Continuesgrowth of shoots and elongation of inflorescences, with flower buds spaced apart and in the process of swelling. Even if this third decade of April brought one compensation to the olive tree: we passed from summer temperatures where it reached 30°C thermal collapses closer to a winter weather.
This, as noted by theAIPO – Interregional association of olive producers, could cause a temporary slowdown growth and affect the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water. However, the olive tree is generally resistant and recovers easily, as long as cool temperatures are not prolonged.
The study on sustainable temperatures
In this regard it is useful to take a look back recent article published on OlivoNews on damage to olive inflorescences with the return of cold weather in spring. In particular it was highlighted that if the trunk and branches can also withstand temperatures of -17° C during mid-winter and -7°/-10° C in spring, the buds and leaves they cannot tolerate temperatures below -2°/-3° C during vegetative growth.
Le inflorescences appear to be sensitive at temperatures close to or below zero, although it is not clear what the threshold temperatures and residence times at this temperature are to induce visible damage to these structures. The other aspect to consider is the different susceptibility of the cultivars. In any case, they noted researchers from the Polytechnic University of Marche authors of the study, “from the temperatures and damage recorded in the olive groves considered, it is possible to conclude that 2°C is probably the threshold temperature below which there may be damage to flowers and inflorescences".
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