Performance of Some Olive (Olea europaea L) Cultivars Grown under Saline Stress Conditions in Newly Reclaimed Soils

Abstract

The current study was conducted during two successive seasons (2019 and 2020) on seven fruitful olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.). The environmental adaptability of species and varieties has a significant impact on sustainable agricultural development and adaptation to climate change in arid and semi-arid regions. The vegetative growth, flowering, yield, fruit characteristics, and oil contents as well as salinity stress tolerance of seven olive cultivars ("Aggizi Shami", "Dolce", "Picual", "Manzanillo", "Coratina", "Koroneiki" and "Arbequina") in saline calcareous soils were studied. The results showed that "Coratina" and "Koroneiki" produced the longest highest canopy volume in comparison with the other studied cultivars, while "Arbequina" had the smallest ones followed by "Dolce" cultivar. Sexual expression as a percentage of ideal flowers differed significantly among the cultivars studied and the seasons. The highest yield was recorded in "Aggizi Shami" at 23.44 and 43.08 in 2019 and 2020 respectively. In contrast, the "Arbequina" variety recorded the lowest yield weight (kg/tree) in both seasons. The "Koroneiki" and "Coratina" varieties recorded the highest percentage of oil, while "Aggizi Shami" and "Dolce" recorded the lowest percentage. Moreover "Picual" and "Arbequina" cultivars had the highest leaf proline contents while "Dolce" cultivar had the least ones. From these results it can conclude that "Coratina" "Koroneiki", "Picual" and "Aggizi Shami" are the most suitable olive varieties under the studied conditions. These four cultivars have appropriate salinity responses and are recommended for cultivation in salinity affected areas.