P. Inglese et al., THE EFFECT OF COMPLEMENTARY IRRIGATION ON FRUIT-GROWTH, RIPENING PATTERN AND OIL CHARACTERISTICS OF OLIVE (OLEA-EUROPAEA L) CV CAROLEA, Journal of Horticultural Science, 71(2), 1996, pp. 257-263
Complementary irrigation, 80 mm, distributed only during the third sta
ge of fruit development, delayed ripening time and increased fruit siz
e and oil content for fruits of the olive cv. Carolea. Prolonged water
deficit reduced fruit growth, oil accumulation rate, K content of the
fruit and enhanced ripening and pre-harvest fruit drop. Harvest time
affected oil characteristics more than the water availability. Fatty a
cid composition was not affected by the water;regime but polyphenol co
ntent increased and alcohol content decreased in the oil produced by i
rrigated trees.