Optimizing yield and reducing pruning costs in ‘Manzanillo’ olive orchards through timing and intensity of mechanical pruning

The present study investigated the optimal timing and intensity of mechanical pruning in ‘Manzanillo’ olive orchards with the objective of promoting return bloom and reducing excessive vegetative growth.
A randomized block design was employed, with 8 replicates, in a 10-year-old orchard to examine the effect of pruning timing in March, April, May, June, or an unpruned control, on fruit yields.
Results revealed that pruning in March resulted in larger canopies and higher yields, compared to pruning in June.
The diameter of the pruned branches also impacted regrowth, with smaller diameter branches promoting higher fruit production, while larger diameter branches induced more vegetative growth in the following year.
Additionally, another study was conducted to evaluate the impact of topping at different tree heights (3.0 m, 4.0 m, and hand pruning only) on yield and pruning costs.
The results indicated that topping at 3 m resulted in smaller and more compact trees, reduced pruning costs, larger fruit, but lower yields compared to the other treatments.
An optimal depth-to-alley width (d/a) ratio of 1 to 2 was found to be favorable for maximum production, but further research is needed to make definite conclusions.
The findings of this study emphasize the significance of proper timing and intensity of mechanical pruning in enhancing yields and reducing pruning costs in ‘Manzanillo’ olive orchards.

IX International Olive Symposium

R. Rosecrance, W.H. Krueger, R. Wheeler-Dykes

return bloom, excessive vegetative growth, fruit production, vegetative growth, topping, depth-to-alley width (d/a) ratio

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1446.38