While olive trees are one of the easiest of fruit trees to grow they're one of the most difficult to cultivate for commercial production. To induce them to produce economic quantities of saleable, useable fruit they require very specific cultural practices not transferable from another variety.

The tree's particular root system, growth habit & its evergreen nature require special management, particularly in the early stages of its development. Then, once established, different approaches are necessary to maximize fruit production & reduce premature ageing.

The management of trees & the immediate environment in their first four to five years greatly determines the long term viability & health of the grove and, thus, requires a considered, integrated set of precise management practices.

This one day seminar identifies those practices necessary for the establishment of new groves, as well as how to manage trees in their maturity. It involves the development of establishment & performance models to gauge the efficacy of cultural practices, as well as opportunity for discussion & debate on the worth of various methods.

Presented on Powerpoint & illustrated with pictorial slides it also can incorporate practical demonstrations such as planAting techniques, pruning & soil management. It is limited to 30 participants.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. The tree & its management
   Includes brief botanical theory, disease, insect & pest control, pruning & growth & performance monitoring.
3. The soil & its management
   Includes brief theory of soils, soil management & its importance, soil compaction, inter-planting & Integrated Weed Management.
4. Fertilizing
   Includes the basic requirements of the olive, different effects of different elements & the various application methods.
5. Irrigation
6. The environment & its management
   Includes frost control.
7. Conclusion & discussion