Vegetative structure and distribution of oil yield components and fruit characteristics within olive hedgerows (cv. Arbosana) mechanically pruned annually on alternating sides in San Juan, Argentina

Abstract

In olive hedgerows mechanical pruning is needed to control hedgerow dimensions for canopy illumination and access by harvesting machinery but yield responses to pruning strategies remain unclear. This study records the impact of annual mechanical topping with pruning on alternating sides of hedgerows on the internal distribution of fruit characteristics and oil yield. Hedging was applied in winter at 0.4 m from the trunk on West and East sides in 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons, respectively, along with topping at 3.0 m height. Hedgerow width, height and porosity were characterized after pruning and before harvest. Oil production, fruit number and fruit characteristics were evaluated in 20 posit..