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OBJECTIVEThe aim of the Pilot project for comparing olive flowering and crop yield in a Mediterranean area was to predict olive crop yields in order to optimize working conditions for olive farmers.

The issues involved in this project were, in fact, to improve the logistical and financial situation for farmers: better planning for stocks, supply (recourse to imports, if necessary) and harvesting, as well as more guarantees of stable prices and a positive improvement in revenues and living conditions.

Collectionand analysis of dataTo meet these objectives, the project (launched in December 2006 for a two-year period) studied the presence of pollen grains carried on air currents, through the use of pollen detectors. This presence, in greater or smaller proportions, provided information on flowering and, over time, projections of future yields. The project partici-pants collected data on biological (pol-len concentrations, period and length of flowering season) and meteorologi-cal (minimum, average, and maximum

temperatures, relative humidity, rain-fall, wind) aspects. The descriptive mo-dels developed from this data make it possible to compare flowering and yields on olive trees.

Collaboration between North and South and between scientists and farmersDuring this research, the interaction between North and South Mediter-ranean countries led to the construc-tion of an important tool for a better understanding of cultural differences and for strengthening relationships between researchers.The involvement of olive farmers was also sought and developed thanks to their enthusiasm. This involvement was no doubt explained by the fact that far-mers could see the immediate and prac-tical advantages for their businesses.

Future perspectives In future, farmers will receive training which will allow them to collect data that is useful for researchers.Analysis of pollen emissions could also be extended in other countries invol-ved in olive production in order to create a vast database for use in bio-climatic research.

An olive tree produces more than half a million flowers. Practical evaluation of pollen behaviour helps farmers to sustain production.

Farmers receiving trainingon the pollen detector.

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Relationship between olive floweringand crop yield in the MediterraneanIn the Mediterranean areas, olive farming is a strategic sector which also plays a social, economic and environmental role. Yet, olive harvests can fluctuate widely, hence the importance of being able to calculate future olive crop yields

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THE PARTNERS IN THE PROJECT Pilot project for comparing olive flowering and crop yield in a Mediterranean area - 2006/2008: The Olive Institute (Tunisia) ; University of Perugia (Italy) ; Cordoba University (Spain)

Contact : msallem.monji@iresa.agrinet.tn

For more informations : www.medpalolea.net/

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Mediterranean Sea