Understanding olive adaptation to abiotic stresses as a tool to increase crop performance

In this work we give an overview of both morphological characteristics and physiological mechanisms responsible for the high adaptability of olive to harsh environments, and how this knowledge is currently used to design new sustainable and efficient crop management practices. We first describe the biennial vegetative and reproductive cycle of olive, and how these are affected by environmental conditions. Then we address main morphological, functional and physiological traits of olive that may contribute to stress tolerance. We also summarize innovative crop management practices that have been developed from our understanding of the mechanisms of response to abiotic stresses. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.