RESPONSE TO CROSS-POLLINATION IN OLIVE TREES WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FLOWERING

‘Manzanillo’ trees with high and low levels of flowering ("on" year and "off" year) were self-and cross-pollinated. Previous to petal fall percent of inflorescences with perfect flowers was recorded. Fruit set and crop components were measured at 18 and 50 days after full bloom. Low-flowering trees showed a higher percent of inflorescences with perfect flowers. Cross-pollination consistently increased final set but to a moderately higher extent in high-flowering trees. That increase in final set was the result of both an increase in the number of fruit per inflorescence and the percent of inflorescences with fruit. The results are discussed in relation to the bearing status ("on" or "off") of the trees.