Improving and increasing pollination through the use of biostimulants
(IMPOLLINOLIV)
CSR 2023-2027 Liguria - SRG01
Goals
The project aims to promote innovative agronomic techniques through the administration of specific biostimulants to improve pollen vitality, pollination, and subsequent fruit set. This improves olive tree productivity and final product yield, while also promoting consistent olive production.
The project will be accompanied by targeted dissemination, training, and practical transfer of innovations, with the goal of creating easily usable tools and operational strategies that can be replicated by other olive oil producers in the region.
The project
IMPOLLINOLIV "Improving and Increasing Pollination Through the Use of Biostimulants" has officially launched. This new cooperation project, funded by the Liguria Regional Rural Development Complement 2023–2027, addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing olive growing in Liguria and beyond: improving olive pollination and fruit set through the use of biostimulants.
The project is scientifically led by researcher Alessandra Francini from the Scuola Sant'Anna Plant Production Institute ( newsletter link ) in collaboration with Professor Luca Sebastiani, Florcoop Sanremo (leader), a leading agricultural organisation for Western Liguria, and CIPAT Imperia , specialising in training and technical dissemination.
In recent years, Ligurian olive growing, particularly the Taggiasca cultivar, has suffered a sharp decline in production. The project addresses this critical issue: pollen vitality and fruit set regularity, currently severely compromised by water and heat stress.
An experimental project in the field, directly in the Ligurian olive groves
One of the distinctive features of IMPOLLINOLIV is that the trials will be conducted directly in the olive groves of Western Liguria. The core of the project is the testing of biostimulants capable of increasing pollen vitality and longevity, reducing flower drop, improving fruit set, and increasing olive trees' tolerance to drought and high temperatures.
A strategic project for the future of Ligurian olive growing
In an area where the olive tree is an environmental, landscape, and economic asset, IMPOLLINOLIV represents a decisive step toward more resilient and innovative management.
A project that originates from the local area and returns to the local area. IMPOLLINOLIV is designed to be useful, replicable, and immediately applicable.