Influence of fruit canopy position and maturity on yield determinants and chemical composition of virgin olive oil

Background While both maturity and light exposure are important factors determining olive fruit physiology, the relationship between maturity, canopy position and optimal harvesting time has not been well-studied. To understand the interaction of these factors, olive fruits from upper and lower layers of the canopy were harvested from September to January. Maturity, moisture and fat content of the fruit as well as the quality and minor components of the oil extracted were measured. Results Lower light interception at the lower canopy positions resulted in differences in the fruits and oil extracted between canopy layers. Upper layer presented 60% of the overall production; fruit had one uni…