Preliminary Evaluation of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars under Hot and Arid Environment of Mexico

Currently in Mexico there are few studies on agronomic management in olive production. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate eleven olive cultivars for table and oil production (Arbequina, Koroneiki, Arbosana, Kalamata, Barnea, Pendolino, Empeltre, Manzanilla of Sevilla, Carboncella, Frantoio and Cassaliva) under hot and arid environment of Mexico. The experiment was carried out during two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016 at National Research Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock (INIFAP) in the Experimental Station of Caborca, Sonora, Mexico. The plantation was done on March, 2012 using a density of 100 trees ha-1 (10 x 10 m) under drip irrigation system. The parameters evaluated were vegetative parameters, yield, fruit quality and oil content. The experiment was analyzed using a randomized complete block design and five replications. The results showed statistical differences for all parameters evaluated. Arbequina obtained the highest olive yield with 34.5 and 70.3 kg per tree for the first and second year production, respectively and Barnea recorded the highest oil content with 19.2%. Finally, Manzanilla of Sevilla and Barnea varieties represent a good option as double-purpose varieties.