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<pre>The Bega Valley in which Tanja Olives is situated is known for having
pockets of boron deficient soils. Unfortunately, for olive growing, I live
in one of those areas and like a number of other Australian growers have
seen this shortage of boron manifest itself principally in the Kalamata
variety with bronzing or yellowing of leaves and in one particular area
severe necrosis of upper tips and small branches.
Having recently discovered this [ being led to believe it was a
problem of too much water by an irrigation 'expert' experienced in overseas
olive plantations ] I then found that farmers of other crops in the area
also had classic systems of boron deficiency -hollow stems in vegetable
crops, missing kernels in corn cobs etc.
Although I've begun treatment of this situation with applications
of soluble borax in a softly-softly approach to avoid toxicity I still seem
to have some problem with a slight lumpiness on much of the Kalamata fruit.
These effected olives also appear blotchy as they change from green to black
instead of the normal gradation of colour in other olives.
Is this also another manifestation of boron deficiency and have any
other Kalamata growers seen this in their fruit?
My suspicion to blame shortage of boron is supported by severe
lumpiness and woodiness in the fruit of a pear tree I have in my orchard
which I am informed is another common boron deficient problem.
I intend to have a leaf analysis done on the Kalamata trees to give
an accurate indication of any boron shortage but have been told that it
should be done in summer, preferably January [Southern Hemisphere] Is that
accurate advice?
I would be grateful for any observations, suggestions or advice in
this matter.
Alan
Watt

Tanja Olives









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