Meriem Tekaya

Effect of nutrient‐based fertilisers of olive trees on olive oil quality

BACKGROUND This work was conducted to determine the effects of two nutrient-based fertilisers on the general physicochemical characteristics (including free fatty acid content, peroxide value and UV spectrophotometric characteristics), fatty acid profile, total phenols, o-diphenols and phytosterol composition of olive oil. Foliar applications were carried out in two successive years and included four treatments: TC (control, without foliar nutrition), T1 (rich in nitrogen, applied at the start of vegetation, 10 days later and 20 days later), T2 (rich in boron, magnesium, sulfur and manganese, applied at the beginning of flowering and 10 days later) and T3 (T1+T2). At the end of the experiment (after 2 years), oils were extracted and analysed. RESULTS No effect was found on either general physicochemical characteristics or fatty acid composition. Foliar fertilisation caused a significant decrease in both polyphenol and o-diphenol contents. Total sterol content was unaffected by foliar fertilisation. However, the phytosterol composition of the oil, particularly its β-sitosterol level, was markedly improved after foliar nutrient application. Principal component analysis of the phytosterol composition showed discrimination between the control oil and the oils from T1, T2 and T3 treatments. CONCLUSION The results of this study extend the current knowledge of such cross-talk between plant nutrition and quality of oil.

Determination of Mannitol Sorbitol and Myo-Inositol in Olive Tree Roots and Rhizospheric Soil by Gas Chromatography and Effect of Severe Drought Conditions on Their Profiles

This study reports a method for the analysis of mannitol, sorbitol and myo-inositol in olive tree roots and rhizospheric soil with gas chromatography. The analytical method consists of extraction with a mixture of dichloromethane:methanol (2:1, v/v) for soil samples and a mixture of ethanol:water (80:20) for root samples, silylation using pyridine, hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). The recovery of mannitol sorbitol and myo-inositol (for extraction and analysis in dichloromethane:methanol and ethanol:water) was acceptable and ranged from 100.3 to 114.7%. The time of analysis was <24 min. Among identified polyols extracted from rhizosphere and roots of olive plants, mannitol was the major compound. A marked increase in mannitol content occurred in rhizosphere and roots of water-stressed plants, suggesting a much broader role of mannitol in stress response based on its ability to act as a compatible solute.

Colonization of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus sp. modified the glycolipids biosynthesis and resulted in accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids.

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi colonization on photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, the amount of phospholipids and glycolipids in the leaves of olive (Olea europaea L.) trees was investigated. After six months of growth, the rate of photosynthesis, carboxylation efficiency, transpiration and stomatal conductance in mycorrhizal (M) plants was significantly higher than that of non-mycorrhizal (NM) plants. The inoculation treatment increased the foliar P and Mg but not N. The amount of glycolipids in the leaves of M plants was significantly higher than that of NM plants. However, the amount of phospholipids in the leaves of M plants was not significantly different to that in the leaves of NM plants. Also, we observed a significant increase in the level of α-linolenic acid (C18:3ω3) in glycolipids of M plants. This work supports the view that increased glycolipids level in the leaves of M plants could be involved, at least in part, in the beneficial effects of mycorrhizal colonization on photosynthesis performance of olive trees. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of AM fungi on the amount of glycolipids in the leaves of mycorrhizal plants.

Improving performance of olive trees by the enhancement of key physiological parameters of olive leaves in response to foliar fertilization

Most of the studies investigated the effects of nutrient-based fertilizers on olive fruits and oil quality; few studies have been interested in the modification of the chemical composition of olive leaves in response to fertilization. Thus, the current study aims to examine the effects of foliar fertilization on the mineral profile of olive leaves as well as the concentrations of chlorophyll, antioxidants (phenolic compounds) and carbohydrates. Experimentation consists of the annual application of six treatments during two successive growing seasons (2009–2010): TC (untreated trees), P1 (nitrogen-based fertilizer), P2 (contains boron, magnesium and manganese), P3 (phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer), P4 (rich in calcium and phosphorus), T5 (P1 and P2 application) and T6 (P1, P2, P3 and P4 application). At the end of the experiment, mineral analysis of olive leaves showed an increase in the concentrations of most nutrients which induced changes in biochemical composition: an increase of chlorophyll content, a reduction of total phenols and oleuropein concentrations coupled with an increase of hydroxytyrosol level. Moreover, an increase of total sugar content and most individual sugars, principally translocated forms of sugars (mannitol, sucrose and raffinose), was also observed. The accumulation of these key physiological parameters by foliar fertilization suggests an improvement of physiological performance and photosynthetic capacity of olive trees. Moreover, from a biological point of view, the results of the study revealed the possibility to improve plants of medicinal interest by enhancing the accumulation of some bio-active compounds, such as hydroxytyrosol and mannitol, via foliar nutrient supply.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis influences key physiological parameters of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) and mineral nutrient profile

In this study, we hypothesized that colonization of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis could modify the profiles of rhizosphere microbial communities with subsequent effects on nutrient uptake that directly affects olive tree physiology and performance. In this context, a greenhouse experiment was carried out in order to study the effects of mycorrhizal colonization by R. irregularis on photosynthesis, pigment content, carbohydrate profile, and nutrient uptake in olive tree. After six months of growth, photosynthetic rate in mycorrhizal (M) plants was significantly higher than that of nonmycorrhizal plants. A sugar content analysis showed enhanced concentrations of mannitol, fructose, sucrose, raffinose, and trehalose in M roots. We also observed a significant increase in P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Mn contents in leaves of the M plants. These results are important, since nutrient deficiency often occurs in Mediterranean semiarid ecosystems, where olive trees occupy a major place.

Effect of foliar bio-fertilization on growth and biochemical parameters of olive trees at flowering

Abstract Growth and biochemical parameters of leaves, flower buds and flowers of olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali) treated by foliar biofertilization (T0: untreated trees; T1: rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K); T2: rich in calcium (Ca); T3: application of T1 and T2) were analyzed during the flowering stage. The results showed that T1 resulted in higher contents of leaf N, K, and Na. T1 and T3 resulted in an increase of pigment concentration in leaves. All foliar treatments affected negatively the contents of total polyphenols and orthodiphenols in leaves and flower buds. Lower amounts of individual phenolic compounds were detected in the leaves under all foliar bio-fertilizations and in flower buds of olive trees sprayed with T2 and T3. This decrease is explained by the lower enzymatic activity of l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. In flowers, T1 exhibits the highest levels of total polyphenols, o-diphenols, and individual phenolic compounds compared to T0.

Long-term field evaluation of the changes in fruit and olive oil chemical compositions after agronomic application of olive mill wastewater with rock phosphate

The objectives of this study were to determine the long-term effects of agronomic application of olive mill wastewater (OMW) with rock phosphate (RP) in a field of olive trees, on olive fruits and oil quality. The results revealed that olive fruits of OMW-RP amended plants had higher contents of polyphenols and mannitol indicating that agronomic application of OMW with RP generated an oxidative stress. Land spreading of OMW with RP altered the relative proportions of individual sugars in leaves and fruits. Consequently, the oil content decreased significantly, and a marked decrease in the contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls was also observed. Changes also took place in the composition of fatty acids, particularly by the increase of linoleic acid and the decrease of oleic acid. Our results suggested that the use of OMW in combination with RP is expected to have a major negative impact on olive fruit and oil quality.

Modification of pomological characteristics and flavour components of fruits and virgin olive oil following wastewater irrigation and soil tillage: Effects of agronomic practices on fruit and oil quality

BACKGROUND The experiment was carried out on olive trees cv. Chemlali, during two successive years (2013/2014). Two irrigation treatments (IT: Trees irrigated with wastewater; TRC: Trees grown under rainfed condition) were combined with two tillage practices (TTS: Trees grown in tilled soil; TNTS: Trees grown in non-tilled soil). RESULTS The results of the study showed that wastewater irrigation combined with soil tillage improved the pomological characteristics of olive fruits. The tree yield increase was substantial for IT and TTS. However, most of the identified phenolic compounds, especially oleuropein, mainly accumulated in olive fruits of the TC block (TNTS + TRC), suggesting a marked improvement in the nutritional value of these fruits. Moreover, fruits of TNTS had high contents of sugar compounds, required for the synthesis of the fruit storage material. The study also showed that the agronomic practices affected the amounts of some aromatic compounds responsible for the distinctive flavour notes of olive oil. CONCLUSION Agronomic practices may affect considerably the commercial and nutritional values and the sensorial quality of the commodities.

EFFECTS OF ARCHAIC OLIVE AND OIL STORAGE METHODS STILL USED IN SOUTHERN TUNISIA ON OLIVE OIL QUALITY

The present paper investigated how virgin olive oil quality is influenced by two different storage conditions that residents of Gabes (Southern Tunisia) usually apply to fruits of the Zarazi cultivar: long conservation as oil in glass bottles or traditional storage of olives as sun-dried fruits before processing for oil production. Even if both storage conditions are associated with strong losses in the qualitative characteristics of olive oil, the changes observed were more accentuated for oil stored for two years after its production compared to the oil obtained from olives stored by traditional methods.

Agronomic Application of Olive Mill Wastewater with Rock Phosphate Influence Soil Phosphorus Availability, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonisation and Olive Tree Performance under Long-Term Field Conditions

The use of organic acids and phenolic compounds that are present in olive mill wastewater (OMW) represents a new perspective in rock phosphate (RP) research and a possible solution for the recycling of the OMW. To test the hypothesis that OMW applied in combination with Gafsa RP to olive tree plants can affect P mobilisation from RP to olive trees, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential use of OMW with RP as soil amendment on olive tree alkaline soils. Treatment included three levels of OMW and RP application: M0 (non-amended control), M1PN (30 m3 ha-1 of OMW+150 kg ha-1 of RP) and M2PN (60 m3 ha-1 of OMW+150 kg ha-1 of RP). Five years after the start of the experiment, the available phosphorus decreased significantly. Amended olive trees had lower rate of photosynthates compared to the control, mostly due to decreased sink demand for carbon by the root. The biomass of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and the development of colonisation in the olive tree roots decreased dramatically by the application of OMW and RP. Phenols accumulation in leaves was significantly higher in the OMW and RP amended soils, whereas total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b in olive trees leaves decreased significantly after agronomic application of OMW and RP. Taken with data from experiments in field conditions, our results suggest that the use of OMW in combination with RP, in order to mobilise P from RP to olive trees, are expected to have a major negative impact on plant performance.