Effects of radiation reflactants on the oil content and fatty acids profile of "Mary" olive cultivar

Due to the lower water requirement than other fruit trees, olive (Olea Europea L.) is one of the most important horticultural crops grown in most parts of Iran especially in arid and semi-arid subtropical regions. Because of the arid and semi-arid climatic conditions of Iran, it is important to use methods to reduce the water consumption of fruit trees. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of some radiation reflactants and shading net on the oil properties and fatty acid composition of "Mari" olive cultivar. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with eight treatments including talc, zinc oxide, silica, kaolin, TSZ (talc, silica and zinc oxide), TSZK (talc, silica, zinc oxide and kaolin), shading net and control in three replications. The results showed that spraying with radiation reflactants reduced the amount of palmitic acid (C18: 0), linoleic acid (C18: 2), linolenic acid (C18: 3), and total saturated fatty acids (SFA). Whereas the amount of oleic acid (C18: 1), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) also, increased total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and oleic acid to linoleic acid ratio. In general, the anti-transparents increased the oil content by reducing fruit temperature, improving the fatty acid composition of the oil and by enhancing the monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid. Due to the positive effect of reflactants on fruit quality and oil content, by reducing leaf and fruit temperature, foliar application of these compounds can be recommended in olive growing systems in hot and dry areas.