To maximize tree crop production and efficiency, optimization of both maximum orchard light intercept and radiation distribution within the tree canopy are important strategies. About it in the scientific journal Horticulture, a publication that involved, among others, professors Tiziano Caruso e Life Di Stefano ofUniversity of Palermo highlighted the influence of planting density and the position of the fruit within the canopy on the quality of the olive oil Cherry e koroneiki.
Fruits were harvested from the upper and lower layers of the tree canopy in two-density hedge planting systems: High at 1000 trees ha-1 (HD) and Medium at 500 trees ha-1 (MD). Tree crop efficiency and fruit weight, water and fat content were measured together with standard olive oil quality parameters, phenolic and volatile composition.
The fruits in the upper layers of the canopy have always shown a higher maturity index, the 6% more fat and 4% less water compared to the lower layers. The top layers of HD trees showed the highest phenol content, while the bottom layers of MD trees showed the lowest phenol content (36% less compared to the upper layers of HD).
HD trees showed the greatest differences in fruit ripening, water and fat content between upper and lower canopy locations, increasing the quality and variability of oil yield at harvest. Koroneiki showed more stable oils with a MUFA/PUFA ratio (between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids) higher than 28% and a higher phenol content than 12% compared to Cerasuola oils.
This study provides further evidence that cultivars, planting density and canopy architecture can be strong determinants of olive oil yield and composition in hedgerow planting systems.
