Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Inhibition of flowering in ‘Arbequina’ olives from chilling at lower temperatures

Author(s):

Nasir S. A. Malik ^*, Joe M. Bradford

Recieved Date: 2009-01-22, Accepted Date: 2009-04-07

Abstract:

The effect of four nighttime chilling temperatures on the induction of flowering in ‘Arbequina’ olives was investigated. Daytime temperature was kept at 17.5°C (8 h) while nighttime temperatures (8 h) were maintained at 7.8, 4.4, 2.2 or -1.2°C; transition from daytime temperatures to nighttime temperatures, and vice versa, occurred stepwise in 4 h periods. Maximal flowering occurred in trees that were given nighttime temperatures of 4.4°C. Increasing nighttime chilling by lowering temperatures to 2.2 and -1.2°C significantly reduced inflorescence production by 71 and 90%, respectively. Our results indicated no significant difference in inflorescence production in trees that were kept at nighttime temperatures of 7.8 or 4.4°C. Different levels of chilling had no significant effect on number of flowers per inflorescence. Time of initiation of first inflorescence was progressively delayed with increased chilling temperatures; i.e. first inflorescence appeared after 98, 107, 124 and 131 days from the start of induction period in trees that were given nighttime temperatures of 7.8, 4.4, 2.2 or -1.2°C respectively.

Keywords:

Chilling, flowering, freezing, inflorescence, Olea europaea L, olive, stress

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2009
Volume: 7
Issue: 2
Category: Agriculture
Pages: 429-431

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