Olive reproductive phenology in a warm and humid region of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Olive cultivation has been spread across Brazil subtropical regions, but yields have been variable through years and locations. The objectives of this work were to characterize the reproductive phenology and quantify some productive indexes of three olive cultivars (Arbequina, Arbosana and Koroneiki) in the warm, humid subtropical climate of western Santa Catarina, Brazil. Shoots of the three cultivars were marked and the quantitative indices of flowering and fruiting were observed periodically. At the same time, the reproductive phenology was evaluated following the BBCH scale, during three seasons, in Chapecó. Reproductive budburst varied from 0 to 32%, which resulted in a relatively low number of flowers per meter of shoot if compared to traditional growing regions, unlike fruit set rates (3.69 to 11.39%), which were similar. Compared to other regions, flowering time was early: inflorescences started to grow from end of June to mid-July, depending on the year. Then maturation was precocious as well, from the end of December to mid-March, and it was later in Koroneiki. The low flowering intensity with risk of frost damages discourages the production initiative in the region.