Excessive workload, pressure, and uncertainty can create stress for us, and it turns out that animals aren’t the only ones affected; plants experience stress too. Activities like fireworks or sudden environmental changes can disrupt their well-being. At the recent Natura Cretica Convention in Rethymno, experts discussed these issues, especially as they relate to the olive tree and climate change.
Giorgos Lyviakis, an agronomist, emphasized that all living things face stress. With olive trees, the signs of distress may not be obvious, but they definitely exist. The triggers for plant stress fall into two categories: biotic and abiotic. Biotic stressors involve other living organisms, such as insects. Abiotic stressors are more common and include things like extreme temperatures and poor moisture levels. Most of these challenges stem from the ongoing climate crisis.
To cope with stress, plants use a significant amount of energy. For instance, when water scarcity hits, a tree may reduce its leaf surface area and slow its growth to conserve moisture. This is similar to how clothes dry faster when spread out compared to when they are rolled up.
Recent research presented by Dionisios Gasparatos from the Agricultural University of Athens highlighted the effects of last year’s heatwave, which saw temperatures soar to 46 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat is now becoming the norm, putting additional strain on olive trees. Projections reveal that by 2050, olive cultivation may shift to northern areas and higher altitudes in search of better growing conditions. As Gasparatos pointed out, regions like Macedonia could soon offer more favorable environments than traditional southern areas.
Moreover, if average temperatures continue to rise, productivity in Mediterranean olive groves could decrease by up to 21%. Such predictions concern scientists, especially in a region already feeling the heat of climate change.
Mistakes can often sabotage olive producers. Lyviakis pointed out that many focus solely on the current year’s yield instead of considering the long-term health of the trees. Late harvesting can shock olive trees, impacting future production. Additionally, deep soil plowing and constant herbicide use are harmful practices that deplete soil nutrients.
Gasparatos advocates for a circular economy approach. Techniques like using biochar from olive trimmings, minimizing soil disturbance, and planting cover crops can protect olive trees while also being cost-effective.
In Greece, the mountainous landscape means we can’t compete with flat lands in terms of volume. Instead, aiming for high-quality olive oil is essential. If producers ignore the stress their trees undergo, they risk losing their competitive edge, especially since tree health directly affects taste.
Olive cultivation is not just about producing oil; it’s about understanding the whole ecosystem, recognizing stress factors, and adapting practices accordingly. As climate impacts grow, so should our strategies for sustainable agriculture.
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CLIMATE CRISIS, ENVIRONMENT, OLIVE OIL, OLIVES, NEWS
