Different irrigation regimes induce changes in vessel sizes in olive trees (Olea europaea L.) from Southern Italy

In the last decade the rational management of irrigation in olive trees represent a hot topic because the Mediterranean region undergo to increasing water shortages problems. Although olive is considered as a fairly drought tolerant species (Chartzoulakis et al., 1999; Xiloyannis et al., 1999; Gucci and Servili, 2006; Tognetti et al., 2008), benefits might arise from irrigation such as an higher yield (Xiloyannis et al., 2003; Fernandez et al., 2008; d'Andria et al., 2009) and for this reason the surface of irrigated olive-orchards increased in recent years. The purpose of this research is to study deficit irrigation effects on plant dendrochronology and wood anatomy. Dendrochronology applications at Mediterranean species are few, due to the irregularities on the stem growth of these plants (Cherubini et al., 2003). This study represents the first analysis of a years' series referred to the same experimental plantation located in the south of Italy.