Guide to Koroneiki: tree and olive characteristics, farming system
Koroneiki olive tree for super high density olive growing: information and techniques
The Koroneiki olive tree variety is considered one of the best in the world and has Hellenic origins. In Greece, it is also known as Koroni, Kritikia, Ladolia or Psylolia. The Koroneiki olive tree was originally cultivated in the semi-mountainous areas of the western Peloponnese but today we find Koroneiki olive trees also in Italy and in other countries of the world.
It is a type that is particularly suitable for super high density olive orchard and in fact also Buccelletti has selected the Koroneiki olive tree among the plants that best respond to the innovative techniques of Livita Plus.
Koroneiki, characteristics of plant and oil
The Koroneiki olive tree have some characteristics that make them particularly suitable for super high density olive growing. In particular we talk about:
- Low vitality.
- Open crown.
- High resistance to drought.
- Entry into early production.
- Resistance to leaf maculation.
Let's now go into the details of the morphological characteristics of the plants. The Koroneiki olive leaf is short and narrow, with an elliptical-lanceolate shape; Koroneiki olives have an oval, slightly asymmetric shape, while the core is ovoid-shaped core with an asymmetrical truncated base.
The Koroneiki oil is recognized worldwide as one of the best ever and this is one of the reasons that led to the cultivation of Koroneiki plants in several countries. Productivity is very high, with a fat yield of about 20%. The oil obtained from Koroneiki olives has an intense green color, a fruity and delicate flavor and is characterized by a very strong aroma; rich in precious organoleptic substances and vitamins, it has low acidity. The quality of Koroneiki oil is excellent and stable over time.
How much does the Koroneiki make? From harvest to yield oil
We have already mentioned the characteristics of the Koroneiki plants and the fact that they are suitable for use in a super high density olive planting; one of the motivations lies in the very high productivity of the Koroneiki olive tree and its excellent yield levels.
These are the yield values of the Koroneiki plants from the entry into production of the third year:
3rd year
50-80 qt/ha
4th year
100-120 qt/ha
From the 5th year
Over 150 qt/ha
The indisputable qualities of the Koroneiki olive can also be seen in the oil yield, which is very high. The fat yield reaches up to 20% and the oil obtained is of excellent quality, complex and with high stability.
Arbequina, Arbosana and Koroneiki: perfect olive trees for the super high density production
There are some varieties of olive trees that lend themselves better than others to super high density olive growing. One of these, as we have discovered in this article, is the Koroneiki olive. What about the others?
After many years of research and studies in the field, Buccelletti has selected three types suitable for the Livita Plus super high density olive growing method.
Here are the following:
Arbequina
from Catalonia, has excellent characteristics of resistance and durability
Arbosana
from Spain, is appreciated for its high and constant productivity and for the entry into early production.
Koroneiki
from Greece, withstands drought, comes into production very early and gives an oil of excellent quality.
Choose Koroneiki certified virus-controlled plants
One of the most important and at the same time most difficult for those working in the field of olive growing, is knowing how to choose where to buy olive trees. The Koroneiki olive tree variety in nurseries is not easy to find because it comes from another country and, although increasingly known, has not yet spread in a widespread manner. Once you have found your Koroneiki olive trees in the nursery, there is another fundamental aspect to consider: olive trees must be healthy.
Buccelletti has been cultivating olive tree Koroneiki for years and does so in its Castiglion Fiorentino plant (Arezzo, Tuscany), certified by the National Research Council and Massa Spin-Off. Every single plant that grows in the Buccelletti nursery is virus and bacteria free and has a CAC (Conformitas Agraria Communitatis) certificate.
Super high density olive orchard with Koroneiki: the Livita Plus method
Working in the olive-growing sector for many years, Buccelletti has developed a system of super high density olive farming in full respect of the plants, the territory and the final product, olive oil. The Livita Plus method has been designed to offer those who want to enter the world of super high density olive growing, a turnkey super high density olive grove: olive trees are planted in parallel rows, with a density per hectare between 600 and 1600 olive trees; the interventions are reduced to a minimum and the weeds are removed mechanically. The Livita Plus system ensures a much faster entry into production than traditional olive growing: already from the third year the olive trees will be ready to go into production.
Because this system works you need to choose the right varieties and the Koroneiki olive tree is certainly one of these. It responds very well to the super high density olive growing of Livita Plus: the sixth of the planting is 4x1.5 meters and you can plant 1666 olive trees per hectare. The Koroneiki olive trees cultivated with the Livita Plus system ensures a very high productivity, a high yield and an oil with excellent qualities.
Super high density olive orchard with Italian varieties: a real possibility
Super high density olive growing originally developed in Spain but today there are many super high density olive groves in our country as well. The challenge of Buccelletti is to create 100% Italian SHD olive orchards, with varieties from our territory. After years of scientific research, studies and tests, it is finally possible today.
There are in fact three varieties of olive trees selected by Buccelletti that are Italian and that perfectly respond to the Livita Plus method:
Piantone di Mogliano
originally from Macerata
Maurino
which grows in the countryside of Lucca
Leccio del Corno
typical of the Val di Pesa, in Tuscany
Favolosa F-17
Selected variety of italian genotype
The olive trees of these varieties are cultivated by Buccelletti in their Castiglione Fiorentino plant and are certified to be virus and bacteria free. It is therefore already possible today to set up an all-Italian super high density olive grove.
In addition, for five years, Buccelletti has launched a program of experimentation and research aimed at the genetic improvement of Italian olive varieties. To date, 16 selections have been developed, all of Italian genotype, which are currently under patent and will be released by 2020. From that moment, it will be even easier to develop super high density olive growing in Italy.
