Salinity Tolerance in SHD Olive Cultivars: Insights for Growers
Comparing growth, physiology, and ion regulation in modern SHD olive cultivars to identify the most resilient options for saline irrigation environments.
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
The global adoption of SHD olive orchards—currently exceeding 420,000 hectares—has transformed olive production through mechanization and reduced labor costs. However, this intensification coincides with escalating soil salinization, affecting 33% of irrigated cropland worldwide. Salinity disrupts ionic balance, induces oxidative stress, and compromises photosynthesis, posing severe challenges for sustainable olive cultivation. This study evaluates five cultivars under controlled salinity conditions, aiming to identify tolerance mechanisms and guide cultivar deployment in saline-prone regions.
Results and Discussion
Growth Performance
Ionic Regulation
Arbosana maintained the highest biomass under severe salinity , while Arbequina showed the greatest reduction. Lecciana exhibited strong trunk diameter growth under mild salinity but reduced shoot elongation at 75 mM. Coriana displayed a unique biomass increase at 50 mM NaCl. Organ-specific analysis revealed roots as the most sensitive tissue, with a 20% reduction at 75 mM NaCl, while wood acted as an ion buffer, increasing biomass by 24.9% under stress.
Practical Recommendations
Arbosana maintained the highest biomass under severe salinity , while Arbequina showed the greatest reduction. Lecciana exhibited strong trunk diameter growth under mild salinity but reduced shoot elongation at 75 mM. Coriana displayed a unique biomass increase at 50 mM NaCl. Organ-specific analysis revealed roots as the most sensitive tissue, with a 20% reduction at 75 mM NaCl, while wood acted as an ion buffer, increasing biomass by 24.9% under stress.
Future Outlook
Arbosana maintained the highest biomass under severe salinity , while Arbequina showed the greatest reduction. Lecciana exhibited strong trunk diameter growth under mild salinity but reduced shoot elongation at 75 mM. Coriana displayed a unique biomass increase at 50 mM NaCl. Organ-specific analysis revealed roots as the most sensitive tissue, with a 20% reduction at 75 mM NaCl, while wood acted as an ion buffer, increasing biomass by 24.9% under stress.
