Promoting the growth of olive drupes

OLIVE FRUIT ENLARGEMENT: WHY IT IS A CRUCIAL STAGE

During this stage, the plant enters a phase of peak energy demand. Naturally, the olive tree tends to reduce its vegetative growth in order to focus all its resources on the newly set fruit. 

During the initial stage of enlargement, cell division takes place – a fundamental process as it determines the number of cells present in the drupe. Only subsequently will these cells begin to enlarge.

👉 This means that:

• The number of cells produced now represents the potential space for oil accumulation in the coming months
• Any nutritional deficiencies at this stage will have an irreversible impact on the final yield

OLIVE TREE NUTRITION: THE KEY ROLE OF NUTRIENTS

To provide the best possible support during this stage, it is essential to ensure a balanced supply of essential nutrients.

Phosphorus: essential for cell division and energy

Phosphorus is a key element during the initial fruit enlargement stage:

• It stimulates cell division
• It supports the plant’s energy metabolism

A deficiency leads to a reduction in the number of cells in the fruit, limiting its future capacity for lipid accumulation (filling).

Nitrogen and Magnesium: supporting production and photosynthesis

Nitrogen, during a phase of high energy demand, is essential for sustaining yield potential and promoting balanced vegetative and reproductive development.

When applied in the correct dosage, it therefore helps to maximise yield potential.

Working in synergy, magnesium maintains photosynthetic activity and ensures the production of the energy required for fruit development

Calcium: fruit quality and reduced fruit drop

Calcium plays a fundamental structural role:

• It strengthens cellular tissues
• It improves the development of drupes
• It reduces the risk of late fruit drop

An adequate supply of calcium therefore contributes to both the quantity and quality of the harvest.

BIOSTIMULANTS FOR OLIVE TREES: SUPPORT AGAINST STRESS AND HIGHER YIELDS

In addition to mineral nutrition, the use of biostimulants capable of supporting the plant’s physiological activity is crucial.

Products such as Giove Bio Gold:

• Promote uniform olive enlargement
• Improve the plant’s response to stress
• Support productivity even under difficult conditions

👉 They are particularly effective in the presence of water stress, high temperatures and nutritional imbalances.

Conclusion: optimising enlargement to maximise yield

The olive enlargement phase is crucial for determining the final yield. Careful agronomic management, based on balanced nutrition, proper plant management and use of biostimulants enables the production potential and oil quality to be maximised.

Investing in this phase therefore means protecting and enhancing the entire olive-growing season.

Below are our nutritional recommendations:

TRADITIONAL PLANTING SYSTEM

During the early fruit-thickening stage, we recommend using:

• Cereas38 (0.5 kg/plant) or CereaSlow33 (0.5 kg/plant). Adjust the dosage according to the size of the plant.

For the fruit enlargement and stone hardening phase, we recommend using: 

• Leaf P-Ca (4 l/ha) + VigorGreen (1.5 l/ha)
• Add Giove Bio Gold (1.5–2 kg/ha) for osmoprotective action.

INTENSIVE CULTIVATION

For the early kernel enlargement stage, we recommend using:

• Cereas38 (0.5 kg/plant) or CereaSlow33 (0.5 kg/plant). Adjust the dosage according to the size of the plant.

For the kernel enlargement phase, we recommend using:

• Magnetical (3–4 l/ha) + Giove Bio Gold (1–2 kg/ha) as a foliar spray
• Leaf P-Ca (10 l/ha) + Hydrostar (10 l/ha) via fertigation

To be repeated during the kernel hardening phase.