Articles
LONG-TERM EFFECT OF WATER DEFICIT IRRIGATION ON CHERRY VIGOR AND PRECOCITY
Article number
889_55
Pages
439 – 444
Language
English
Abstract
Different post-harvest regulated deficit irrigation treatments were established in a young and vigorous commercial Bing cherry (Prunus avium L.) orchard planted in dry shallow soil with drip irrigation.
The treatments given over a three-year period were as follows: T1= 100%, T2= 75% and T3= 50% of full ETc.
The available water remaining percentage (%AWr) and midday stem water potential (SWP) were measured during the water-deficit period.
During the three-year period average SWP was -0.68, -0.83 and -1.04 MPa while %AWr was 89.9, 71.7 and 41.4 for T1, T2 and T3 respectively.
SWP was highly correlated with %AWr (r2= 0.89). After three years trunk growth decreased by 6% (T2) and 10% (T3). Shoot length for T3 was 27% lower, flower bud density and yield efficiency were 85% and 57% higher when compared to T1. Seasonal shoot length was highly correlated with flower bud density on productive branches (r2= -0.76). Average fruit weight was not affected while double fruits were not substantially affected by treatments.
An accurately adjusted post-harvest water deficit can be used to control vigor and promote early production of cherries, while saving significant amounts of water.
The treatments given over a three-year period were as follows: T1= 100%, T2= 75% and T3= 50% of full ETc.
The available water remaining percentage (%AWr) and midday stem water potential (SWP) were measured during the water-deficit period.
During the three-year period average SWP was -0.68, -0.83 and -1.04 MPa while %AWr was 89.9, 71.7 and 41.4 for T1, T2 and T3 respectively.
SWP was highly correlated with %AWr (r2= 0.89). After three years trunk growth decreased by 6% (T2) and 10% (T3). Shoot length for T3 was 27% lower, flower bud density and yield efficiency were 85% and 57% higher when compared to T1. Seasonal shoot length was highly correlated with flower bud density on productive branches (r2= -0.76). Average fruit weight was not affected while double fruits were not substantially affected by treatments.
An accurately adjusted post-harvest water deficit can be used to control vigor and promote early production of cherries, while saving significant amounts of water.
Authors
L.N. Podestá, R.C. Vallone, J.A. Morábito, E.E. Sánchez
Keywords
Prunus avium L., deficit irrigation, stem water potential, vegetative growth, flower bud, yield
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