High-Throughput System for the Early Quantification of Major Architectural Traits in Olive Breeding Trials Using UAV Images and OBIA Techniques

The need for the olive farm modernization have encouraged the research of more efficient crop management strategies through cross-breeding programs to release new olive cultivars more suitable for mechanization and use in intensive orchards, with high quality production and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The advancement of breeding programs are hampered by the lack of efficient phenotyping methods to quickly and accurately acquire crop traits such as morphological attributes (tree vigor and vegetative growth habits), which are key to identify desirable genotypes as early as possible. In this context, an UAV-based high-throughput system for olive breeding program applications was developed to extract tree traits in large-scale phenotyping studies under field conditions. The system consisted of UAV-flight configurations, in terms of flight altitude and image overlaps, and a novel, automatic, and accurate object-based image analysis (OBIA) algorithm based on point clouds, which was evaluated in two experimental trials in the framework of a table olive breeding program, with the aim to determine the earliest date for suitable quantifying of tree architectural traits. Two training systems (intensive and hedgerow) were evaluated at two very early stages of tree growth: 15 and 27 months after planting. Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) were automatically and accurately generated by the algorithm as well as every olive tree identified, independently of the training system and tree age. The architectural traits, specially tree height and crown area, were estimated with high accuracy in the second flight campaign, i.e. 27 months after planting. Differences in the quality of 3D crown reconstruction were found for the growth patterns derived from each training system. These key phenotyping traits could be used in several olive breeding programs, as well as to address some agronomical goals. In addition, this system is cost and time optimized, so that requested architectural traits could be provided in the same day as UAV flights. This high-throughput system may solve the actual bottleneck of plant phenotyping of "linking genotype and phenotype," considered a major challenge for crop research in the 21st century, and bring forward the crucial time of decision making for breeders

Technical Versus Institutional Innovation in Andalusian Olive Tree Orchards: An Adoption Modelling Analysis

A survey carried out among olive tree growers in different districts of southern Spain allows the identification and analysis of factors related with adoption of several technical and institutional innovations. At that respect, a composite numerical index has been performed including all innovations considered, among then the following: changes in orchard structure, non or reduced tillage, use of tree vibrators for harvesting, non conventional methods for fighting pests and diseases, keeping an accounting systems, annual farm planning, level of information and awareness of the European CMO in relation to olive oils, etc. Structural and managerial variables of the orchard and personal characteristics of the grower, related to the composite innovation index, have been identified. In a second step, two similar separate analysis have been made for both technical and institutional innovations, and several conclusions have, finally, been drawn concerning factors that should enhance both types of innovations adoption in Spanish olive orchards.Innovation adoption, institutional and technological innovations, olive tree growers, Crop Production/Industries, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

The Olive tree from juvenility to maturity: Insight on the developmental changes over years and the genetic basis of vegetative and reproductive traits : W304

Fruit trees productivity is closely linked to their development. Integrating architectural traits in breeding programs could optimise cultivation management and improve bearing regularity. Here, we investigate the genetic determinism of architectural traits in the olive tree. During juvenility, growth and branching traits were investigated at whole tree, growth unit and internodes scales. Genetic models, including the year of growth, genotype effects and their interactions, were built, considering variance function and covariance structure of residuals. Morphogenetic factors impacting tree architecture were identified and heritability was estimated. These findings allow us to define when during tree ontogeny and at which observation scale, growth and branching traits are under genetic influence. Changes over time associated to the acquisition of reproductive competence were further observed. Our strategy was based on (i) a decomposition of adult growth units in quantitative variables related to flowering and fruiting process in relation to their growth and branching (ii) an annual assessment of trees yield. Olive trees were either 'on' or 'off' in a given year. This observation over four years revealed patterns of regular vs. irregular bearing. After developing a genetic map, a QTL mapping was carried out on reproductive traits. This study gives an overview of olive tree development during juvenility and maturity periods showing the existence of ontogenic trends, which result in traits heritable only at the tree periphery. A phenotyping strategy adapted to its architectural characteristics is proposed. Finally, regular bearing progenies were identified and could constitute sources for innovative materials in future selection programs. (Résumé d'auteur

Whole genome scanning of a Mediterranean basin hotspot collection provide new insights into olive tree biodiversity and biology

Olive tree (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea) is one of the most important species of the Mediterranean region and one of the most ancient species domesticated. The availability of whole genome assemblies and annotations of olive tree cultivars and oleaster (O. europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) has contributed to a better understanding of genetic and genomic differences between olive tree cultivars. However, compared to other plant species there is still a lack of genomic resources for olive tree popula-tions that span the entire Mediterranean region. In the present study we developed the most complete genomic variation map and the most comprehensive catalog/resource of molecular variation to date for 89 olive tree genotypes originating from the entire Mediterranean basin, revealing the genetic diversity of this commercially significant crop tree and explaining the divergence/similarity among different variants. Addi-tionally, the monumental ancient tree ‘Throuba Naxos’ was studied to characterize the potential origin or routes of olive tree domestication. Several candidate genes known to be associated with key agronomic traits, including olive oil quality and fruit yield, were uncovered by a selective sweep scan to be under selection pressure on all olive tree chromosomes. To further exploit the genomic and phenotypic resources obtained from the current work, genome-wide association analyses were performed for 23 morphological and two agronomic traits. Significant associations were detected for eight traits that provide valuable candidates for fruit tree breeding and for deeper understanding of olive tree biology.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITIES OF OLIVE TREE EXTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was the in vivo evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of an olive tree extract with high polyphenols content.Methods: This olive tree extract was obtained from Moroccan olive fruits and leaves using an eco-extraction free of chemical solvents and toxic additives. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan and histamine-induced paw edema methods. Analgesic activity of the olive tree extract was estimated against a hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing and formalin tests.Results: The extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with a dose-dependent manner. Anti-inflammatory activity of olive tree extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses was more important compared to the used standard drugs (p<0.05), in both carrageenan and histamine-induced paw edema tests. In analgesic assays, results showed that 500 mg/kg dose of olive tree extract has a significant analgesic effect through both peripheral and central mechanisms.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that olive tree extract is safe and has potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, which promote this use as a food supplement against pain and inflammation related to inflammatory diseases.Keywords: Olive leaves, Olive fruit, Polyphenols, Anti-inflammatory, and Analgesic, In viv

African Olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) as an environmental weed in eastern Australia: a review

African Olive, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) Cif. (family Oleaceae) is a dense-crowned tree introduced into Australia for horticulture in the mid 19th century. In recent decades, African Olive has become an aggressive woody weed, capable of forming a dense and permanent canopy in a wide range of vegetation types in south-west Sydney and beyond. Characteristics of African Olive invasion in south-west Sydney, and its seed dispersal by frugivorous birds are consistent with experience from Norfolk Island and Hawaii. We use records and aerial photographs from Mount Annan Botanic Garden and other bushland areas in south-west Sydney to describe the invasion stages and impacts of African Olive. The capacity for African Olive to establish in both temperate and subtropical zones, underlie the potential for spread well beyond current distribution in New South Wales. Research is now required to further develop control techniques and ecological restoration strategies for areas of heavy African Olive infestation. Mapping of current locations and a coordinated control strategy for African Olive is required to prevent future permanent loss of native plant diversity

Long-Term Evaluation of the Influence of Mechanical Pruning on Olive Growing

In Portugal, olive (Olea europaea L.) groves with the traditional tree density of around 100 trees ha -1, necessitate increasing pruning costs every year. As a result farmers tend to lengthen pruning intervals. With the purpose of studying a mechanised alternative to the expensive, labor-intensive manual pruning practice, the authors established in 1997 field trials with the following three treatments: i) manual pruning with a chain saw; ii) mechanical pruning, performed by a tractor mounted cutting bar provided with 6 circular disc-saws; and iii) mechanical pruning, as in the mechanical pruning treatment, followed by a manual pruning complement. The effect of the above treatments on olive production and on harvesting efficiency was evaluated every year for 8 yr. The harvesting was performed by a trunk shaker, and the remaining non-detached fruits were collected manually. The pruning rate of mechanical pruning (487 trees hour-1man-1) was substantially higher than the values of manual pruning and mechanical+manual pruning, which were the same (20 trees hour-1man-1). Over the 8-yr period, mechanical pruning had an average yield of 36,4 kg tree-1 year-1 which was significantly higher than the 30,1 kg tree-1 year-1 of manual pruning and no significantly different from the 34,1 kg tree-1 year-1 of mechanical+manual pruning. The shaker efficiency was significantly influenced by the year, ranging from 72% to 96%; no significant differences were found between treatments in terms of harvesting efficiency. These tests indicate that after mechanized pruning (horizontal cut at the uppermost part of the canopy) trees can be kept for at least 8 years without any significant loss in olive yield per tree and no effect in harvesting efficiency, therefore reducing costs. Selective manual complement to the mechanized pruning, performed in the same year, does not provide any further advantages in olive yield nor in shaker performance and consequently increasing production costs

Inventory and world geographical distribution of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and phytoplasma

The objective of this work is to prepare an Inventory about the viral and bacterial diseases of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) and to study their Geographical distribution in the world. Fifteen viruses were considered as pathogens on the olive tree, these viruses were reported in 22 countries in five continents showing different symptoms on different olive tree varieties. All viruses were reported in Italy, some of these viruses were found only in the Eurepean continent, such as Olive vein yellows associated virus (OVYaV), Olive yellow mottling and decline associated virus (OYMDaV), Olive mild mosaic virus (OMMV) and Olive semilatent virus (OSLV). Two bacteria were reported as pathogen on the olive tree; Pseudomonas savastanoi. pv. savastanoi responsible bacteria of thr olive knot; a serious disease of olive (Olea europaea L.) in the Mediterranean region. This bacteria was detected in 22 countries in five continents, the majority of these countries exist in the Mediterranean Basin. Another bacteria was Xylella fastidiosa responsible of the quick decline syndrome of olive (OQDS), was deteted in Europe in four countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal and Slovenia) and in America in three countries (USA, Argentina and Brazil). Phtoplasmas was reported in 5 countries in three continents (Europe, Asia and Australia)

Infestation of Olive Fruit Fly, Bactrocera oleae, in California and Taxonomy of its Host Trees

The results of the trapping survey were analyzed to determine the taxonomy of various tree species infested by the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) in California. Since its first appearance in California in 1998, the olive fruit fly has spread from Los Angeles to 37 counties, including all of the state’s commercial olive growing areas. Olive fruit flies were trapped from 19 tree species belonging to nine genera distributed in seven families of angiosperms. Olives (Family Oleaceae) were the preferred host of the olive fruit fly. Family Rosaceae had nine host tree species followed by Rutaceae (five host tree species). Other host tree species were distributed in Anacardiaceae, Fabaceae (Leguminosae), Lythraceae and Malpigiaceae families. These hosts were mostly fruit trees with the exceptions of Brazilian pepper tree, carob, crape myrtle and ornamental plum. The host list reflects typical hosts and is not comprehensive. It is unknown if different olive cultivars are more attractive to the fly or more susceptible to fly damage. The pest directly attacks olive fruits and can devastate entire harvests. Adults feed on nectar, honeydew and other opportunistic sources of liquid or semi-liquid food. University of California scientists are now developing specific information about the olive fruit fly in California and have synthesized useful findings from Europe, where the pest has long been established