Articles
Rootstocks influence tree vigor, nutrient uptake, and water use efficiency of two almond cultivars
Article number
1346_97
Pages
759 – 766
Language
English
Abstract
Almond (Prunus dulcis) is one of the important nut crops worldwide.
The Central Valley region of California produces more than 75% of the world’s almonds; however, with recent droughts, the region faces a challenge in keeping up production with dwindling water resources.
In this scenario, there is a dire need to evaluate different rootstocks and cultivars with improved water and nutrient use efficiency.
This study evaluated two almond scion cultivars and seven rootstocks for their effect on growth and yield characteristics, water use efficiency, nutrient uptake efficiency, and leaf photosynthetic parameters.
The research plot was planted in 2017 at California State University Campus orchard and consisted of two cultivars, Nonpareil and Monterey, on these seven rootstocks: Guardian, Nemaguard, Empyrean1, Lovell, Rootpac-R, Rootpac-20, and Cornerstone. The trees were trained to an open center training system, and all agronomic practices were carried out as per industry standards.
The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with three replicate trees in each treatment unit and 3 replicated blocks.
Significant differences among rootstock were found in terms of canopy growth, height, trunk girth, and nutrient uptake. Nonpareil trees had a larger canopy volume, canopy height, and trunk circumference compared to Monterey trees on all rootstocks.
Among the rootstocks, Rootpac-20 had significantly lower tree vigor and yield compared to other rootstocks.
Trees on Rootpac-20 also exhibited the highest instantaneous net photosynthesis as well as significantly higher stomatal conductance.
All rootstocks were significantly different regarding their leaf nutrient levels for macro-and micro-nutrients.
High leaf Mg level (0.6-0.8%) was a good predictor of growth and yield during the third year.
The Central Valley region of California produces more than 75% of the world’s almonds; however, with recent droughts, the region faces a challenge in keeping up production with dwindling water resources.
In this scenario, there is a dire need to evaluate different rootstocks and cultivars with improved water and nutrient use efficiency.
This study evaluated two almond scion cultivars and seven rootstocks for their effect on growth and yield characteristics, water use efficiency, nutrient uptake efficiency, and leaf photosynthetic parameters.
The research plot was planted in 2017 at California State University Campus orchard and consisted of two cultivars, Nonpareil and Monterey, on these seven rootstocks: Guardian, Nemaguard, Empyrean1, Lovell, Rootpac-R, Rootpac-20, and Cornerstone. The trees were trained to an open center training system, and all agronomic practices were carried out as per industry standards.
The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with three replicate trees in each treatment unit and 3 replicated blocks.
Significant differences among rootstock were found in terms of canopy growth, height, trunk girth, and nutrient uptake. Nonpareil trees had a larger canopy volume, canopy height, and trunk circumference compared to Monterey trees on all rootstocks.
Among the rootstocks, Rootpac-20 had significantly lower tree vigor and yield compared to other rootstocks.
Trees on Rootpac-20 also exhibited the highest instantaneous net photosynthesis as well as significantly higher stomatal conductance.
All rootstocks were significantly different regarding their leaf nutrient levels for macro-and micro-nutrients.
High leaf Mg level (0.6-0.8%) was a good predictor of growth and yield during the third year.
Publication
Authors
G. Brar, M. Hedge, F. Hadavi, M. Khezri
Keywords
Nonpareil, Monterey, tree growth, nut, yield, WUE
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