ISHS Acta Horticulturae 888: International Symposium on Olive Irrigation and Oil Quality
EFFECT OF IRRIGATION AND WATER STRESS ON OLIVE OIL QUALITY AND YIELD BASED ON A FOUR YEAR STUDY |
| Authors: | R. Mailer, J. Ayton |
| Keywords: | Olea europaea L., Australia, polyphenols, oil content, free fatty acids |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.888.6 |
| Abstract:
Olive oil production has increased dramatically in Australia from almost nothing in 1995 to a predicted 25-30 million litres by 2013, most of which is extra virgin olive oil quality. There are currently no facilities in Australia for processing or refining olive oil. Oil quality is therefore of extreme importance to the producer. Crop management, harvesting, processing and storage need to be carried out to maintain high fruit quality and maximum oil chemical and sensory quality. Generally Australian olive trees are irrigated with few grown under dry land conditions although water is sometimes limited in Australia’s relatively dry climate. Our studies have shown that quality is closely related to the amount of water applied and the timing of application. We have carried out irrigation studies on an olive grove in northern Victoria. Initially three cultivars were watered with four different irrigation regimes. The experiment continued over four years however in the third and fourth years it was reduced to only one cultivar due to severe water restrictions. Quality parameters were measured including oil content, polyphenols and tocopherols. Oil from different irrigation treatments was analysed for oxidative stability by rancimat test. There was significant difference between irrigation treatments with the trees receiving the least amount of water producing less yield but higher oxidative stability, increased polyphenol level and improved oil quality. This is a useful study in areas with limited water for irrigation purposes. | |
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