Effect of Bio Fertilizers and Natural Minerals on Productivity and Fruit Quality of Olive Trees Cv. “Picual”

Abstract

A study was carried out during 2009 and 2010 growing seasons on olive cv. ‘Picual’, (12 years old), planted in a farm located at 50 kilometer from Cairo. The trees were planted at 6×6meters apart and grown in sandy soil and irrigated with drip irrigation from well (underground water). The effect of Pomace of the olive mill wastes, Compost, Rock phosphate, Feldspar alone or combined with Netropeine, Phosphoreine and Potaseine (bio-fertilizers) on vegetative growth, flowering, yield and fruit characteristics of olive trees cv. “Picual” was studied. Data showed that Compost alone increased shoot length and shoot diameter in the second season whereas, No. of leaves was significantly increased by Compost addition in both seasons compared to the other tested treatments. The addition of Rock phosphate alone followed by Compost plus pomace supported with bio-fertilizers significantly improved No. of inflorescences/m in the first season, only. Perfect flowers percentage and No. of retained fruits/m after June drop were improved by the Pomace provided with bio-fertilizers and Rock phosphate alone during both growing seasons. Feldspar treatment alone gave the superior values in pulp/seed ratio during the first season. Pomace enriched with bio-fertilizers and Compost improved fruit quality (fruit length, fruit diameter and pulp weight) during both seasons. Fruit and pulp weight were enhanced after treateing the plants with Pomace or Compost combined with biofertilizer. As for the yield, the Feldspar alone or Pomace and Compost plus bio-fertilizers gave the highest significant values compared to the control and other treatments.