Projects / Programmes
Prilagajanje tehnologij pridelave vremenskim razmeram za doseganje visokih in kakovostnih pridelkov oljk in oljčnega olja (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.01 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
Researchers (8)
Organisations (2)
Significance for science
The project results helped to lay the foundations for new research into olives in the Slovene area. On the basis of the newly developed monitored regime of olive irrigation and the experience gained thereof, we will embark on Slovene research in the fields of olive physiology, transcriptomics and proteomics. Thus we will also be able to upgrade and corroborate research into chemical properties of olive oil of Slovene Istria.
Despite great socio-economic importance of olive growing and olive oil production, research into the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites and the impact of stressful situations on their synthesis remains scarce in the international arena and is still a novelty in the Slovene area. Given the current climate change and the occurrence of stressful situations in the Mediterranean growing area, such research will be of vital importance for the adaptation of technologies used in agricultural production.
In olives, the key genes active in the synthesis of biologically vital molecules and in the determination of the quality of the end product – olive oil – have not been identified yet nor has it been investigated the impact of stressful situations on their expression. The newly developed monitored irrigation regime will therefore serve not only as a 24/7 open-air laboratory but also as a tool for basic genetic research into the expression of the key genes as regards agronomic technologies and stressful situations and into olive physiology, which will give us an opportunity not only to embark on such research, but also to accelerate their execution in the national and international arenas.
The drought induced stress, which occurs when plants face soil water shortage, has a negative impact on metabolic processes, nutrient reception and photosynthesis. If water shortage occurs during the development phase, which is the most susceptible to stress, it can also have a detrimental effect upon the development of the generative organs and leaf withering and, consequently, on crop quality and quantity. Based on total actual evapotranspiration, the optimum irrigation application can assure maximum crop yields, yet can have negative impacts on oil accumulation, ethereal oil formation, fruit maturation and crop quality in some plants. Appropriate knowledge of the multi-faceted nature of the issue of water stress in olive cultivation, which on the one hand has a positive effect on oil accumulation, and on the other can trigger off the collapse of metabolic processes in plants as a result of extreme drought conditions, is the basis for further research on the impact of drought induced stress on the generative development phases in olives, which will help us determine the optimum stress level in order to reach a balance between crop yields and oil content.
The results of research into olive fruit fly will contribute not only to better knowledge of the biological development life cycle of olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae Gmelin.), but also to the improvement of technologies used for the protection of plants against this pest. Collected during several years of monitoring the olive fruit fly population, the results offer a basis for further research with which we will study the occurrence of olive fruit fly in the northern Adriatic by using the latest biotechnological tools such as molecular markers.
Significance for the country
Having taken into account research into climate change and the latest climate scenarios for Slovenia, experts established that the most vulnerable areas in Slovenia, which already face drought conditions and water shortage, would become even more vulnerable. In view of increased occurrence and intensity of agricultural drought, the implementation of measures for decrease in drought susceptibility in plants will become an inevitable part of agricultural practice. Slovene Istria undoubtedly ranks among the most vulnerable areas in Slovenia. Together with special climate conditions and olive oil production technologies, special varietal structure of olives enabled the “Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Slovene Istria” (EDOOSI ZOP) to be certified with the Protected Designation of Origin. With the variety 'Istrska belica' being prevalent in Slovene orchards (70%), Slovene olive oils are characterized by a high content of 'Istrska belica' oil. Its most noticeable characteristic is bitterness, which can be so intense during years of drought that the consumer may find its taste unpleasant. As for the quality of olive oil, all researches show that by varying irrigation application one can exert influence on the biophenols content and, consequently, on sensory properties of olive oil. By introducing irrigation in years of drought, one can partly regulate the quantity of biphenols in Slovene olive varieties, thus providing the consumer with olive oil with harmonious taste.
In the areas with extremely limited water resources, olive growers often employ the principle of “crisis irrigation” characterized by unmonitored water application in terms of time and quantity. In view of climate change and climatological forecast, Slovenia will have to ensure sustainable use of water resources. Knowledge acquired through the project on deficient irrigation can thus serve as the basis for the formation of national irrigation strategy for areas with limited water sources in order to meet agricultural needs. Moreover, as an instance of good practice, deficient irrigation shows how reduced water consumption can increase plant productivity in order to ensure not only regular and abundant crops but also efficient and sustainable use of water resources. Needless to say, stable and abundant crops ensure better economic and production results, as well as more competitive and economically more viable agricultural production in Slovenia.
The frequency of occurrence of olive fruit fly, which is the most harmful pest in Slovene olive cultivation, varies greatly in relation to weather conditions. Regular monitoring of olive fruit fly status and the upgrading of the national database on its occurrence will contribute to increased agricultural production and its higher quality and reduce the use of plant protection substances. As one of the most important agricultural branches in Slovene Istria, olive cultivation will thus become less burdensome to the environment, while the transition to ecological agriculture will be less risky.
Most important scientific results
Final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
