Ecophysiological, nutritive and growth responses of two olive tree cultivars (Olea europaea l. ‘chemlali’ and ‘koroneiki’) under salt stress

Abstract

Tunisia’s olive resources are estimated at over 83 million of olive trees, grown on 1.83 million ha. Despite the immense potential for olive production, Tunisia is known as an underprivileged country in water resource and water scarcity is evident in certain regions. In the long-term, this situation could become more and more exacerbated, considering the increased risk of aridity. Plants grown in these regions are often exposed to a long period of drought and harsh environmental conditions, which affects plant growth and, hence, agricultural development. In order to increase productivity of olive trees the intensification of the olive tree sector in Tunisia is a necessity. The irrigated olive orchards in Tunisia cover about 75000 ha in 2016.