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.