Effects of Different Branch Bending Angles on the Growth and Fruiting of ‘Jinyefoxilan’ Olive

A reasonable branch bending angle is essential for optimizing canopy structure and regulating metabolic distribution in fruit trees. ‘Jinyefoxilan’ is a new olive variety bred by crossing ‘Frantoio’ and Olea cuspidata Wall., characterized by rapid growth and high oil concentration. This study evaluated the physiological and metabolic responses of ‘Jinyefoxilan’ to natural growth (CK), 60°, 90°, and 110° bending. Parameters including leaf morphology, photosynthetic pigments, endogenous hormones, mineral distribution, and fruit quality were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the 60° treatment stimulated leaf gibberellin synthesis. The 90° treatment facilitated the synergistic enrichment of nitrogen and potassium in leaves, resulting in the highest fruit oil concentration, although the yield per plant was the lowest among all treatments. Conversely, 110° bending significantly altered the endogenous hormonal balance, with indole-3-acetic acid concentration reaching 13.3 times that of the CK. This treatment achieved the numerically highest fruit set rate and yield per plant, accompanied by significant accumulations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. However, the 110° angle also induced severe N and K deficits, resulting in the lowest fruit moisture and oil concentration. In conclusion, 90° branch bending represents the optimal strategy for enhancing intrinsic fruit quality and oil accumulation. Although 110° bending maximizes yield, it necessitates supplemental potassium fertilization during fruit development to mitigate metabolic limitations. These findings provide a theoretical and practical basis for canopy management and cultivation of ‘Jinyefoxilan’ olives.