novavine. Innovate. Propagate. Thrive.

arbequina

Origin: Spain
Purpose: Oil
Cold tolerance: High
Self fertile
Productivity: High
Start of bearing: Very Early
Ripening: Early
Oil content: High

Growth: Arbequina is a low-vigor variety with a spreading, somewhat droopy growth habit. Because of its early bearing and low vigor, it is the mainstay of most super-high-density plantings; there is more newly planted California acreage in Arbequina than any other oil variety. When not grown in a hedgerow configuration, Arbequina will develop a medium sized, spreading canopy. It is considered cold tolerant and adapted to a wide range of soil types. It is also moderately drought and salinity tolerant. It is considered self-fertile, but the presence of a pollinizer can increase yields.

Pests: Arbequina is considered tolerant of leaf spot by some sources, but in California super-high-density plantings peacock spot can be a significant problem. Wider spacing and better air circulation will likely reduce the incidence of foliar disease. Conversely, the literature lists Arbequina as susceptible to olive fruit fly. In general, California’s experience with the variety has been the opposite: Arbequina tends to be one of the varieties less susceptible to olive fly damage. It has low tolerance to black scale. Arbequina is generally cited as moderately susceptible to olive knot and susceptible to verticillium.

Oil: The oil produced by this variety is abundant and of good quality. Low polyphenol levels limit the shelf life of the oil, but also result in a milder, fruity flavor that is popular with many consumers. The flavor is characterized by floral, almond and tropical notes, with varying levels of nutty and grassiness depending on the harvest maturity. The soft, sweet character of Arbequina makes it an excellent base oil for blending.

Harvest: An early ripener, Arbequina is usually the first oil variety harvested in California. The fruit does not turn black until it is very ripe, so at harvest is it normally yellowish green with some faint blush. The removal force of Arbequina is medium, but its small size makes it difficult to harvest with a shaker. Super-high-density production uses an over-the-row harvester with beater bars to facilitate fruit removal.
 

Download technical sheet