Investigation of some olive varieties based on their water stress tolerance and efficieny of auxin applications on rooting formation

This thesis investigated the tolerance levels of some olive cultivars under water stress and the effects of auxin applications on rooting. The study utilized cuttings from two cultivars, Arbequina and Koroneiki, to evaluate the impact of different auxin (IBA) concentrations on rooting success. Additionally, the physiological and biochemical responses of Adana Topağı, Arbequina and Gemlik cultivars to water stress were investigated. The results revealed that the Adana Topağı cultivar demonstrated the highest resistance to water stress. This resistance was associated with proline accumulation and osmotic adjustment mechanisms. In the rooting experiments, 3000 ppm IBA concentration was identified as the most effective dose for enhancing both rooting rates and callus formation. This study highlighted the significant role of genetic differences among olive cultivars in determining rooting success and tolerance to water stress. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars and applying suitable hormone treatments in olive cultivation. Furthermore, it was concluded that the use of more resilient cultivars should be encouraged to address challenges such as drought and water deficiency in agricultural production.