- In her Final Master’s Thesis (TFM), Fatima Zahra Akhrif provides valuable information for the improvement of farming practices and the conservation of extra virgin olive oil.
- The research supports data-based decision-making and improves efficiency in the olive sector.
Fatima Zahra Akhrif defending her master’s thesis at the University of Cordoba.
Optimising olive harvesting dates and improving conservation conditions for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are two fundamental aspects to be considered in the olive oil value chain.
Both questions are addressed in the master’s thesis of Fatima Zahra Akhrif, graduate of the Master in Olive Growing and Olive Technology jointly organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza, the University of Cordoba, the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Spanish National Research Council, the International Olive Council and the Fundación Patrimonio Comunal Olivarero.
Her research was conducted under the supervision of Hristofor Miho and Concepción Muñoz Díez at the University of Cordoba and analyses the lipogenesis process in olive oil and biodegradation during storage in order to provide practical solutions for the olive sector.
A model determining optimum harvest time
The first trial of the TFM analysed oil accumulation in the olive fruit using a predictive model based on climatic variables such as temperature, solar radiation and precipitation.
The research also analysed five olive varieties (arbequina, arbosana, picual, koroneiki and cornicabra) and found significant differences in oil accumulation.
The results show that this model is an effective tool for harvest scheduling, as it enables farmers to determine the optimum harvest date according to the climatic conditions of each growing season and for each variety, thus maximising yield and oil quality.
With an adjustment of approximately 80 % based on the experimental data, the model offers a more objective estimation than the traditional maturity index based only on the colour of the olive fruit.
Figure: Evaluation of the predictive model for the dry matter oil content (DMOC): predicted values (Pred DMOC) in comparison to real values (DMOC) for the cultivars used in the study.
Impact of storage temperature on EVOO quality
The second trial of the TFM examined the impact of storage temperature on extra virgin olive oil quality.
The results indicated that storage at room temperature (25 °C) accelerated the degradation processes, whereas refrigeration and freezing (5 °C y −20 °C) enhanced the conservation of the chemical characteristics of EVOO.
Sampling of oil varieties for storages at three different temperatures (25°C, 5°C and -20°C).
These conclusions underline the importance of storing oil in cold conditions to slow down degradation and ensure stability and quality until consumption.
A relevant contribution to climate change
In a climate change context, it is important to find ways to integrate climate variables to predict oil accumulation in the olive fruit. This TFM proposes an original mathematical model that supports data-based decision making, improves production efficiency and helps to reduce losses associated to inappropriate harvest dates.
The recommendations for conservation conditions also contribute to prolonging the shelf-life of EVOO and guaranteeing a high-quality product for consumers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fatima Zahra Akhrif has a degree in Applied Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology from the University of Ibn Tofail (Morocco). After taking the master’s programme in Environmental Science at the same university, Fatima continued her studies in the Master in Olive Growing and Oil Technology jointly organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza, the University of Cordoba, the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Spanish National Research Council, the International Oil Council and the Fundación Patrimonio Comunal Olivarero.
Her research work has led to several scientific publications focused on the optimisation of in vitro culture.
She is currently pursuing her doctorate studies at the University of Cordoba where she is taking part in an olive and pistachio breeding programme. The research applies biotechnology and molecular analysis tools to obtain more sustainable and resource-efficient crops.