Abstract
Trials of the European olive (Olea europaea) were undertaken to assess growth performance and commercial potential in an arid climate with saline ground water. Eighty-eight trees of five different cultivars were planted on a clay soil at the first trial site. A total of ninety-eight trees comprising eleven different cultivars were planted in sandy soil at the second site. A significantly higher mortality irate occurred at first site. A significant quantity of fruit was produced by some cultivars at the second site. Ripening of fruit occurred earlier then at other olive growth areas. The Erropean olive has potential as a possible future commercial crop in arid environments in Australia. A future randomised block tril is planned, to assess growth perfomance in contrasting soil profils.