Olive (Olea europea L.) is one of the most cultivated trees in Dalmatia (Croatia). The aim of this work was to compare leaf anatomy, guaiacol peroxidases activity and soluble polyphenols content in two olive cultivars: Oblica and Leccino, to get preliminary data for further investigations of stress influence on their growth and productivity. Leaves from fi ve two–years–old trees of each, Olea europaea L. cv. Oblica and cv. Leccino were used in this study. Composed sample of each cultivar was used for determination of guaiacol peroxidases activity (GPOD), content of soluble polyphenols (PHEN) and dry weight (DW). The presence of lignin, suberin and callose were analyzed by histochemical reactions on fresh hand-made leaf sections. The leaf anatomy was studied on 3 μm thin sections stained with Toluidine blue O. There were significant differences of tissue areas between two olive cultivars. Bigger areas of upper and lower epidermis in cultivar Leccino leaves as well as bigger areas of schlerenchyma, idioblasts and intercellulars in leaves of cultivar Oblica were measured. Oblica had higher activity of GPOD and portion of DW than Leccino. Higher PHEN content was measured in Leccino leaves. Histochemical reactions showed more lignin and suberin in cultivar Oblica leaves. Based on the presented results, cultivars Oblica and Leccino should response differently on cold, salt and drought stress that should be the scope in further investigations.

olive; leaf anatomy; guaiacol peroxidase; phenolics; callose

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia