FACTORS AFFECTING THE NATURE OF OIL ACCUMULATION IN FRUIT OF OLIVE (OLEA-EUROPAEA L) CULTIVARS

The pattern of oil accumulation in the olive fruit during its development was studied in 15 cultivars under various levels of orchard intensification. While yield, fruit size and final oil content are dependent on both genetical and environmental conditions, the basic pattern of oil accumulation is determined only by the cultural and environmental conditions and is not cultivar dependent. Under irrigated intensive growing conditions oil accumulation is linear during most of the fruits' growing period. The oil accumulation pattern will change considerably under limiting environmental or stress conditions.