Long-term effect of water deficit irrigation on cherry vigor and precocity

• Published in: Acta horticulturae no. 889; pp. 439 - 444
• Main Authors: Podesta, L.N, Vallone, R.C, Morabito, J.A, Sanchez, E.E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Society for Horticultural Science 01.01.2011
• Subjects: buds; cherries; deficit irrigation; early development; fruits; long term effects; microirrigation; planting; Prunus avium; shoots; soil; vigor; water potential
• ISSN: 0567-7572
• DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.889.55

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.