Preliminary experience in age dating with dendrochronological techniques in olive trees (Olea europaea). Comunidad de Campos de Jahuel, commune of Santa María, Valparaiso, Chile

Abstract

Dendrochronology is a recognized discipline for the study of chronologies and the evaluation of long-term environmental changes. In Chile, dendrochronological techniques have been used to study different tree species with excellent results. However, there are still species for which we do not know their dendrochronological potential, as is the case for Olivo. The interest of the Campos de Jahuel community in knowing the age of their olive trees and the exact time when they were introduced in the valley opened the door for an exploratory study of this species using dendrochronological techniques. From a sampling of 15 specimens and macroscopic analysis of the growth rings, ages of at least 200 years were obtained. This experience was not without methodological difficulties considering the growth characteristics of olive trees.