Articles
YIELD AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF WALNUT TREES IN SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS: APPLICATION TO IRRIGATION SCHEDULING
Article number
449_39
Pages
273 – 280
Language
Abstract
The response of hedgerow cv. ‘Serr’ walnuts (planted in 1987) to different irrigation treatments (20% ETc June to September with 100% before and after the deficit period, 70% ETc, 100% ETc, and 130% ETc) was evaluated during 1992 and 1993 seasons.
Physiological, environmental and agronomical parameters were measured.
Sap flow sensors give the possibility to measure accurately transpiration in field under different irrigation conditions.
Trunk diameter variations appear to be a good water stress indicator along with its greater advantage of being an automated parameter.
Yield differences were primarily due to differences in fruit load since individual nut weight and size was not affected by the irrigation.
A 30% reduction (70% ETc) of irrigation reduced the total tree leaf area, yield, harvest indexes and fruit size.
This negative effect seems to be related to the deficit irrigation occurring during the rapid nut growth phase in May.
The higher yield was obtained in 100% ETc. An additional supply of 30% water (130% ETc) only increases an unnecessary vegetative development.
The results suggest an adaptation of the trees irrigated with 20% ETc that became smaller but were not less productive.
In that treatment, harvest indexes were similar and in some cases higher in comparison to other treatments.
That irrigation strategy may intensify the crop improving fruit quality.
Physiological, environmental and agronomical parameters were measured.
Sap flow sensors give the possibility to measure accurately transpiration in field under different irrigation conditions.
Trunk diameter variations appear to be a good water stress indicator along with its greater advantage of being an automated parameter.
Yield differences were primarily due to differences in fruit load since individual nut weight and size was not affected by the irrigation.
A 30% reduction (70% ETc) of irrigation reduced the total tree leaf area, yield, harvest indexes and fruit size.
This negative effect seems to be related to the deficit irrigation occurring during the rapid nut growth phase in May.
The higher yield was obtained in 100% ETc. An additional supply of 30% water (130% ETc) only increases an unnecessary vegetative development.
The results suggest an adaptation of the trees irrigated with 20% ETc that became smaller but were not less productive.
In that treatment, harvest indexes were similar and in some cases higher in comparison to other treatments.
That irrigation strategy may intensify the crop improving fruit quality.
Authors
M. Cohen, C. Valancogne, S. Dayau, T. Ameglio, P. Cruiziat, P. Archer
Keywords
Sap flow and LVDT sensors, deficit irrigation
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