The Super-Intensive Olive Grove “Made in Italy”: Managing Leccio del Corno

Within the landscape of modern olive growing, the super-intensive model is evolving to incorporate native Italian varieties. A concrete example of this approach is the cultivation of the Leccio del Corno variety in a young orchard, observed about 15 months after transplanting.

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Below are the key elements that define the structure and agronomic management of this system.

Orchard Structure

To support the vertical and dense growth of the trees, a solid structure is required, consisting of end posts, intermediate posts, and anchors. The support system is based on two wires running parallel to the ground:

• The first wire is positioned at a height of 90 to 100 cm;
• The second wire is set at 190 cm above the ground.

Growth and Size

Thanks to the use of fertigation, the plants show rapid and vigorous development. Despite their young age of 15 months, the average height of the olive trees already ranges between 140 and 150 cm, with apical tips reaching and sometimes exceeding 160 cm.

Pruning and Trunk Cleaning

Management of the training system, defined as a single axis form, requires precise interventions in the lower part of the plant. The trunk has been completely cleaned of suckers and lateral branches up to a height of 50 to 55 cm. Above this level, the lateral branches have not been touched, allowing the canopy to develop freely.

 The Tutoring Technique

To ensure that the central axis grows straight, a cane is used as a support and continuous tying is carried out. The trunk is secured to the support approximately every 20 cm. This operation must be repeated regularly as the plant grows beyond two meters in height, guiding its development toward the second wire.

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Imagine caring for this olive grove as applying orthodontic braces. Just as braces guide teeth into the correct position through small, continuous adjustments, the ties every 20 centimeters “train” the olive tree’s central axis to grow perfectly straight and vertical, preventing deviations that would compromise the plant’s future structure.

 

Keywords:

#SuperIntensiveOliveGrove #LeccioDelCorno #ModernOliveGrowing #SingleAxis #InnovativeAgriculture #OlivePruning #Fertigation #IntensiveOrchards #AgronomistVitoVitelli

Editorial Note:

Original content by Agronomist Vito Vitelli, developed and optimized with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational, and technical enhancement purposes.

 

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