Articles
Winter pruning strategies to mitigate the effects of cyclical droughts in nectarine trees
Article number
1468_66
Pages
519 – 526
Language
English
Abstract
In semi-arid Mediterranean regions, fruit orchards are increasingly exposed to recurrent droughts that constrain irrigation resources.
This study evaluates severe winter pruning as a practical strategy to preserve tree viability and enhance recovery under conditions of extreme water scarcity.
In 2023, three pruning intensities were applied in a commercial organic nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) orchard (Extremadura, Spain): Control (conventional pruning), Moderate (≈50% reduction in fruiting shoots) and Severe (≈50% reduction in fruiting shoots plus shortening of remaining branches to ~0.1 m). Each pruning level was combined with irrigation regimes of 100, 50, and 0% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), except for Control (100 and 50% only). In 2024, uniform irrigation and conventional pruning were applied to evaluate recovery.
Severe pruning improved tree water status under deficit irrigation and prevented mortality under zero irrigation.
In 2024, previously severe-pruned trees fully recovered and achieved the highest yields.
Severe winter pruning thus constitutes an effective emergency strategy to safeguard orchard viability during extreme droughts and to promote rapid recovery once water availability resumes.
This study evaluates severe winter pruning as a practical strategy to preserve tree viability and enhance recovery under conditions of extreme water scarcity.
In 2023, three pruning intensities were applied in a commercial organic nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) orchard (Extremadura, Spain): Control (conventional pruning), Moderate (≈50% reduction in fruiting shoots) and Severe (≈50% reduction in fruiting shoots plus shortening of remaining branches to ~0.1 m). Each pruning level was combined with irrigation regimes of 100, 50, and 0% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), except for Control (100 and 50% only). In 2024, uniform irrigation and conventional pruning were applied to evaluate recovery.
Severe pruning improved tree water status under deficit irrigation and prevented mortality under zero irrigation.
In 2024, previously severe-pruned trees fully recovered and achieved the highest yields.
Severe winter pruning thus constitutes an effective emergency strategy to safeguard orchard viability during extreme droughts and to promote rapid recovery once water availability resumes.
Authors
M.H. Prieto, N. Lavado, A. Vivas, M.A. Vargas, M.J. Moñino
Keywords
canopy management, deficit irrigation, Prunus persica var. nucipersica, recovery, stem water potential, survival
Groups involved
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