Prolonged artificial shade affects morphological, anatomical, biochemical and ecophysiological behavior of young olive trees (cv. Arbosana)

Shading induced a significant decrease in the concentration of chlorophyll a, β-carotene, lutein and pigments within the xanthophyll cycle (VAZ). A significant decrease of fruits number was observed in shaded plants after one year of shading application, while with prolonged shade, a total absence of fruits were observed. In conclusion, the limitation of the amount of light intercepted by the olive canopy affects negatively most of studied parameters. Therefore, an adequate management of the olive canopy by applying adequate training and pruning programs or by the application of growth regulators will avoid shading problems with negative effects on vegetative growth and yield.