Arauco Download sheet Fruit Denomination and synonyms I. Trujillo, D. Barranco, P. Morello Azapa Azapa Azapeña Azapeña Criolla Criolla Sevillana Sevillana Sevillana de Azapa Sevillana de Azapa Origin and diffusion According to historical records, this variety was introduced from Spain more than 500 years ago in the coasts of Peru. This variety disappeared in Spain. For this reason, it is very likely that its origin derives from an intervarietal cross, being the Cornicabra variety one of its parents. It was first spread to Peru, and then entered Chile and Argentina. Although this variety originated in the province of La Rioja, due to its excellent adaptation to arid climates, it has spread to other Argentinean sites such as Catamarca, San Juan, Mendoza and Córdoba. Mariela Torres Purpose Table olives Morphological characterisation Tree Vigour Weak to medium Growth habit Spreading Canopy density Dense Fruit Weight Very high Radio length/width in position A Moderately elongated Over colour at full maturity Black Symmetry in position A Strongly asymmetric Shape of apex in position A Acute Nipple Absent or weak Shape of base in position A Truncate Leaf Length Long Width Medium Radio length/width Moderately elongated Curvature of longitudinal axis Straight Stone Radio length/width Very elongated Weight High to very high Shape of apex in position A Acute Symmetry in position A Strongly asymmetric Symmetry in position B Symmetric Shape of base in position A Truncate Number of grooves on basal end Between 7 and 10 Distribution of grooves on basal end Evenly distributed Mucron Present Rugosity of surface Medium Molecular characterisation (SSRs) UDO-43 DCA3 DCA9 DCA16 GAPU-101 172/216 237/247 182/192 122/124 191/199 Agronomic characterisation and commercial considerations This cultivar is considered partially self-compatible. The intensity and quality of flowering is usually high and medium, respectively. According to bibliography and experimental records, its most efficient pollinators are Manzanilla, Ascolana Tenera, Genovesa and Arbequina. It shows a medium entry into production, with medium and alternating productivity. Fruit color changes from green to greenish-yellow, and later, towards the end of ripening, from wine-red to black; on the other hand, its resistance to detachment is high, which makes it difficult to harvest mechanically. It’s a late maturing variety.Until late 1990’s, it was the most cultivated table olive cultivar in this country mainly due to its good commercial size and high flesh‐to‐pit ratio. Nevertheless, the physical characteristics of the fruit from this cultivar may vary considerably depending upon the region in which it is cultivated. At maturity, fruits from “Arauco” have relatively high oil content. This fact and high polyphenol content make cv. Arauco appreciated for industrial oil production.It is a cultivar sensitive to some physiopathologies and diseases, such as cold, salinity, verticillium, tuberculosis, cochineal, Xyllela fastidiosa, among others. It’s a variety with a low chilling requirement for release from floral bud dormancy. Mariela Torres