Improving growth, production and oil quality of two olive cultivars (Manzanillo and Koroneiki) using calcium oxide in the form of nanoparticles

Abstract

In every country of the globe, and particularly in the Mediterranean area, olives are considered one of the most significant fruit crops. Calcium fertilization is a common agricultural practice in olive orchards to sustain a good fruit set and development thus, an abundant yield with high quality standards will be expected. Calcium nanoparticles application has emerged as an efficient strategy for supplying plants with their calcium needs owing to their enhanced characteristics as a result of their high surface-tovolume ratio. The purpose of this research was to evaluate how calcium oxide nanoparticles CaO NPs will affect the growth, yield and fruit quality parameters of Manzanillo and Koroneiki olive cultivars grown in a commercial orchard in Beheira governorate, Egypt. The study was conducted for 2
consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023). Trees were sprayed with CaO NPs in 3 different concentrations of (100, 200, and 300) ppm in March, April, and May (before blooming, during full bloom, and after fruit set). The water-sprayed trees were considered as control. Results showed a significant improvement in almost all the studied parameters including flowering, fruit set, yield and oil content with the application of CaO NPs to olive trees especially the 200 ppm and 300 ppm concentrations.