The needs of an olive tree vary considerably from season to season, according to its precise biological state at the time. This imposes specific responsibilities on those growers seeking to establish the most effective, most efficient cultivation practices, as well as to reduce their production costs.

The unique seasonal and biological needs of the olive tree must be the basis of any holistic management practice, but before this can be implemented the requirements of the olive need to be clearly understood and respected.

Thus, time and money can be wasted on agricultural practices which may be inappropriate to the season and have no effect on the tree. Or worse, a practice omitted in one season could have negative consequences in another, affecting grove efficiency and, ultimately, profitable production.

Spring, summer, winter and autumn are all particular times in an olive grove and impose a seasonal rhythm which needs to be respected and followed.

This one day seminar takes a close look at the many agricultural practices required to ensure profitable, healthy olive production. It segments these by season, identifying the particular biological needs of the tree at the time and the best way the grower can respond to them.

It also gives an “agricultural commitment rating” to each season.

Presented on Powerpoint it is illustrated with over 100 specific images. Lecture notes are supplied.

For the maximum benefit of participants this seminar is limited to 30 people.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Spring
   Includes an evaluation of soil maintenance, fertilizing, irrigation, pruning and insect and disease control methods
3. Summer
   Includes pest control and general grove infrastructure
4. Autumn
   Includes harvesting procedures and methods and fruit handling and storage.
5. Winter
   Includes frost preventative measures and pre-winter grove preparation
6. Conclusion and discussion