EMPELTRE
Country: Spain
Purpose: Oil
Distribution: It is spread throughout the Ebro valley, from the northernmost areas to the river mouth. It is also spread in the Balearic Islands where it dominates the landscape. It is the main variety in Aragon. It is also found in some areas of Castellón, Tarragona and Navarre. In Spain, it occupies more than 70,000 hectares. It is also spread in Argentina (AR), in the provinces of Mendoza and Córdoba.
Synonyms: “Aragonesa”, “Común”, “de Aceite”, “Fina”, “Injerto”, “Llei”, “Macho”, “Mallorquina”, “Navarro”, “Negral”, “Payesa”, “Salseña”, “Terra Alta”, “Vera”, “Verdiel”, “Zaragozana”
Agronomic and commercial considerations: It is a resistant variety although susceptible to winter freezing. The name “Empeltre” comes from the “Empelt” which, in Catalan, means ” graft”, referring to the best way to propagate this variety. It comes into bearing late. It is considered partially self-compatible. Its productivity is constant and high. It flowers and ripens early. Its fruits have a low removal force, which facilitates mechanised harvesting. It is highly valued not only for its productivity but also for the excellent quality of its oil. It is also used for black pickling, although its main use is for oil extraction. It is considered tolerant to anthracnose of olive (Gleosporium olivarum) and verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae), but susceptible to olive leaf spot (Cycloconium oleagina), olive knot (Pseudomonas sevastanoi ) and to olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae).
