The physiological response of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) under different water regimes (irrigated and rain-fed) was monitored through selected indicators (soil water content, tree stem water content, sap flow and leaf conductance) from March to August 2012, at the experimental field of the CIHEAM-IAMB. The difference in response of olive trees under two water regimes was significant in terms of the selected water status indicators and crop parameters (leaf area and fruit development). The corresponding values of water status indicators were clearly correlated with each other, following similar paths and trends for both water regimes until a critical value of soil water content was reached.
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Tree stem water content and/or sap flow indicators could be effectively used to evaluate the occurrence of water stress in olive trees, even more so in relation to additional data on soil water content and/or the evaporative demand of the atmosphere. The effectiveness of irrigation strategies to avoid water stress can be confirmed by the use of such indicators.
