The Effects of Pruning on Gas Exchange in Old Olive Trees

Traditional olive ( Olea europaea L.) growing is carried out in sloping and barren areas without irrigation which are considered as marginal lands. Although modern olive cultivation has started to spread rapidly in recent years, traditional olive cultivation maintains its economic importance in these marginal lands. The aim of this study is to determine the gas exchange capacity and plant crown development in olive trees with and without regular pruning. For this purpose; photosynthesis (PN μmol/m2/s) and transpiration (T mmol/m2/s) were measured and the water use efficiency (WUE) was calculated as the ratio of PN and T. Leaf area index (LAI) was also measured and calculated to determine the crown development and photosynthetic active surface. According to the obtained data as a result of the study; it was determined that water use was more efficient in trees subjected to regular pruning and plants were less affected by drought