Anatomical and biochemical characteristics of olive as influenced by in-situ moisture conservation during monsoon season

Abstract

A field experiment for two years was undertaken to investigate the effects of different in-situ moisture conservation techniques, i.e., T1 - V-ditch (VD), T2 - Cresent Bund with Open Catchment Pits (CBOC), T3 - Trench System (TS) and T4 - Traditional Basin System (BS) on anatomical and biochemical changes in olive cvs. Leccino and Cipressino grown under rainfed conditions. Significantly higher soil moisture levels were recorded at 30 and 60 cm depth in the basins of trees of both the cultivars maintained under CBOC and VD compared to those under BS. Stomatal conductance, stomatal size and stomatal density were also recorded significantly higher in trees under CBOC and VD. A significant increase in xylem vessel density and size of the individual vessel element were observed in the tree under CBOC, whereas, total soluble sugars, free amino acids and proline contents were significantly higher in the leaves in tree under BS. The treatment CBOC resulted in a higher increase in leaf malic acid, citric acid and free fatty acid contents over to those under BS. Overall, in-situ rain water conservation technique CBOC increased soil moisture levels and induced permanent histological changes in trees that may be useful for the adaptation of olive trees in the monsoon climate.