Articles
Physiological and fruit quality responses of apricot to rootstock under irrigated orchard conditions
Article number
1468_14
Pages
95 – 100
Language
English
Abstract
Rootstock selection impacts the physiological performance, water relations, and fruit quality of irrigated fruit trees.
This study evaluated the effects of two rootstocks, apricot seedling and Marianna plum (Prunus cerasifera × P. munsoniana), on gas exchange and fruit quality of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) under conventional irrigation in Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
Results presented are part of an ongoing trial, which was initiated in the 2023/2024 growing season.
Physiological measurements included net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (E), recorded under prevailing microclimatic conditions.
Fruit yield and quality attributes, total soluble solids (TSS), fruit diameter, and fruit mass, were evaluated at harvest.
In the 2024/2025 season, fruit from apricot seedling rootstock had significantly higher fruit mass and diameter, with no differences in TSS. These results suggest that Marianna plum rootstock can enhance certain physiological processes, such as gas exchange, and improve fruit quality under irrigated conditions, without compromising yield.
Importantly, the results highlight a key trade-off between carbon acquisition and yield efficiency, mediated by rootstock, as detected in the study.
The findings highlight the potential of rootstock choice as a management strategy for optimising water use efficiency and fruit quality in irrigated apricot orchards, particularly in semi-arid regions where water conservation is of utmost importance.
Further measurements over additional seasons are required to confirm these trends and strengthen recommendations for conventional production.
This study evaluated the effects of two rootstocks, apricot seedling and Marianna plum (Prunus cerasifera × P. munsoniana), on gas exchange and fruit quality of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) under conventional irrigation in Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
Results presented are part of an ongoing trial, which was initiated in the 2023/2024 growing season.
Physiological measurements included net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (E), recorded under prevailing microclimatic conditions.
Fruit yield and quality attributes, total soluble solids (TSS), fruit diameter, and fruit mass, were evaluated at harvest.
In the 2024/2025 season, fruit from apricot seedling rootstock had significantly higher fruit mass and diameter, with no differences in TSS. These results suggest that Marianna plum rootstock can enhance certain physiological processes, such as gas exchange, and improve fruit quality under irrigated conditions, without compromising yield.
Importantly, the results highlight a key trade-off between carbon acquisition and yield efficiency, mediated by rootstock, as detected in the study.
The findings highlight the potential of rootstock choice as a management strategy for optimising water use efficiency and fruit quality in irrigated apricot orchards, particularly in semi-arid regions where water conservation is of utmost importance.
Further measurements over additional seasons are required to confirm these trends and strengthen recommendations for conventional production.
Authors
L. Banda, P.C. Tharaga, K. Mahlaba, J.C. Dlamini, N.T. Mobe, Z. Ntshidi, T.L. Dirwai
Keywords
fruit quality, gas exchange, net CO2 assimilation rate, rootstock
Groups involved
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