Effect of Foliar Application with Salicylic Acid, Benzyladenine and Gibberellic Acid on Flowering, Yield and Fruit Quality of Olive Trees (Olea europaea L.)

Abstract

2 Abstract: `Egazy Shami' olive trees (Olea europaea L.) were sprayed once at mid February (one month before beginning the flowering stage) with 7 treatments: salicylic acid at the concentration of 20 & 40µg/L, benzyladenine (20 & 30 mg/L), gibberellic acid (50 & 100 mg/L) and control (spraying with water only). The results indicated that foliar spray of salicylic acid at 40µg/L is recommended for improving yield and fruit quality ofEgazy Shami' olive trees. Improving productivity attributed to increase flowering percentage and density, as well as percentage of sex expression, pollen grains germination, fruit physical properties (fruit weight, length & diameter, seed weight, flesh weight & fruit dry weight) and fruit oil content. Application of 20 or 30 mg/L benzyladenine had the same effect of salicylic acid on improving yield and fruit quality, while it produced lower fruit oil content. On the other hand, GA treatments produced lower yield than those of 3 salicylic acid and benzyladenine.