Nutritional dynamics of olive tree flowers

The nutrient element fluctuations of olive tree flowers (Olea europaea L. cv 'Konservolia') during their development were studied, since this period is a crucial one for the productivity of the tree. The profiles of number and kind of flowers along inflorescence were also recorded at the yellowish petal stage (one week before full bloom) in relation to the nutritional element status of the organ. Inflorescence development in 'Konservolia' lasted about eight weeks until full bloom. Changes in DW/FW ratio verified the intense hydration of the organ two weeks before full bloom and the considerable desiccation in parallel to floral organ shedding a week after. The strong positive linear regression among DW-water soluble proteins, macro- and micronutrients during inflorescence development confirmed the role of the organ as a strong sink for these materials. Fluctuations in iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) concentrations and accumulations revealed increased demands for these elements after full bloom while the observed deep decrease in zinc (Zn) concentration during this period may suggest significant losses by the bscised floral organs. The distributions of nutrient elements along inflorescence axis suggested a polarization among the flowers in lower and upper inflorescence positions. This polarization may be related to the observed distributions of the perfect and staminate flowers along axis. Analysis of the nutritional status of the flowers of the inflorescence base seems to approach satisfactory the overall nutritional status of the inflorescence at the yellowish closed petal stage.