Study of the Pomological Characteristics of the Moroccan Picholine (Olea Europaea L.) Variety Cultivated in the Northern and Central Part of Morocco

Abstract

The Moroccan olive sector, predominantly featuring the Moroccan Picholine variety (96%), was analyzed through a pomological characterization involving a morphometric study of the olives and stones in two regions: Northern (Tetouan, Chefchaouane, Ouazzane) and Southern (Settat, Kelaa of the Sraghna, Marrakech). Five trees per station were sampled, with 40 fruits taken from each tree. Eleven quantitative traits related to the weight, size, and shape of the olives and stones were assessed, along with an indirect estimation of oil content using the flesh percentage (PC). Results indicated that the Moroccan Picholine varied across the regions based on size and productivity, with form traits being less significant. Larger olives were found in Kelaa of the Sraghna and Marrakech, while smaller olives were in Ouazzane and Chefchaouane. Tetouan and Settat had olives of intermediate size. These differences are likely due to environmental conditions, especially climate, and the olive growing management system, with irrigated systems producing larger olives and higher oil content.