Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation Strategies on Productivity, Quality and Water Use Efficiency in a High-Density 'Arbequina' Olive Orchard Located in an Arid Region of Argentina

Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Productivity, Quality and Water Use in Olive cv “Manzanilla”

“…Total polyphenols was increased as the amount of supplied water decreased, although without statistical difference. These results are accordance with those previously reported in Arbequina variety [7,9,10].…”

“…Water use efficiency (WUE) measured as fruit yield or oil yield (kg) per mm of irrigation water, was greater for both periods when RDI-75 was applied, reaching values of 0.83 during pit hardening to harvest period ( Table 7). These values are less that those reported by Vita et al [7] for a six years old intensive Arbequina olive orchard. By other side, RDI-75 could save until 12.4% (163 mm) when RDI is applied during pit hardening to harvest period.…”

“…Goldhamer [8] found that a reduction of 15% and 25% in water supply during midsummer, did not have a negative impact on canning olive yield, but a reduction by 44%, decreased yield by 10%. Others studies indicated different effects on yield when RDI was imposed and the responses were different among years [7]. Weight and fruit diameter were similar between the control and RDI-75.…”

“…The high oil content in RDI-50 is probably as a consequence of lower water content in the olive. Vita et al [7] found that RDI at 50% ETc applied in the same period decreased 26% oil yield. However, other studies indicated not differences in oil yield when RDI was imposed [12,22].…”

“…Some studies indicate that RDI did not affect the yield fruit and fruit weight [7,8], acidity and peroxide value [9]; however it increases oil content, polyphenol concentration and oil stability [7,10]. On the other hand, RDI reduced flowering next year [11] and accelerated ripening [12].…”