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| Part number | A1220 |
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In the Australian Olive Industry
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OBJECTIVES OF PRUNING
Train and Shape Olive trees, Maintain or Increase Production and Improve Harvest Efficiency
Training helps giving the tree the optimal shape to allow for efficient harvest as well as achieving early crops.
Once the trees have reached their optimum canopy volume for the environmental conditions of the area, it is likely that the yields could start declining. This is due to the fact that the inner part of the canopy does not receive sufficient sunlight, which causes defoliation, resulting in a low Leaf to Wood Ratio.
If the tree grows above its optimum size, it creates serious issues for the harvester machines. The tree becomes too high and too wide for the machines, it has thick branches that can cause damage on the picking heads and also reduces the removal efficiency of the machine as well as slows down the harvesting speed.
It is a fact that to produce fruit, Olive trees need to grow and produce new branches each year; therefore the trees need to grow every year. It is here where pruning becomes a very useful management tool.
Pruning helps increasing Fruit Size, Oil Yield, Light Interception and Leaf to Wood Ratio, it promotes new growth, and reduces water and fertiliser requirements.
see the full article at:
1- Tree Training
Objectives: Achieve early start of production with higher yields, increased number of production years, higher fruit quality, prepare the trees for the type of harvester that is going to be used on the grove.
Training takes place during the first 3 years of the tree life.
During the first year minimum pruning is required (provided the trees come with a suitable shape from the nursery), lower and vigorous branches competing with the leader should be removed. The aim is to encourage a straight vertical trunk with horizontal branches coming out. Water shoots must be removed to stop competition for water and nutrients.
On the second and third year the aim is to remove lower branches below 600-700-800-1000mm (must be done gradually).
“Always keep in mind that if we prune too hard is because either we came too late or because we do not know what to do”.
There must be a balance between what is taken out and what is left on. If we remove too much canopy, we have a negative effect on the tree, because we are removing photosynthetic area setting the tree back for a while until it starts growing again.
Light pruning is a process by which we only take a small amount of foliage (a couple of small branches), therefore we are not affecting tree balance. That is why it can be done from August until the end of May.
Heavier pruning in this process we take a large amounts of foliage therefore we are promoting a stronger reaction from the tree, this makes it susceptible to frost damage. That is why we should be delaying it until the end of September unless the weather is warmer. If that is the case we could start at the beginning of September.
Tree training not only involves light and heavy pruning but also tree tying and skirting.
2- Production
This type of pruning is performed on mature trees once they have reached full size. It has the aim of balancing the tree to obtain uniform and constant production every year.
As we all know when trees are young there is a larger number of non productive branches and that is because those branches are actively growing, but once they have reached their potential, they stop growing and start producing fruits, after a while those branches are exhausted and they stop producing, therefore they should be removed, to encourage new growth and renew the tree.
If bloom is light, pruning can be confined to non-productive parts of the tree, preserving as much bloom and potential crop as possible. In years of heavy bloom, pruning can be more severe without excessive crop removal.
Time of pruning: bud break until early December.
3- After Harvest (Cleaning)
The aim is to clean up the large broken branches that are left after the harvesters have gone through the grove. We could avoid it by spraying the trees with copper after harvest and wait until spring to take the damaged wood out.
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The F3020 Electrocoup Electric Pruner
INFACO is proud to present the latest, most technologically advanced electric shears on the market.
The Electrocoup F3020 offers a technologically advanced secateur packed with a multitude of features.
The F3020 Electrocoup weighs less and is more compact which offers improved efficiency and faster-cutting speed, making the new generation F3020 a total advancement in features. The separate battery and shear design ensures the handpiece has minimal weight maximising ergonomics, reducing fatigue, and providing a streamlined efficient day of pruning.
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The Electrocoup F3020 pruners are now fitted with some of the most hi-tech and powerful microcontrollers in the market that are used in mobile phones and computer technology. This technology results in improved user function and innovation enabling more data to be compiled and analyzed by the pruning shear to improve the F3020 performance.
Progressive Blade Advance at Full Speed (+15% vs F3015)
The Standard mode is for experienced users and for those who are willing to take full advantage of the tool's increased cutting speed capabilities.
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Progressive Blade Advance is at a slightly reduced speed
The Soft Mode is for users who prefer a slower cutting speed or beginners who are new to the trade. Same speed as the previous model F3015. (refer to the video to see soft mode in operation).
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The new patented shear holder provides the cutting head protection and storage in just two actions.
Available for Standard and Medium heads.
** Fitted with Quick Lock-Unlock
The removable accessory holder is included with your F3020 kit and allows you to store your smartphone within hands-reach.
A large zipped central pocket guarantees safe storage of sharpening stone, burnishing tools etc.
The Electrocoup F3020's new Cobalt L100B Lithium-ion battery weighs just 698 grams compared to 810 grams from the F3015. Its voltage is now 36 Volts as compared to the 48 Volts*** on the old F3015 model. However, the 48v battery from previous units is compatible with the new F3020. We can offer an optional 48v battery if you would like to make your previous units cross-compatible.
Its sleek design and small footprint will give you a day of pruning without recharging. With its versatile carrying system, the F3020 battery can be easily slipped into the user's pocket or clipped to a belt, giving the user an effortless pruning experience.
Battery used with Shoulder Straps and Waist Belt
Battery Used with Waistbelt Only
Battery Clipped on to Trousers
How long does it take to charge the battery?
The new F3020 Chargers are designed to charge the battery up in 2hrs. Similar to its predecessor, the new charger enables the battery to be charged up to 90% in 1.5Hrs and full charge is achieved in 2Hrs.
Can the battery remain on the vest while charging?
The new connector plug allows for the battery to charged up while on the vest making it more practical and easier to use.
How does the Battery Sleep Mode work?
The "Sleep Function" on the charger helps the battery fall in to an extended storage state thus optimizing its storage life. Recharging the battery is no longer required during the off-season. Just press the sleep button once after the pruning season and it does its thing for the next few hours. Once the sleep process is complete, the battery can be stored in its case in a cool, dry place until the following season.
Infaco, the manufacturers of the Electrocoups, have always prioritized user safety over the years. A true pioneer in technology, the company has continually invested time and resources in order to ensure an innovative and safe experience for its users operating the Electrocoups. Today, the all-new Electrocoup F3020 come fitted with the wireless DSES system and is a standard feature on all units.
The Wireless DSES system comprises of a conductive metal trigger enabling a connection between the users body and the pruner's patented electronic system. While operating, if and when the cutting head touches any part of the opposite hand, the pruning shear blade opens instantly thereby preventing accidents.
The Wireless DSES system operates in direct contact with the skin. However, each individual has their own level of conductivity. In order achieve a continuous level of high conductivity and better protection, INFACO recommends the use of its special conductive gloves.
The Wireless DSES system may sometime trigger unintended opens on damp wood, sappy wood or when close to the ground. To prevent this from happening users now have the option of turning OFF & ON the DSES feature when required using the settings button.
Contrary to the wireless system, the wired DSES option requires the user to wear the conductive glove that is physically connected to the handpiece by a power supply cable. The wired DSES system provides the user the same protection while reducing unintentional opening of the blade because of damp or sappy wood.
Similar to its most recent predecessors, Electrocoups remain the only shears in the world with 3 interchangeable heads with adjustable blade opening and DSES safety systems. One of the tool's main assets is its versatility to use multiple cutting heads. With the options of the Standard Kit, Medium Kit or the Maxi Kit, users can easily swap the heads over in under 5 mins to meet the demands of the cutting application. Kits are optional and not part of the standard kit. Please ask for details.
Ideal for pruning grapevines and orchard pruning. This kit achieves the highest results for cutting rate and power.
Designed especially for fruit growers, forestry, and landscaping. This kit offers a higher cutting capacity while maintaining speed for relevant applications.
Perfect for cutting back vines, shaping fruit trees, and tree lopping. This kit with a single-piece blade-rack combo will give unrivaled cutting capacity.
Infaco's design engineers have completely revolutionized the pole system by creating an ergonomic and innovative solution. There are 2 different kinds of pole options available with this new model. First option is the pole can be connected to the battery through a cord and the second option is the battery can be plugged in at the bottom of the pole. Both options have the cord on the sliding handle eliminated and replaced by a more advanced wireless Bluetooth technology making it easy and convenient to use.
Pole size options in the image to right.
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Extension Pole with Wired Battery Connection
Extension Pole with Plug In Battery
*** Battery not included with Pole
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Regular blade sharpening reduces the cutting force exerted on the motor of the Electrocoup and also helps to reduce motor stress. Infaco recommends the use of the optional electric sharpener to help keep the blade profile sharp. Thanks to its 3-pin connector plug, the A48V3 electric sharpener is now compatible with the Electrocoup F3005, F3010, F3015, and F3020 batteries. It saves significant time on daily sharpening and maintains a good cutting profile on the blade.
See video at 1:02 for the A48V3 Electric Sharpener in action.
The new tungsten carbide burnisher helps maintain a good cutting edge on the blade. A sharp blade guarantees a good clean cut and reduces the risk of spreading wood diseases. In addition to 2 recommended daily sharpening sessions with the stone, it is also advised to use the new Carbide Burnisher to maintain a sharp edge on the blade for a good clean cut.
With latest innovations in wireless connectivity, the Electrocoup F3020 pruning shears can be connected to the newly designed INFACO mobile app (available exclusively on Android and iOS compatible smartphones) through the Bluetooth Control Box.
The app provides a wide array of features that assists Electrocoup users in day to day operations:
The app also allows users (without the Bluetooth Control Box)
Introduction
Managing a professional olive production enterprise requires a holistic operational system that covers every aspect of grove management – from seasonal field practices to financial tracking and technology integration. This report outlines a comprehensive system designed for professional olive producers in Australia (with relevance internationally), detailing best-practice management structures, cost tracking methods, data monitoring and decision-support tools, forecasting techniques, and ready-to-use workflows and templates. By implementing a structured approach with clear planning, recordkeeping, and modern tech integration, olive growers can improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability. The following sections break down the components of this system with practical guidelines and examples.
Effective olive grove management is multi-faceted, involving year-round planning and execution of tasks. It is helpful to organise these tasks by season and category, ensuring nothing is overlooked throughout the year. Table 1 provides an overview of key seasonal activities in an Australian context (southern hemisphere), which can be adjusted for other regions (the timing of seasons will differ in the northern hemisphere ). Each activity should be supported by detailed record-keeping and adherence to best practices for orchard maintenance, irrigation, nutrition, pest control, pruning, and harvest.
Proactive seasonal planning is vital. By mapping out activities month-by-month, growers can ensure each critical task is done at the right time. Many producers use a yearly task calendar or planner to schedule operations. For example, the Australian Olive Association’s Yearly Orchard Planner outlines monthly tasks ranging from machinery servicing in the off-season to timely fertiliser applications and harvest prep. Such a planner ensures cross-over tasks (e.g. tractor maintenance benefiting both grove and other farm enterprises) are efficiently scheduled. It’s important to adjust the calendar to local climate patterns and whether the grove is in the southern or northern hemisphere. Regular planning meetings (e.g. before each season change) can help assign responsibilities and resources for upcoming tasks.
Accurate record keeping underpins all aspects of the operational system. Every activity – from spray applications to harvest yields – should be logged. This not only aids internal decision-making but also is often required for compliance (e.g. chemical use records) or quality assurance programs (such as the OliveCare® code of best practice ). Key records to maintain include:
General orchard maintenance activities ensure the grove’s long-term health and accessibility. These include ground cover management, upkeep of equipment, and maintaining the orchard environment:
Efficient water management is crucial for olive production, especially in Australia’s climate, where seasonal droughts are common. Olives are relatively drought-tolerant, but strategic irrigation greatly improves yield and oil quality in most Australian growing regions. Key components of irrigation management include:
Overall, irrigation in an olive operational system should be proactive and precision-focused. Given water scarcity concerns, Australian producers in particular benefit from these efficient practices – a fact evidenced by large groves like Boundary Bend investing heavily in irrigation technology research to “use less water but retain optimum productivity”. Well-managed irrigation not only saves water and energy, but also directly contributes to consistent yields and oil quality.
Proper fertilisation of olive trees ensures they have the nutrients needed for vegetative growth, fruiting, and recovering after harvest. The nutrition program should be based on soil and leaf analysis plus the grove’s yield goals. Key points include:
Pest and disease management in olives should follow an Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) approach. This means using a combination of monitoring, cultural practices, biological controls, and chemical controls when needed. Key elements for a professional group include:
Pruning is a cornerstone of olive grove management, directly influencing yield, tree health, and harvest efficiency. A well-structured pruning program in a professional system includes:
Harvest is the culmination of the season and requires careful logistical planning to execute efficiently and preserve fruit quality. A comprehensive operational system addresses harvest in several ways:
By detailing harvest logistics in the operational system, a grower ensures that this critical period is handled smoothly. It’s often said that in olives, “90% of the quality is influenced by what happens on the farm” – timely harvest and proper handling are a big part of that. Thus, the comprehensive plan treats harvest not as a rushed event but as a well-orchestrated project each year.
Understanding and controlling the cost of production is essential for a sustainable olive business. This part of the system involves setting up templates and tools to track all costs, from orchard inputs to labour and equipment, and calculating metrics like cost per hectare and cost per tonne of olives (or per litre of oil). A professional approach includes:
| Cost Category | Example Items | Cost (AUD/ha) | Share of Total (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour – Harvest | Picking crew wages or harvester contract, supervision, and fuel | $1,200 | 35% (highest single cost) |
| Irrigation | Water purchase, pumping energy (diesel/electric), irrigation maintenance parts | $600 | 18% |
| Fertilisation | Fertilisers (N, P, K), soil amendments, and application labour | $550 | 16% |
| Pruning | Labour or contract pruning, tool maintenance, brush mulching | $450 | 13% (varies by manual vs mechanical) |
| Pest & Disease Control | Pesticides, fungicides, traps, application labour (spraying) | $300 | 9% |
| Other Labour (non-harvest) | Irrigation management, mowing, and general supervision (portion of manager wages) | $200 | 6% |
| Machinery & Fuel | Tractor fuel, maintenance, depreciation (portion allocated) | $150 | 4% |
| Miscellaneous | Monitoring tech, insurance, admin, etc. | $100 | 3% |
| * Total (per hectare per year) | $3,550 | 100% | |
Table Note: The above breakdown is illustrative. Actual costs will differ by grove and system (e.g. superintensive groves might have higher harvest costs due to machinery leases but lower per-unit labour, etc.). The IOC study figures in the table (italicised) are from a traditional system example and show the relative importance of harvest, irrigation, and fertiliser inputs. Tracking your own costs allows you to refine these numbers for your operation.
Modern olive farming can greatly benefit from data-driven decision support, using sensors and information technology (the realm of IoT – Internet of Things and smart farming). Integrating such systems into daily operations turns raw data (weather, soil moisture, pest counts, etc.) into actionable insights. In this comprehensive system, the following integrations are recommended:
To run a sustainable olive operation, one must not only react to the present conditions but also anticipate the future. Forecasting tools help in predicting yields, planning resources and finances, and strategising for the long term. This section details how to incorporate forecasting into the operational system:
In the operational system, it’s wise to formalise yield forecasting. For instance, schedule a “yield forecast review” meeting mid-season (maybe 6–8 weeks post flowering) to discuss all available info (fruit set, tree health, etc.) and come to a forecast. Update it again just before harvest with more solid numbers (e.g. from sample picking an olive bin from a tree or small plot and weighing). Document these forecasts and later compare them to actual yield to improve your methods over time.
Forecasting is not only about yield – it’s equally about financials. A robust operational system will include:
By treating budgeting and financial forecasting as an integral part of the operational system (rather than an afterthought at tax time), professional growers ensure that agronomic decisions are grounded in financial reality. It also impresses stakeholders (banks, investors) when the business can show proactive financial planning.
Beyond the annual scale, a comprehensive system should guide strategic planning over the long term:
To translate all the above components into day-to-day action, the system should provide clear workflows and ready-to-use templates. These resources ensure consistency, save time, and serve as training tools for staff. Below are some of the key templates and checklists recommended, along with their purpose:
In the resources library of industry organisations, many of these templates are available. The Australian Olive Association, for instance, provides resources like the Yearly Orchard Planner, an IPDM manual, and other guides which include checklists and record sheets (often accessible to members). International bodies like the IOC or FAO have Good Agricultural Practices manuals that contain sample record forms. The key is to adopt and customise these to your farm’s needs, then consistently use them.
By having structured workflows and templates, the operation runs in a systematised way rather than relying on memory or ad hoc decisions. This reduces risk (e.g. missing a spray or forgetting to service something) and improves training – new staff can quickly learn the ropes by following established formats. Moreover, in the event a manager is away, the existence of clear checklists and templates means the team can continue to function with minimal disruption, since the “recipe” for tasks is documented.
To support the comprehensive system described, certain technologies and software tools are highly beneficial. Below, we provide recommendations for tools that are either commercially available or emanate from credible research institutions, ensuring they are reliable and suitable for professional use. These cover farm management platforms, specialised olive cultivation tools, and general agtech solutions:
In conclusion, a comprehensive operational system for professional olive producers weaves together agronomic best practices, detailed record-keeping, cost management, and technology integration and planning into one coherent framework. By implementing a structured management calendar, maintaining meticulous records of both activities and expenses, and leveraging modern sensors and software, growers can achieve a high level of control and insight into their operations. This system is designed to be holistic – covering the soil beneath the trees to the finances underpinning the enterprise – and adaptive, allowing for localisation (Australian conditions in this context, but with practices applicable globally) and continuous improvement as new knowledge or tools emerge.
Crucially, the system emphasises that planning and monitoring are as important as doing. Seasonal checklists and annual planners ensure proactive management rather than reactive firefighting. Cost templates and forecasting tools ensure that production is not just good in the grove but also economically sustainable. Meanwhile, data from IoT sensors and decision support models enable precision farming – applying the right intervention at the right time and place, which is both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.
Implementing this comprehensive system may require an initial investment in time (to set up templates, train staff) and capital (for technology or new equipment), but the returns are seen in higher yields, better quality, lower wastage of inputs, and improved ability to cope with challenges (be it a pest outbreak or a drought year). As demonstrated by progressive growers and supported by research, the integration of traditional olive cultivation wisdom with cutting-edge agtech forms the blueprint for the future of olive production.
By following the structured approach outlined in this report, professional olive producers in Australia – and those in similar olive-growing regions worldwide – can enhance the productivity and sustainability of their groves. They will be well-equipped to produce olive oil and table olives of the highest quality, with an operation that is efficient, resilient, and ready to capitalise on innovations and market opportunities. The ultimate goal of this system is to ensure that every aspect of the olive orchard, from bud to bottle, is managed with excellence and foresight – securing both the profitability of the enterprise and the legacy of the grove for years to come.
Sources:
SMART PRUNING FOR STRONGER, HIGHER-YIELD OLIVE TREES
By Marcelo Berlanda, Agronomist & Consultant for The Olive Centre
“Olive trees must put out fresh growth each year to produce fruit.”
Training shapes the tree to support efficient harvesting and encourage early production
When trees reach the canopy size best suited to their environment, yields may begin to drop. This often happens because the inner canopy receives limited sunlight, leading to leaf loss and a reduced Leaf-to-Wood Ratio. If a tree grows beyond its ideal size, it creates challenges for mechanical harvesters. Excess height and width, along with thick branches, can strain or damage harvesting equipment, reduce fruit removal efficiency, and slow the harvest. Because olive trees need to produce new shoots annually to maintain fruiting, consistent growth is essential—and pruning becomes an important management practice. Pruning improves fruit size, oil content, light penetration, and the Leaf-to-Wood Ratio. It also stimulates fresh growth and lowers water and fertiliser demand.
1- TREE TRAINING
Purpose: Establish early productivity with stronger yields, extend the productive lifespan of the tree, enhance fruit quality, and prepare trees for the harvesting system used in the grove.
Timing: Training occurs within the first three years of the tree’s development.
In the first year, pruning is minimal (assuming nursery trees arrive with a good structure). Remove lower or overly vigorous branches that compete with the central leader. The goal is to maintain an upright main trunk with outward-growing horizontal branches. Water shoots should be removed so they do not compete for nutrients and moisture.
During the second and third years, gradually remove lower branches below approximately 600–1000 mm.
A balance is essential. Removing too much canopy reduces the tree’s photosynthetic area, slowing its progress until new growth resumes.
Light pruning involves removing only small sections of foliage (such as a few short shoots), which keeps the tree stable. This can be done from August through late May.
Heavy pruning removes larger amounts of foliage, prompting a stronger regrowth response but also increasing frost risk. Heavy cuts should generally be delayed until late September unless conditions are warm enough to begin earlier.
Tree training may also include tying and skirting as part of shaping and preparation.
2- PRODUCTION
Young trees contain many non-productive branches because they are still actively growing. Once these branches mature and begin producing fruit, they eventually become exhausted and stop fruiting. At that point, they need to be removed to make room for new productive growth and renewal of the canopy.
LoIf the bloom is light, pruning should focus mainly on non-productive wood to preserve as much fruiting potential as possible. In years with heavy bloom, pruning can be more assertive without significantly reducing the crop.
Timing: From bud break through early December.
3- AFTER HARVEST (CLEANING)
The goal at this stage is to remove large damaged branches left behind after mechanical harvest. This step can be postponed by applying copper after harvest and waiting until spring to remove the affected wood.
Read More: ● Marcelo Berlanda ● Mechanical Pruning ● Mechanical Harvesting
08/11/19:? Pruning techniques and timing are always a misunderstood practice throughout the olive growing community.? This study is interesting because it delves into simulated mechanical pruning and also introduces the potential use of plant growth regulators.
Pruning is a necessary grove management practice to assist in maintaining appropriate canopy size and promote higher levels of flowering in olive groves.? Recent studies assessing the agronomic responses to mechanical pruning have found that moderate to severe winter mechanical hedge pruning can result in a vigorous vegetative growth response the next season which could reduce subsequent flowering for up to three seasons.
The latest research out of Argentina highlights a potential direction in findings that plant growth regulators need to be assessed in its use for increasing fruit yield.
The study looked at the different techniques for the impact of increasing flowering and fruit yield which included:
Researchers noted ?The thinning of the new water sprouts at pit hardening 4 months after the simulated mechanical winter pruning reduced tree size and improved the return flowering and yield but is time-consuming.? Whilst tip heading was not effective in controlling shoot growth nor promoting flowering on new shoots.?
?The encouraging responses to plant growth regulator on unpruned trees indicate the need for further studies combining winter pruning with MC applications in the 2000?3000 ppm range at pit hardening and at other phenological stages and for several consecutive years to confirm whether this practice is a better post pruning management tool."
This research is interesting because the use of plant growth regulators could become an important tool for improving flowering and fruit yields.? With the current drought conditions looking at alternative techniques to improve fruit yield could be a game-changer for the Olive Industry and should be explored.
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Responses of Shoot Growth, Return Flowering, and Fruit Yield to Post-Pruning Practices and Growth Regulator Applications In Olive Trees
Abstract
Winter mechanical hedge pruning of olive trees can result in a strong post-pruning shoot growth response and a low return flowering intensity the following year. However, post-pruning practices including tip heading, water sprout thinning, and the application of the growth inhibitor mepiquat chloride (MC) may positively reduce subsequent vegetative growth and promote flowering. Two experiments were carried out with the aim of addressing the following questions: (1) Do these post-pruning practices applied on trees that received simulated mechanical pruning during the winter reduce growth and increase flowering in the spring of the following year?; and (2) What is the optimal MC dose in unpruned trees needed to increase flowering the following spring? In the first experiment, five-year-old olive trees (cv. Arbequina) growing in a fairly low-density orchard (208 trees ha-1) were hedge pruned at the end of winter using manual clippers on the east and west sides to simulate mechanical disk pruning, and the post-pruning treatments were applied at the pit hardening stage (early summer). In the second experiment, foliar or soil application of MC was performed at pit hardening in unpruned trees. The results show that tip heading of new shoots led to a large number of lateral shoots that flowered little, or not at all, the following spring. In contrast, the water sprout thinning treatment had sufficient flowering to significantly increase fruit number and yield the following year compared to tip heading. Foliar application of MC (1500 ppm) after winter pruning did not inhibit new shoot growth, return flowering was low, and yield was less than the water sprout thinning treatment. The lack of a post-pruning response to foliar MC was likely related to the dose used (1500 ppm). In the second experiment, a foliar application of MC at 3000 ppm was associated with greater return flowering and yield than the untreated control. In conclusion, thinning of vigorous water sprouts at the pit hardening stage three months after simulated winter mechanical hedge pruning can improve fruit number and yield the next year, especially on a per canopy volume basis. Furthermore, the responses to foliar MC application in unpruned trees suggest that more detailed post-pruning studies with MC application doses in the 2000?3000 ppm range and at additional phenological stages should be performed over several consecutive years to assess whether this practice could be a suitable management tool.
Results The effects of water regimes on the plant water status, photosynthetic performance, metabolites fluctuations and fruit quality parameters were evaluated. All DIS treatments enhanced leaf tissue density, RDI and SDI generally did not affect leaf water status and maintained photosynthetic machinery working properly, while SDIAF treatment impaired olive tree physiological indicators. DIS treatments maintained the levels of primary metabolites in leaves, but SDIAF plants showed signs of oxidative stress.
Moreover, DIS treatments led to changes in the secondary metabolism, both in leaves and in fruits, with increased total phenolic compounds, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids concentrations, and higher total antioxidant capacity, as well higher oil content.
Phenolic profiles showed the relevance of an early harvest in order to obtain higher oleuropein levels with associated higher health benefits.
Conclusion Different treatments (or curing methods) that are necessary to remove the bitterness of the raw olive and to stabilize them to obtain edible table olives, causing a loss in phenolic substances which also results in a loss of anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. However, CdN black table olives were the richest in polyphenols, consequently possessing the best antioxidant activity among the analyzed black table olives and among other black table olives reported in literature.? Moreover, it is plausible that regular consumption of CdN table olives can give real returns in terms of prevention of oxidative stress.
Authors: V aleriaAlbarrac?na1, Antonio J.Hallb, Peter S.Searlesa, M. CeciliaRousseauxa
Read the full study at Scientia Horticulture
The world of pruning has changed since the innovation of 'the world's first electric pruning shear"... the ELECTROCOUP was pioneered in 1984 by INFACO in France. INFACO stands for 'IN'novation, 'FA'brication & 'CO'mmercialisation.
Since this time INFACO has released their 8th GENERATION ELECTROCOUP to the Australian market for commercial orchards and groves which forges the way for efficiency and safety like no other.
INFACO's F3015 is super fast and offers exceptional speed when pruning between cuts. The trigger is ready to take orders from the operator and when we trialed these amongst many other brands on the market this was one area where the speed had excelled in this new model. Efficiency is key to any commercial pruning operation.
The ability to vary the cutting capacity with the standard, medium and maxi head (up to 50mm cutting capacity) ensures this unit is flexible to be used across many horticultural operations. For Olive Trees we have found the best user experience is with the Medium cutting head and it offers to be not too large and is weighted quite well in the user's hand. The half aperture allows for quick pruning of small material as well, which makes the realisation in pruning speed to occur.
Today, INFACO has engineered a streamlined experience which morphs the 8th Generation, F3015, into the lightest, most compact, and powerful electric pruner ever made.
TheElectrocoup F3015's are a significant evolution and a new era in pruning capability. Beneath the covers of this cutting-edge design, major advancement in motor and circuitry functionality - powered by new-generation lithium battery technology. It is measurably faster and more powerful than any other tool currently on the market!
Built for performance, the F3015's comes with unprecedented versatility, clean finish, and comfortable handling, giving the modern-day pruner the ultimate professional experience and speed to match.? Efficiency improvement is the real strength in the modern-day orchard!
LIFETIME WARRANTY - Reinforced Balance and Stability?
The Inner Body of the F3015 is made up of a sturdy, singular piece of alloy (predominantly used in aeronautics) that holds together all the central components, making it the lightest design possible.?
Advanced Motor and Circuitry
New lightweight brushless motor & new circuit boards with a water-resistant coating.
New Outer Covers
Soft and comfortable NON-SLIP grip. Double sealed water resistant covers.
New LED Light System
ON - OFF indicator,?Battery life indicator, troubleshooting aids.?
ON-OFF Switch
Power switch is now on the shear which means no more control box.
Adjust Half Open Position?
10 pre-set half open positions.
Adjust Blade Overlap Position?
10 pre-set blade overlap positions.
Ultra Compact Lithium Battery
Smart Charger
The smart charger extends daily usability to ensure the battery lasts all day and charges fast.?
The new F3015 battery can be carried 4 different ways:
With this new generation award-winning safety system, it is a real benefit for operators to no longer need to be hooked up with additional wires connected to the secateurs.
The system comprises of a conductive trigger (patented) that connects the user?s body to the electronic control system of the shear, thus detecting any contact between the cutting head and the operator?s skin. When this occurs, the system immediately initiates the re-opening of the blades thus avoiding any potential grievous incident.
This system can be retrofitted to any existing F3015 model or can be purchased with NEW units that come fitted from the factory.
The sliding trigger on the pole ensures the user is in complete control!
The F3015 Electrocoup can be used on a set of fixed or telescopic extension poles ranging between 1.2M and 3.5M. This enables the user to reach a height of up to 5M from the ground.?
There is now no need for cherry pickers or ladders to be involved in pruning to keep the operator's safety at the forefront which also enhances the safety features of the Electrocoup. Each part of the Electrocoup has been field-tested to ensure maximum usability.
The tool?s key asset is its versatility to adapt to different cutting capacities of up to 50mm in the Maxi Head.
Electrocoup is currently the?only electric shear in the world with 4 interchangeable heads with adjustable half-aperture and DSES Safety system. F3015 can be purchased in Light, Standard, Medium, or Maxi versions at a special price.
The F3015 has alot to offer and has many benefits;
The F3015 Electrocoup is a very well thought out and engineered pruning tool and we would highly recommend it.
More about Electrocoup F3015
Horticultural Industries: Grapes, Hazelnuts, Macadamia, Olives, Stone Fruit, Apples, Pears, Almond, Avocado, Blueberries, Custard Apples, Lychees, Tree Nuts, Avocado, Citrus; Orange, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin and much more...
?It is a fact that to produce fruit, olive trees need to grow and produce new branches each year?Training helps give the tree the optimal shape to allow for efficient harvest as well as achieving early crops.
Once the trees have reached their optimum canopy volume for the environmental conditions of the area, it is likely that the yields could start declining. This is due to the fact that the inner part of the canopy does not receive sufficient sunlight, which causes defoliation, resulting in a low Leaf to Wood Ratio.
If the tree grows above its optimum size, it creates serious issues for the harvester machines.? The tree becomes too high and too wide for the machines, it has thick branches which can cause damage on the picking heads and also reduces removal efficiency of the machine as well as slows down the overall harvesting speed.
It is a fact that to produce fruit, Olive trees need to grow and produce new branches each year; therefore the trees need to grow every year. It is here where pruning becomes a very useful management tool.
Pruning helps increase Fruit Size, Oil Yield, Light Interception, and Leaf to Wood ratio, it promotes new growth and reduces water and fertiliser requirements.
Timing: training takes place during the first 3 years of tree life.During the first year minimum pruning is required (provided the trees come with a suitable shape from the nursery), lower and vigorous branches competing with the leader should be removed. The aim is to encourage a straight vertical trunk with horizontal branches coming out. Water shoots must be removed to stop competition for water and nutrients.?
On the second and third year the aim is to remove lower branches below 600-700-800-1000mm (must be done gradually)?
There must be a balance between what is taken out and what is left on.? If we remove too much canopy, we have a negative effect on the tree, because we are removing photosynthetic area setting the tree back for a while until it starts growing again.
Light pruning is a process by which we only take a small amount of foliage (a couple of small branches), therefore we are not affecting tree balance. That is why it can be done from August until the end of May.
Heavier pruning in this process we take large amounts of foliage therefore we are promoting a stronger reaction from the tree, this makes it susceptible to frost damage. That is why we should be delaying it until the end of September unless the weather is warmer. If that is the case we could start at the beginning of September.
Tree training not only involves light and heavy pruning but also tree tying and skirting.
This type of pruning is performed on mature trees once they have reached full size. It has the aim of balancing the tree to obtain uniform and constant production every year.As we know when trees are young there is a larger number of non-productive branches and that is because those branches are actively growing, but once they have reached their potential, they stop growing and start producing fruits, after a while, those branches are exhausted and they stop producing, therefore they should be removed, to encourage new growth and renew the tree.
If bloom is light, pruning can be confined to non-productive parts of the tree, preserving as much bloom and potential crop as possible. In years of heave bloom, pruning can be more severe without excessive crop removal.
Time of pruning: bud break until early December.
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