water. Average nitrogen levels in leaves were generally above the deficiency threshold at both experimental plantations. Crop yield was not consistently increased by addition of soil nutrients. The effect of fertigation treatments was relatively uninfluential on oil accumulation in fruits. However, polyphenols in oil samples decreased progressively as the addition of nutrients increased. Critical aspects and strategic decisions in modern olive growing are the selection of cultivar, the supply of water, the option of fertilization, together with other orchard management practices. In this paper we outline various aspects of long-term studies in experimental olive plantations with the aim of highlighting inter-regulatory processes, involving plant growth and crop yield, which must be taken into account when planning future field research and modelling exercises.
... These results were in the same trend with those found by (Inglese, et al., 2002 andMustafa et al., 2011) who stated that "foliar application is helpful to satisfy plant requirement and has a high efficiency". ...
Article
Full-text available
This study was conducted on "Coratina" olive seedlings grown at the greenhouse of National Research Center, Dokki, Giza governorate, Egypt. This investigation was performed to study the effect of "N" (ammonium nitrate) applications as the following in soil or as foliar spray at (50, 37.5 and 25gm) from March till October, parallel with either adding humic acid or green power at 10cm 3 (as organic matter). At the end of the season, percentage of plant height increment, leaves number per plant, lateral shoots number per plant, stem diameter, leaves dry weight (%), roots number and root length were recorded. The obtained results showed that, foliar application of "N" at (1.25%) improved percentage of height, leaves number and number of roots. Meanwhile, root length and lateral shoots number were better with N at 25g in soil or as foliar application at (0.63%) in relation to other treatments. Moreover, applied N at 50g in soil produced the highest stem diameter. "N" treatment at 37.5 g in soil gave the best results for leaves dry weight. Finally, humic acid enhanced growth performance for olive seedlings and raised efficiency of N up take.
... In this growth and production for other orchard crops are respect, foliar application is helpful to satisfy plant actually a negative for olives. In fertile soils, olives tend requirement and has a high efficiency [7]. Moreover, foliar to be excessively vigorous vegetatively and produce little fertilization reduces nutrient accumulation in soil, run-off conditions of low vigor including minimal nutrient without and groundwater, where they contribute to salinity and Treatments were arranged in randomized nitrate contamination, with negative consequences t o humans and the environment. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study was conducted on Picual olive seedlings grown at the greenhouse of National Research Center, Dokki, Giza governorate, Egypt. This investigation was performed to study the effect of applying crystalon (20: 20: 20 NPK) at four rates (0, 25, 37.5 and 50% g N/year/plant) as soil application twice monthly (from March till October) parallel with monthly N sprays during the growing season at of different N sources i.e. urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate and crystalon at 0.5% for each. At the end of the season, percentage of plant height increment, leaves number per plant, shoots number per plant, stem diameter, leaves dry weight (%), roots number, root length were determined and recorded. The obtained results showed that combination of soil application with crystalon at 50g N/year and foliar application with urea at 0.5% led to markedly increment of plant height, leaves number and roots number more than other treatments. Meanwhile, shoots number was clearly higher with soil application of crystalon at 50 g N/year + foliar application with crystalon at 0.5%. Also, crystalon application as soil application at 37.5 g N/year + foliar application with crysalon at 0.5% improved root growth and recorded higher increasing in root length in comparison with the other applications. Finally, stem diameter and leaf dry weight had high values with soil application at 50 g N/year + foliar application with calcium nitrate at 0.5%. Generally, these results indicated that applying crystalon at 37.5g/year combined with urea spray at 0.5% was the most effective on growth performance. In addition, the foliar application could reinforce fertilization programs and enhancement it's efficiency.
... Potassium is easily absorbed and distributed through leaf tissues (California Fertilizer Association, 1998) and foliar application is helpful to satisfy plant requirement having a high efficiency (Inglese et al., 2002). Phosphorous is given during summer fruit growth, in order to be readily absorbed and translocated to the fruits for quality purposes, therefore its application is better in the form of a foliar fertilizer. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
... However, in severe deficiencies, K foliar fertilization might be ineffective to satisfy the tree requirement. Thus, foliar in combination with soil fertilization might be helpful in satisfying plant requirement [10][11][12] . It has been reported that K foliar spray increased yield and fruit quality of several fruit type such as lemons and oranges 13 . ...
Article
Potassium (K) is a critical element for date palm production especially under stress conditions. During 2011 and 2012 seasons, two methods of K fertilization (K2SO4, 52% K2O) at different rates were evaluated on ‘Seweda’ date palm cultivar. The first method was soil broadcast (SB) of 2, 3 and 4 kg/palm in 3 equal doses (February, April and May). While in the second method, half of these amounts were applied as SB and the other half as foliar spray (FS) in 10 equal doses during growing season. The results showed no significant effect of K fertilization on either bunch weight or yield as the mean of two seasons. However, in 2012, the highest bunch weight and yield was at the 2 kg SB + 2 kg FS treatment while, the lowest values were at the 2 kg SB treatment. The highest rutab % obtained from the 2 kg SB treatment. Both fruit and flesh weight at the bisir stage were higher at the high rates of K applied as SB + FS than SB. Also, K concentration of leaves was higher in SB + FS than SB. K had no clear effect on chlorophylls, however, the highest Chl a/Chl b ratio was at the 2 kg SB + 2 kg FS treatment. Most of physical and biochemical characteristics of fruit showed unclear response to K fertilization. In fruit, N concentration was lower at the high rates of K applied as SB + FS than SB. At the same K fertilization rate, both N and K concentration in the soil were higher at SB than SB + FS treatments. Potassium fertilization especially at 4 kg K2SO4/palm/year (2 kg SB + 2 kg FS) is recommended for ‘Seweda’ dates.
... ( the varietal characterization of the oil kinds. (Inglese P. et al 2002). The medium weight which is analyzed in anova, using tukey-kramer test, has range the variety in three groups; in the first group is the Kaninjot cultivar, which has a medium weight higher than 3,5g. ...
Article
Full-text available
The olive groves of Albania are located in the west part of the country from North to South. The study treats the valuation of 8 native cultivars of olive, Kaninjot, Mixan, I Bardhi Tiranes, I Holli Himares, Freng, Boç, Ulli i zi, Pulazeqin, Kushan; with destination to produce oil; The Kaninjot cultivar cover 40% of the surface, while I Bardhi Tiranes, is cultivated in the centre of the country cover 11% of the general surface. The characters of fruits, leaves and floral has been under the influence of type, and they have expressed in differentiated way the inter -varietal features. The fruits have caliber, symmetry and characteristic weight. The content in oil is influenced from the percentage that occupies the pulp in the general weight of the fruit, which has oscillated from 77,3 till 87,7% , while the medium weight of the fruit has appeared notified changes and it has varied from 1,56 (H. Himara) till 3,8 g (Kaninjot). Verified changes have been for the acidity of oil, nr. soaps, nr. peroxide, morphological index, physiological et. The content in oleic and linoleic acid has had major changes when it is analyzed as a ratio (C18:1 towards C18:2), and it makes that the quality of oil has major changes. H. Himara variety is noted for a better quality of oil as a result of high percentage of oleic acid (77,3%) accompanied with the linoleic acid in relatively lower percentage (6,9%).
... A number of studies are responsible for the general belief that fertilization has an insignificant effect on oil quality. Inglese et al. 10 and Ferreira et al. 11 did not find any changes in fatty acid composition in response to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) application. Similarly, no effect on oil quality was found subsequent to urea application 12 or for foliar N application on FFA and oil fatty acid composition. ...
Article
The influence of macronutrient status on olive oil properties was studied for three years. Data were analyzed by a multivariate model considering N, P, K, and fruiting year as explanatory factors. Oil quality parameters were primarily associated with N concentration in leaves and fruits which increased with N in irrigation solution. The effect of P on oil quality was mainly indirect since increased P availability increased N accumulation. The potassium level had negligible effects. The oil phenolic content decreased linearly as a function of increased leaf N, indicating protein-phenol competition in leaves. The overall saturation level of the fatty acids decreased with fruit N, resulting in increased polyunsaturated fatty acids. Free fatty acids increased with increased levels of fruit N. High fruit load tended to reduce fruit N and subsequently improve oil quality. The effect of N on oil properties depended solely on its concentration in leaves or fruits, regardless of the cause.
... Our findings are in contradiction with some previous works in which significant effects of available nutrients on this ratio were observed. Inglese and Gullo [26] reported that the oleic/linoleic acids ratio increased due to N and K application indicating improvement in stability and cooking quality of sunflower oil, while Dag et al. [27] found that C18:1/C18:2 was negatively correlated with increasing N and P in the fruit. The different conclusions may result from differences in the varieties assessed, and/or from differences in environmental conditions such as soil type and climate. ...
Article
Full-text available
Oxidative stability (OS) of virgin olive oil is affected by different antioxidants whose levels may be influenced by nutrients availability. Changes in OS of virgin olive oil and antioxidants levels were evaluated according to foliar application of six nutrient-based treatments: T1 (rich in nitrogen), T2 (rich in boron, magnesium, sulfur and manganese), T3 (rich in phosphorus and potassium), T4 (rich in phosphorus and calcium), T5 (application of T1 and T2) and T6 (application of T1, T2, T3 and T4). The foliar applications were carried out during two successive growing seasons and oils were extracted and analyzed at the end of the experiment (after 2 years). T3 and T6 treatments improved oil stability by increasing the content of antioxidants, while T2 and T4 affected negatively the antioxidant profile of oils. Measured correlations between OS and compositional variables showed that total phenols had the highest value (R = 0.937, p < 0.001), followed by α-tocopherol (R = 0.775, p < 0.001) and oleic/linoleic ratio (R = 0.625, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the changing levels of antioxidant compounds, due to fertilization, may be used to obtain oils with the highest quality.
... La relación entre producción integrada y la calidad intrínseca de los productos obtenidos no se ha investigado todavía en España en ningún producto agrícola. Se han realizado algunos estudios sobre la relación entre las prácticas culturales y la calidad del aceite de oliva, sobre todo en lo que se refiere a fertilización y riego (Fernández-Escobar et al., 2006;Inglese et al., 2002;Andrea and Morelli, 2002), aunque poco se conoce respecto de la influencia de otros factores, como las técnicas de lucha fitosanitaria, más allá de la mejora de la calidad que supone el control correcto de plagas y enfermedades. Por la importancia económica del olivar y de los aspectos cualitativos del aceite de oliva, es de gran interés conocer si la producción integrada induce alguna diferenciación en la composición del mismo, ya que los factores agronómicos, al igual que la elaboración, envasado y conservación, influyen en la calidad del aceite (Uceda et al., 1994). ...
Article
Full-text available
A study has been conducted to determine the influence of integrated olive production on the quality of extra virgin olive oil. On two different dates, samples from three different holdings were taken in integrated production (I) parcels, and in conventional production (C) parcels, both adjacent. The analytical determinations were free acidity, peroxide value, K232 and K270, fatty acid composition, esterols, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, stability to oxidation and sensory analysis. Most interesting among the results obtained were total contents of esterols and tocopherols, higher in olive oils of integrated production.
... Many authors have studied the efficiency of olive foliar nourishment and for specific nutrients good results have been achieved using urea solution (Cimato et al, 1991;). Potassium is easily absorbed and distributed through leaf tissues (California Fertilizer Association, 1998) and foliar application is helpful to satisfy plant requirement having a high efficiency (Inglese et al., 2002). Phosphorous is given during summer fruit growth, in order to be readily absorbed and translocated to the fruits for quality purposes, therefore its application is better in the form of a foliar fertilizer. ...
... Nitrogen deficiency is well established as a limiting factor for flowering and fruit set in olive fruit trees (Cimato et al., 1990;Freeman et al., 2005;Hartmann, 1958;Therios, 2006). Furthermore, correction of insufficient N has been found to reduce fruit abscission throughout all developmental stages (Cimato et al., 1990;Inglese et al., 2002). The results from the two lower N treatments in the present study support these previous findings. ...
Article
Full-text available
The independent effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations in the irrigation solution on flowering and fruit set in olive trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Barnea) were studied in a container experiment. Treatments included eight levels of N ranging from 0.4 to 14.1 mM, seven levels of P ranging from 0.01 to 0.62 mM, and seven levels of K ranging from 0.25 to 5.33 mM. At low environmental concentrations of each of the minerals, additions led to large increases in their concentrations in leaves, and as the environmental concentrations became high, relative increases in leaf accumulation were reduced. Availability of N, P, and K was found to influence flowering intensity in the olive trees. Fruit set was affected by N and P, but not K levels. Total fruit load of olives was shown to be a function of flowering level multiplied by fruit set. The final number of olives per tree increased appreciably as leaf P and K increased from minimum levels, and relative increases in fruit load tapered at the highest measured leaf concentrations of the minerals. Maximum fruit load was found corresponding to approximate to 0.06 mol center dot kg(-1) P and close to 0.35 mol center dot kg(-1) K in leaves. Fruit load increased to a maximum as leaf N increased from 0.7 to 1.3 mol center dot kg(-1) and then decreased as leaf N increased to 1.5 mol center dot kg(-1). The findings indicate that each of the macronutrients plays a fundamental role in processes affecting olive tree productivity.
Chapter
Olive tree cultivation started in Syria million years ago and extended into the Mediterranean basin to become one of the basic constituents of the economies of most Mediterranean countries, which account for more than 90% of the world's olive oil production. In addition, the increasing international demand for olive oil in the last two decades has led to expansion of cultivation in places far from its origin, such as California, Argentina, and Australia. The fact that both production and consumption of olive oil are growing in the world is mainly due to its exceptional organoleptic characteristics, which are determined by the metabolites that it contains. Between them, the relative proportion of fatty acids is what greatly determine the oxidative stability and nutritional properties of the olive oil. Although cultivar is the main factor determining olive oil fatty acid composition, environmental factors, and culture conditions can also change the fatty acid profile. For that reason, understanding how these factors could affect the olive oil fatty acid composition is of special relevance, not only to increase its quality but also to establish the optimal growing conditions in new environments and to select new olive cultivars with improved quality characteristics. This article tries to summarise the present state of knowledge about the effect that different environmental stresses and culture conditions have on the olive fatty acid desaturation pathway. Special attention will be paid to the underlying molecular mechanisms by which olive fatty acid desaturases are regulated by temperature, light, nutrient availability and irrigation.
Article
Full-text available
This is the first report to study the impacts of potassium sources on apricot fruit yield, quality and storability as a preharvest foliar application. Five sources of potassium (K-humate, K-sulphate, K-nitrate, K-silicate and K-citrate), plus water as a control treatment, were applied individually at 0.2% three times on ‘Canino’ apricot over the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The results showed that all potassium salts, applied foliarly, have potential to improve yield, fruit color, and some fruit physical attributes, such as: weight, size and firmness, as well as a reduced lipid peroxidation, accompanied by a low fruit malondialdehyde content reflected in a high tolerance during storage. The K-nitrate treatment was more effective in the improvement of fruit yield, preharvest quality parameters and keeping fruit postharvest quality characteristics from sharp decline during cold storage. Concerning fruit anatomy, K-nitrate and K-citrate showed thicker cuticle and epidermal parenchyma cell diameters, while the K-silicate induced the highest cell wall thickness. K-nitrate was the most economical, and could be recommended for apricot growers in the Nubaria region of Egypt.
Article
Full-text available
Malatya Ovası ülkemizde kayısı tarımının en yoğun yapıldığı alan olup ovada kayısı ağaçları düşük ilkbahar sıcaklıkları ve yüksek yaz sıcaklıkları gibi çeşitli sebeplerle küçük meyve dökümlerine neden olan abiyotik stres faktörleri etkisinde yetiştirilmektedir. Bu çalışmada da söz konusu meyve dökümlerini azaltmak ve aynı zamanda meyve kalitesini iyileştirmek amaçlarıyla bazı organik preparatların etkileri incelenmiştir. Bu amaçla, 2018 ve 2019 yıllarında, sekiz yaşında olan Hacıhaliloğlu çeşidine ait kayısı ağaçlarında altı farklı organik preparat kontrol uygulaması ile birlikte yapraktan püskürtme şeklinde uygulanmıştır. Uygulamalar çanak yaprakların meyveden ayrıldığı dönemde ve meyve uzunluğunun yaklaşık 7-8 mm olduğu dönemde yapılmış olup yapılan uygulamalar meyve dökümü, verim, pomolojik özellikler, antioksidan aktivitesi ve toplam fenolik bileşik içerikleri üzerine etkisi yönünden karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda yapılan uygulamaların incelenen tüm parametreler üzerinde etkisi olduğu görülmüştür. Çalışmanın ilk yılında meyve döküm oranı % 1.50 ile 18.35 arasında değişmiş, ikinci yılında % 13.17 ile 26.48 arasında değişmiş, her iki yılda da kontrol uygulaması meyve dökümünün en yüksek seviyede gerçekleştiği uygulama olmuştur. Sonuç olarak çalışma kapsamında uygulanan organik preparatların meyve dökümünü azaltarak verimi artırmak ve aynı zamanda meyve kalitesini iyileştirmek amacıyla kullanılabileceği görülmüştür.
Article
Full-text available
Aim of study: To evaluate the effect of cultivar and year of harvest on the content of mineral elements of Algerian extra virgin olive oils. Area of study: Technical Institute of Arboriculture of Fruits and Vine (TIAFV), Bejaia, Algeria. Material and methods: The mineral contents of extra virgin olive oils from ten cultivars during two consecutive campaigns 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and absorption in a graphite furnace after microwave-assisted acid digestion. Principal component analysis was applied to correlate the mineral content with cultivar type and year of harvest. Main results: Mean concentrations for Fe, Zn, Cu, Na, K, Mg, As and Co in samples were observed in the range of 1.640-13.213, 1.546-32.866, 1.375-3.337, 19.666-104.720, 4.573-117.133, 0.120-2.560, 0.006-0.146 and 0.002-0.051 μg g-1, respectively. The first three principal components retained 76.25% of the variance. The determinants of the effect of cultivar type and year of harvest were Fe and Na; Mg, Co and As, respectively. Research highlights: The study showed that mineral composition of the olive oils was mainly determined by the cultivar and the year of harvest.
Article
Ambe-bahar crop response of four pomegranate cultivars to foliar applications of potassium nitrate (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) in May–June was evaluated at Punjab Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Abohar, Punjab, India, during 2015 and 2016. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice. Over control, potassium nitrate significantly improved growth and productivity of pomegranate. Different spray concentrations considerably influenced plant volume in Phule Arakta and Ganesh. The differences in fruit yield were non-significant in Bhagwa and Phule Arakta. In Mridula and Ganesh, maximum yield was noted at 1.5% sprays which, however, were statistically comparable to 1% sprays. Fruit quality also varied markedly with the type of cultivar and concentration of spray solution. From the study, it comes out that potassium nitrate sprays at 0.5% in Bhagwa and Phule Arakta is highly beneficial in maintaining higher productivity and quality of fruits. In Mridula and Ganesh, 1% sprays prove more advantageous.
Chapter
This chapter discusses the latest biotechnological aspects of olive growing in desert olive plantations, which have developed over the years in the Negev Desert in Israel, and elsewhere. It begins with a brief description of general characteristics of olive plant. Almost no common olive varieties has been commercially propagated by seeds for at least the past century, owing to the need to conserve the selected olive varieties. Olive vegetative plant production has been intensively studied and developed from the beginning of the second half of the twentieth century. Based on intensive studies, biotechnologies concentrating on the rooting of cuttings and tissue culture have been established for optimal growing and cultivation environments. Propagation by using suckers is also possible. Cuttings are the most commonly practiced method of propagation in the olive industry, although lately tissue culture techniques are also being applied to produce seedlings from selected mother stock plants. Selection of cultivation site for desert olive oil cultivation should consider aspects of available water reservoir, wind, soil, climate, and availability of labor. Furthermore the chapter discusses the cultural practices for the growth and development of olive trees in desert conditions, such as pruning, weed control, root-zone soil buffering, alternate bearing, and fruit thinning.
Article
Full-text available
This study was conducted on "Maraky" olive seedlings grown at the greenhouse of National Research Center, Dokki, Giza governorate, Egypt. This investigation was performed to study the effect of applying N: P: K (20:20:20) applications as the following (50g in soil 50g spray, 37.5g in soil" 12.5g foliar, 25g in soil + 25g foliar and 12.5g in soil + 37.5 g foliar) (from March till October) parallel with organic matter as (humic acid or green power) at (10cm 3). At the end of the season, percentage of plant height increment, leaves number per plant, shoots number per plant, stem diameter, leaves dry weight (%), roots number, root length were determined and recorded. The obtained results showed that, foliar application of "N" at (50g) improved percentage of height increment, leaves number. Meanwhile, (37.5 g in soil + 12.5 g foliar application) enhanced leaf dry weight, root length. Also, olive seedlings treated with (12.5g in soil + 37.5g as foliar application) of "N" gave the highest number of lateral shoots, root number. "N" application at (50g) in soil significantly increased only stem diameter. In regard to organic matter, both of organic matters improved growth parameters, however, Humic acid surpassed green power in enhancing all recoded growth parameters. Generally, these results indicated that foliar application increase of "N" fertilization efficiency, and organic fertilization could be cofactor to stimulated shoot growth.
Article
Full-text available
This paper is published in Persian with the following English abstract: In order to evaluate the effects of foliar application of potassium sulfate on some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fruit and oil of three olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars, split plot field experiments, arranged in complete block design with three replications. The experiment was carried out in the olive research orchard, department of horticulture, Ahvaz University, during 2012–2013 growing seasons. Three olive cultivars including ‘Mission’, ‘Coronaiki’ and ‘Dezfuli’ were used with three foliar potassium sulfate applications (0, 1 and 2 g.L-1). Results showed that the interaction effect of year and cultivar was significant for fruit fresh and dry weight of fruit pulp, stone weight, pulp to stone ratio, oil content (P<0.01) and pulp fresh weight (P<0.05). Also the interaction effect of year and foliar potassium application was significant for fruit fresh weight, pulp dry and fresh weight (P<0.01) and stone weight (P<0.05). Results showed that interaction of cultivar and potassium sulfate on fruit fresh weight, pulp dry and fresh weight was significant (P<0.01). In addition, interaction effect of year, cultivar and potassium sulfate was significant for fruit fresh weight, pulp dry and fresh weight, pulp oil content (% D.W.) at 1% probability level, and the other traits at 5% probability level. ‘Dezfuli’ cultivar had more oil content than other cultivars that could be due to genetic diversity among cultivars for using sources in direction of oil content enhancement and also more compatible with the environmental conditions in this area. Foliar application of potassium sulfate increased unsaturated fatty acids and decreased saturated fatty acids in ‘Dezfuli’ and ‘Coronaiki’ cultivars. The highest content of oleic acid and oleic acid to linoleic acid ratio (60.54 % and 8.38 respectively) were found in ‘Coronaiki’ cultivar with potassium sulfate (2 g.l-1) and the lowest amount of their in ‘Dezfuli’ cultivar with control treatment (48.90 % and 1.67 respectively). In conclusion, the environmental conditions as well as foliar potassium sulfate application can have a positive impact on fruit weight, oil percentage and fatty acid compositions.
Article
Background: This work was conducted to determine the effects of two nutrient-based fertilisers on the general physicochemical characteristics (including free fatty acid content, peroxide value and UV spectrophotometric characteristics), fatty acid profile, total phenols, o-diphenols and phytosterol composition of olive oil. Foliar applications were carried out in two successive years and included four treatments: TC (control, without foliar nutrition), T1 (rich in nitrogen, applied at the start of vegetation, 10 days later and 20 days later), T2 (rich in boron, magnesium, sulfur and manganese, applied at the beginning of flowering and 10 days later) and T3 (T1+T2). At the end of the experiment (after 2 years), oils were extracted and analysed. Results: No effect was found on either general physicochemical characteristics or fatty acid composition. Foliar fertilisation caused a significant decrease in both polyphenol and o-diphenol contents. Total sterol content was unaffected by foliar fertilisation. However, the phytosterol composition of the oil, particularly its β-sitosterol level, was markedly improved after foliar nutrient application. Principal component analysis of the phytosterol composition showed discrimination between the control oil and the oils from T1, T2 and T3 treatments. Conclusion: The results of this study extend the current knowledge of such cross-talk between plant nutrition and quality of oil.