THE EFFECT OF COMPLEMENTARY IRRIGATION ON FRUIT-GROWTH, RIPENING PATTERN AND OIL CHARACTERISTICS OF OLIVE (OLEA-EUROPAEA L) CV CAROLEA

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.