Growth, flowering and fruiting of young olive trees in mid-altitude in the west of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the growth, flowering and fruiting of young ‘Arbequina’, ‘Arbosana’, ‘Frantoio’ and ‘Koroneiki’ olives planted in four places of the west region of the state of Santa Catarina, situated at 600 m above sea level. Four experiments were installed in 2013 and 2014 in Maravilha, São José do Cedro, Bom Jesus do Oeste and Guaraciaba. The height and diameter of the canopies, flowering and yield were assessed until the 5th growth season. All cultivars grew well when compared to assessments of traditional olive producer countries, especially ‘Frantoio’. All plants failed to flower in 2015 and few flowers were observed in 2017, but in 2016 there was blooming in three sites. ‘Frantoio’ did not bloom. ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Arbosana’ were the most productive in 2016/2017. The results suggest that the adaptation to the region is partial for ‘Arbequina’, ‘Arbosana’ and ‘Koroneiki’ and poor for ‘Frantoio’.