An alternative assessment of olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars adaptation in the Mediterranean Saharan context of Algeria

Abstract: The present study was carried out during five successive seasons (2010 to 2014) on mature autochthonous olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars namely: Azeradj, Chemlal, Neb djemel, Rougette and Sigoise grown under drip irrigation system in Dhaouia’s pilot farm in Oued Souf region in Algeria. Yield performance and pomological characteristics of these cultivars were studied. Results indicated that all of studied cultivars had acceptable olive production. Chemlal and Rougette recorded the highest cumulative yield over a five years period (306.6 and 294 kg/tree, respectively) whereas the lowest cumulative yield was from Neb djemel (243 kg/tree). Rougette had a remarkably alternate bearing index (0.18), whereas the other varieties showed a better stability in olive yields by a low alternate index (? 0.07). The largest fruit (6.86 g) were from Sigoise whereas Chemlal had the smallest fruit (1.76 g). Highest pulp fraction of total fruit weight (88.14%) was found in Sigoise, while the lowest (70.44%) was determined for Chemlal. Highest oil content in pulp dry weight was recorded in Rougette (36.31%) and Azeradj (32.35%), while the lowest values (20.14%) were recorded in Sigoise, Chemlal (27.71%) and Neb djemel (28.46%). Highest phenolic content in dry fruit pulp (23.56 mg GAE/g) was recorded in Sigoise whereas Azeradj had the lowest content (4.36 mg GAE/g). Based on these results, we recommend cultivating Sigoise and Neb djemel exclusively for table olive production in the Oued souf region, Rougette may be for dual purpose production, taking into account the economic feasibility for olive oil production in these desert areas.