In this study, the effects of different plantings [5x5m (control), 4x3m and 4x1.5m] and pruning [control (unpruned), vase and vertical axe] and some endogenous hormones [abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA(3)), indole acetic acid (IAA) and zeatin (Z)] detected in the nodes on the shortening of youth period in 'Gemlik' olive cultivar in Antalya conditions were investigated. For hormone analysis, annual shoots were taken from the olive trees every month from 80 cm above the soil level and around the tree 360 degrees, and the nodes in the shoots were used in hormone analysis. In the first year of the experiment, the trees planted 5x5m did not produce fruit, while the trees planted 4x3m and 4x1.5m yielded fruit. In the second year, fruit set was observed in all planting density and pruning applications. The fruit set rates obtained in the second year were higher than the first year. The best growth and fruit set were obtained from the trees planted at 4x3m and pruned in a vase shape. Depending on the planting distance, it has been determined that the period of juvenile period may increase or decrease in the 'Gemlik' olive. While planting distances were effective on internal ABA, GA(3), IAA and Z levels determined in the node samples, pruning practices were found to be ineffective.
