IMPLICATIONS FOR ORCHARD MANAGEMENT OF OLIVE TREES RESPONSES TO ABIOTIC STRESSES

Water deficit is the most common abiotic stress to which olive (Olea europaea L.) trees are exposed since a certain period of drought always occurs. The high resistance to drought is the result of morphological, anatomical and metabolic adaptations. A certain degree of water deficit allows to produce oils with high concentrations in phenolic compounds and enhance pungency and bitterness. Occurrence of drought or salinity does not prevent the production of virgin olive oil since both stresses do not modify the parameters used to classify olive oils. Irrigation with saline or brackish water is environmentally beneficial since it reduces the consumption of good quality water. Careful site selection is critical to avoid problems related to low temperature. Cultivar choice can prevent or alleviate the occurrence of freezing or salinity stress.