Effect of drought stress on qualitative characteristics of olive oil of cvKoroneiki

Quality characteristics (acidity, peroxide values, K-232, K-270, oxidative stability) and chemical compositional data (fatty acids, sterols and triacy lglycerols) were studied in virgin olive oil samples from olive trees, cv K oroneiki, subjected to different water regimes. Experimental trials were ca rried out using three-year old own-rooted olive trees (Olea europaea L) var iety Koroneiki. Plants were subjected to two irrigation treatments to maint ain soil water potential to -0.03 MPa and -1.5 MPa. Results showed that irrigation significantly increased the fruit oil conten t and the oxidative stability and peroxide value of the resulting oil. Oliv e oil from fruits of irrigated trees showed significant higher values in to tal saturated fatty acids. Total sterols were also significantly influenced by irrigation. Acidity and specific absorption coefficients K-232, K-270, of olive oils were not significantly affected.