The effect of temperature conditions on olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea) growing and phenological, pomological characteristics in Turkey

Abstract

Olive having a natural plant of the Mediterranean region grows where Mediterranean climate conditions prevails. Climate is one of the important ecological factors affecting the cultivation and characteristics of olives. Aim of this study is to present the effects of temperature conditions on the phenological and pomological characteristics of certain types of olive in Turkey. For this purpose, temperature data from six meteorological stations in important olive growing areas in Turkey (Gemlik, Edremit, Milas, Antalya, Antakya, Nizip) were analyzed and compared. The data gathered from these stations on minimum, maximum and average temperatures, freezing days, and average values between lowest and highest temperatures were assessed. The phenologic and pomologic characteristics of the olives were taken into account. Extreme, high and low values relating to temperature negatively affect the growth, quality and yield of the olive. Negative effects resulting from low temperatures take the form of excessive shedding of leaves, cracking of skin and the death of thick branches. High temperature values specifically cause reduction of the size of the olive fruit. Temperatures that decreasing to -14,6°C in Antakya is a risk factor for the Saurani (Savrani) variety of olive which is sensitive to the cold. With an absolute minimum temperature of -12,5°C, in Nizip between December and March more regularly fell below -7°C. Also, in Edremit, where the risk is lower for low temperature, there occurs the possibility of damage to olive trees by the low temperatures in December, January and February. The Nizip area, with temperatures of 45,3°C, is worst affected by high temperatures. Furthermore, attention is drawn to the risk posed to cultivation areas in Antalya and Milas by high temperatures exceeding 44°C. The results of the evaluation show that temperature has a significant effect on phenological and pomological characteristics in olive cultivation in Turkey.