Influence of Zn and K Sprays on Fruit and Pulp Growth in Olive (Olea europaea L. cv.  Amygdalifolia')

This study was carried out on olive trees cv. Amygdalifolia, to investigate the effect of spraying potassium nitrate (KNO3) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on the fruit weight, dimension and volume. The plants were sprayed with 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% KNO3 and 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% ZnSO4 and their combinations in August about halfway through the fruit growth period. The highest fruit weight was observed using 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% KNO3. Fruit length and diameter were affected significantly using different ZnSO4 concentrations especially in combination with KNO3. The fruit, pulp and pulp/pit volume increased by increasing ZnSO4 concentrations. The highest fruit, pulp and pulp/pit volume were also obtained from trees treated with 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% KNO3. Our results emphasize the importance of an appropriate fertilization management, particularly for table olives, in which fruit size, and pulp/pit ratio are important characteristics.