Growth control and productive aptitude of Olive tree (Olea europaea L.)

Optimizing vegetative growth and canopy architecture is crucial for olive tree productivity. The vegetative growth is linked with the root systems, vital for anchorage and nutrient uptake, and in olive it exhibits plasticity and deep exploration strategies against abiotic stress. Leaf structural changes under abiotic stress contributing to olive tree resilience. 1-year-old shoots are the most mainly organs for the production, in fact, in this organ we can find the potentially reproductive buds. Therefore the 1-year-old shoot growth is crucial for effective management of reproductive growth and fruit production, given the complexity of olive flower and inflorescence development. The latter are influenced by several environmental conditions, biochemicals endogenous signals, cultivar traits, and nutrient availability. After flowering, fruit development happens, and it is a greater sink organ than vegetative growth. Fruit growth dynamics follow a double-sigmoid curve, with water stress during early development impacting final fruit volume, highlighting the importance of irrigation strategies like Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) for optimizing fruit yield and oil production. Nutrient management is essential for consistent and sustainable olive production, with fertilization supporting vegetative and fruit growth driven by key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients influencing flowering and fruit development. Fertilization strategies should consider factors like nutrient availability, soil analysis, and leaf diagnosis for optimal tree health and production, while sustainable practices, including the use of wastewater and biological solutions, enhance nutrient availability while minimizing environmental impact. In the context of olive tree productivity, light availability plays a significant role, with shading potentially reducing photosynthesis early in the season. Anti-insect or anti-hail nets provide beneficial shading while serving multiple purposes in olive cultivation, contributing to overall orchard management and emphasizing the interconnectedness of various factors in optimizing olive production. In modern olive cultivation, precise irrigation management is essential. Trunk-embedded microtensiometers offer real-time monitoring of trunk water potential, optimizing water usage. Irrigation is not enough to increase vegetative growth and production, so adequate nutrient levels are crucial for plant health and frost tolerance, mitigating vulnerability to intensified frost events due to climate change. Frost damage can exacerbate susceptibility to diseases like olive knot, caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi. Cultivar susceptibility varies, emphasizing the need for holistic management practices. Against pests and abiotic stresses, innovative solutions like anti-insect nets can regulate light exposure and enhancing productivity in olive orchards.