Arbequina Download sheet Fruit Denomination and synonyms Arbequí Arbequí I. Trujillo, D. Barranco, P. Morello Arbequín Arbequín Blanca Blanca Blancal Blancal Origin and diffusion It is the most important variety in Catalonia, where it occupies more than 55,000 ha. It is also widespread in Aragon and, recently, in Andalusia, where it occupies more than 20,000 ha in intensive plantations. Outside Spain it is mainly found in Argentina. D. Barranco & L. Rallo 2005 Purpose Oil Morphological characterisation Tree Vigour Weak Growth habit Spreading Canopy density Medium Fruit Weight Low Radio length/width in position A Slighty elongated Over colour at full maturity Black Symmetry in position A Symmetric Shape of apex in position A Rounded Nipple Absent or weak Shape of base in position A Truncate Leaf Length Short Width Medium Radio length/width Slighty elongated Curvature of longitudinal axis Recurved Stone Radio length/width Slighty elongated Weight Low Shape of apex in position A Rounded Symmetry in position A Symmetric Symmetry in position B Symmetric Shape of base in position A Rounded Number of grooves on basal end Between 7 and 10 Distribution of grooves on basal end Evenly distributed Mucron Absent Rugosity of surface Medium Molecular characterisation (SSRs) UDO-43 DCA3 DCA9 DCA16 GAPU-101 175/175 229/241 182/204 122/144 183/205 Agronomic characterisation and commercial considerations This variety has a high rooting capacity. Its vigour is low, which allows it to be used in intensive plantations, with early entry into production and high and constant productivity. It has a medium flowering period and is considered to be self-compatible. Its fruit retention strength is average, but its small size makes mechanical harvesting with a trunk shaker difficult. The oil yield is high, and the quality of its oil is excellent, mainly due to its good organoleptic characteristics, although its stability is low. It is the base variety of the Catalan Denominations of Origin "Les Garrigues" (Lleida) and "Siurana" (Tarragona). It is a variety resistant to cold, tolerant to salinity and susceptible to ferric chlorosis in very chalky soils. It is considered sensitive to fly and verticillium and tolerant to leaf spot. D. Barranco & L. Rallo 2005