- Note: One chill-hour = 60 minutes between 32 and 47 degrees F.
International (cont’d)
Most olive trees in Florida are derived from European cultivars and thus require more chill hours. Florida’s citrus industry is in crisis fighting the HLB bacteria. So far the disease has claimed virtually 50% of Florida’s citrus groves. Since the areas of Florida most affected by HLB are below the Interstate 4 corridor where annual chill is under the 200 hour minimum; the partners are exploring some varieties from north Africa and other locations having a similar warm climate .
Florida (cont’d)
The Florida Olive Council and the Georgia Olive Growers Association will conduct another symposium in March 2018.
Research (cont’d)
Olives are grown and studied in many countries. Olives are planted in Peru, Argentina, Japan and even UK. While there are numerous opinions, most agree there are more than 1,000 varieties of olives all derived from a wild olive found somewhere in Mesopotamia. Recently the Spanish documented the olive genome taking samples from a 1200 year old Farga olive tree. In our research section you will find a number of articles, academic studies and other materials that might help you learn more about olive history, cultivation, production and consumption.
Partners (cont’d)
The varietal test plot contains Aglandau, Ascolana, Coratina, Empeltre, Frantoio, Grignan, Kalamata, Manzanillo, Pendolino and Taggiasca. Most varieties are doing well with the Empeltre showing the most significant adaptation to the clay/sand soil.The varietal test plot contains Aglandau, Ascolana, Coratina, Empeltre, Frantoio, Grignan, Kalamata, Manzanillo, Pendolino and Taggiasca.