Cultivation of Olive Trees

Applications for the September course are closed.

Course Description

Olive tree cultivation is becoming ever more popular. The rustic nature of the tree together with the production of good yields even with limited resource input makes the olive one of the most popular and adapted fruit tree in the Maltese Islands. This is reflected by the growing number of people using the tree in their gardens or fields. There is very conflicting information on the different cultivation techniques to grow olive trees and many growers find it difficult to go through all this information and choose the genuine. This course will seek to provide the knowledge that growers need to grow healthy olive trees to meet their intended purposes.

This is a 20 hour guided learning course. Students need to invest further hours in the course, which will include private study and home assignments.

Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

This course will show learners how to analyse and evaluate a range of cultural practices for successful production of the olive tree and a basic understanding of site selection, developmental processes, species selection and pest management. The learner will also gain an understanding of the management of growth, fruit quality and the importance of quality control measures.

On completion of the course learners will also understand better the management of the soil and cultivation of a range of suitable cultivars suitable to the climate and resources.

Learning Outcome 1; Plan the establishment of an olive tree orchard

Unit Content

• Selection of cultivar & rootstock
• Systems (traditional, semi-intensive, intensive) and distances
• Temperature and light requirements
• Soil: structure, water retention, etc.
• Propagation: seed, cuttings, grafting & budding, in vitro
• Training: vase, central leader, vasebush, globe, high-density, etc

Learning Outcome 2; Evaluate factors affecting different aspects of olive tree growth and production

Unit Content

• Flowering: light, temperature, growth regulators, date of harvesting, fruit thinning, etc.
• Pollination & Fruiting: light, temperature, fertilization, pollinators, cultivars, wind, alternate bearing, etc.

Learning Outcome 3; Explain the requirements for good management of olive tree orchards

 Unit Content

• Irrigation & nutrients: water quality, water requirements, needs for the different elements, nutrients stress, response to salinity
• Pruning: effects, needs, rules, seasons, systems, timing, tools, etc.
• Harvesting: by hand, mechanization, tools, dates of harvesting

Learning Outcome 4; Outline the life-cycles and control methods of a range of olive tree pests and diseases

 Unit Content

• Pests & Diseases: overview of most common pests & diseases on different fruit trees, life-cycles, diagnosis, different control systems

No pre-requisites and/or entry requirements or previous knowledge is required.