Optimum temperatures for the olive during flowering are 18-20°C and at fruit set 20-22°C for a good production, provided full bud differentiation (production of perfect flowers) has occurred.
In addition, there must be sufficient moisture in the soil during this period.
The high temperatures that prevail and the hot winds that blow during the period when the olive trees are in the flowering or fruit-setting phase, depending on the region, combined with the lack of sufficient moisture in the soil due to the rain, may cause a reduction in fruit-setting and therefore reduction in production.
To mitigate the negative effects, an irrigation should be done immediately, 250-300 liters of water for each tree in two doses or one, depending on the composition of the soil. This irrigation, in addition to helping the fruit set, contributes to the increase of the annual vegetation that will bring the next year’s production.
Caution! Excessive irrigation in the olive grove has the opposite effect due to leaching of nitrogen, which is necessary for good fruiting and growth.
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