Analytical characteristics of virgin olive oil from young trees (arbequina cultivar) growing under linear irrigation strategies

Abstract  The effect of a linear (vs. effective crop coefficient, K c), irrigation strategy applied to young olive trees (Arbequina cv.) on the qualitative and quantitative parameters of virgin olive oil quality was studied. Although linear irrigation strategy did not affect the quality indexes used to classify olive oil by commercial grades, it did influence other important parameters such as total phenol content, bitter index oxidative stability, and the sensorial appraisal. All of these of olive oil qualities were negatively associated with the amount of applied irrigation water. Pigment content of oils determined by carotenoid and chlorophylls also was negatively associated with the amount of water supplied. No consistent relation was found for α-tocopherol and fatty acid content of olive oil in relation to these treatments.