scholarly journals Influence of Rootstock and Irrigation Methods on Water Use, Mineral Nutrition, Growth, Fruit Yield, and Quality in ‘Gala’ Apple

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 731-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmaeil Fallahi
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Mineral Nutrients ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
World Population ◽  
Irrigation Methods ◽  
Yield And Quality

The increasing trend in the world population and decreasing trend in the suitable land for fruit production, combined with a shortage of water, mandate the use of efficient methods of irrigation and establishment of high-density orchards that require size-controlling rootstocks. Method of irrigation and vigor of rootstock are among the most important factors affecting uptake of mineral nutrients, and thus tree growth and fruit yield and quality attributes of apple (Malus domestica). In a long-term experiment, effects of two irrigation methods and four rootstocks on water use, tree growth, fruit quality, and leaf mineral nutrients were studied in ‘Pacific Gala’ apple. The experiment was conducted in southwestern Idaho, which represents the high desert conditions of the Intermountain West region of the United States. Evapotranspiration-based irrigation scheduling (ETc), adjusted by percentage of ground shading, was used for sprinkler and drip systems. Significantly lower volume of water was applied to the trees with drip irrigation than those with sprinkler irrigation system. Leaf calcium (Ca) decreased but leaf potassium (K) increased with rootstock vigor, resulting in the greatest leaf Ca but lowest leaf K in trees on ‘Budagovsky 9’ (B.9). Fruit weight and yield per tree in ‘Pacific Gala’ on ‘Nic 29’ (RN29) rootstock was higher than those on B.9 and ‘Geneva 30’ (G.30) rootstocks. ‘Pacific Gala’ on B.9 rootstock had smaller trees and fruit size but higher fruit starch degradation pattern (SDP), suggesting earlier fruit maturity on this rootstock. On average, ‘Pacific Gala’ trees with drip irrigation had larger fruit and higher leaf magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) but less fruit color and firmness and lower leaf Ca, K, zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) than those with sprinkler system.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Water Uptake and Root Distribution of Cherry Trees Under Different Irrigation Methods

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pingfeng Li ◽  
Huang Tan ◽  
Jiahang Wang ◽  
Xiaoqing Cao ◽  
Peiling Yang
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Absorption ◽  
Root System ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Root Distribution ◽  
Surface Irrigation ◽  
Irrigation Methods ◽  
Use Efficiency

Although water-saving measures are increasingly being adopted in orchards, little is known about how different irrigation methods enhance water use efficiency at the root system level. To study the allocation of water sources of water absorption by cherry roots under two irrigation methods, surface irrigation and drip irrigation, oxygen isotope tracing and root excavation were used in this study. We found that different irrigation methods have different effects on the average δ18O content of soil water in the soil profile. The IsoSource model was applied to calculate the contribution rate of water absorption by cherry roots under these irrigation methods. During the drought period in spring (also a key period of water consumption for cherry trees), irrigation water was the main source of water absorbed by cherry roots. In summer, cherry roots exhibited a wide range of water absorption sources. In this case, relative to the surface irrigation mode, the drip irrigation mode demonstrated higher irrigation water use efficiency. After two years of the above experiment, root excavation was used to analyze the effects of these irrigation methods on the distribution pattern of roots. We found that root distribution is mainly affected by soil depth. The root system indexes in 10–30 cm soil layer differ significantly from those in other soil layers. Drip irrigation increased the root length density (RLD) and root surface area (RSA) in the shallow soil. There was no significant difference in root biomass density (RBD) and root volume ratio (RVR) between the two irrigation treatments. The effects of these irrigation methods on the 2D distribution of cherry RBD, RLD, RSA and RVR, which indicated that the cherry roots were mainly concentrated in the horizontal depths of 20 to 100 cm, which was related to the irrigation wet zone. In the current experiment, more than 85% of cherry roots were distributed in the space with horizontal radius of 0 to 100 cm and vertical depth of 0 to 80 cm; above 95% of cherry roots were distributed in the space with the horizontal radius of 0 to 150 cm and the vertical depth of 0 to 80 cm. Compared with surface irrigation, drip irrigation makes RLD and RSA more concentrated in the horizontal range of 30–100 cm and vertical range of 0–70 cm.

scholarly journals Potential and Actual Water Savings through Improved Irrigation Scheduling in Small-Scale Vegetable Production

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Studer ◽  
Simon Spoehel
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Usual Practice ◽  
Irrigation Water Use ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Appropriate irrigation scheduling for efficient water use is often a challenge for small-scale farmers using drip irrigation. In a trial with 12 farmers in Sébaco, Nicaragua, two tools to facilitate irrigation scheduling were tested: the Water Chart (a table indicating required irrigation doses) and tensiometers. The study aimed at evaluating if and to what extent simple tools can reduce irrigation water use and improve water productivity in drip-irrigated vegetable (beetroot; Beta vulgaris L.) production compared with the farmers’ usual practice. Irrigation water use was substantially reduced (around 20%) when farmers irrigated according to the tools. However, farmers did not fully adhere to the tool guidance, probably because they feared that their crop would not get sufficient water. Thus they still over-irrigated their crop: between 38% and 88% more water than recommended was used during the treatment period, resulting in 91% to 139% higher water use than required over the entire growing cycle. Water productivity of beetroot production was, therefore, much lower (around 3 kg/m3) than what can be achieved under comparable conditions, although yields were decent. Differences in crop yield and water productivity among treatments were not significant. The simplified Water Chart was not sufficiently understandable to farmers (and technicians), whereas tensiometers were better perceived, although they do not provide any indication on how much water to apply. We conclude that innovations such as drip irrigation or improved irrigation scheduling have to be appropriately introduced, e.g., by taking sufficient time to co-produce a common understanding about the technologies and their possible usefulness, and by ensuring adequate follow-up support.

scholarly journals Impact of sustained-deficit irrigation on tree growth, mineral nutrition, fruit yield and quality of mango in Spain

Fruits ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor Hugo Durán Zuazo ◽  
Carmen Rocío Rodríguez Pleguezuelo ◽  
Dionisio Franco Tarifa
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Mineral Nutrition ◽  
Deficit Irrigation ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Yield And Quality

scholarly journals Field Evaluation of Chemotherapy on HLB-Affected Citrus Trees With Emphasis on Fruit Yield and Quality

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muqing Zhang ◽  
Palaniyandi Karuppaiya ◽  
Desen Zheng ◽  
Xiuxiu Sun ◽  
Jinhe Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Nutrient Analysis ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Citrus Trees

Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus, which is associated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) in the United States. To date, no effective antimicrobial compound is commercially available to control the disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of different antimicrobial chemicals with suitable surfactants on HLB-affected matured citrus trees with emphasis on the fruit yield and quality. Each treatment was applied three times in a 2-week interval during the spring flush period, one time in summer and three times during the autumn flushing period. We extensively examined different parameters such as pathogenic index, disease index, tree canopy, fruit yield, quality, and nutritional status. The results showed that among the treatments, penicillin (PEN) with surfactant was most effective in suppressing Las titer in infected citrus trees, followed by Fosetyl-Al (ALI), Carvacrol (CARV), and Validamycin (VA). Fruit quality analysis revealed that PEN treatment increased the soluble solids content (SSC), whereas Oxytetracycline (OXY) treatment significantly reduced titratable acidity (TA) level and increased the SSC/TA ratio compared to the control. Nutrient analysis showed increased N and Zn levels in ALI and PEN treatments, and OXY treatment increased leaf P, K, S, and Mg levels compared to untreated control. Furthermore, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Mn in leaves were reduced in all chemical treatments than that of the untreated control. These findings revealed that some of the chemical treatments were able to suppress Las pathogen, enhance nutritional status in leaves, and improve tree growth and fruit quality of HLB-affected trees.

scholarly journals Irrigation and Rootstock Influence on Water Use, Tree Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality at Harvest at Different Ages of Trees in ‘Pacific Gala’ Apple

HortScience ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 588-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmaeil Fallahi ◽  
Bahar Fallahi ◽  
Bahman Shafii
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Starch Degradation ◽  
Yield Efficiency

During various ages of tree between 2002 and 2007, the effects of four rootstocks and two irrigation systems using a crop evapotranspiration-based (ETc) water scheduling on water use, tree growth, yield, and fruit quality at harvest in ‘Pacific Gala’ apple [(Malus ×domestica) Borkh] were studied. The use of ETc when a precise crop coefficient value (Kc), modified by percentage of ground shade (GS) and tree canopy maturity (M) was used, provided a reliable tool for irrigation scheduling of ‘Pacific Gala’ apple. Young trees with a full sprinkler (FS) system received an average of 872.3 mm (5616.8 L/tree), whereas those with full drip (FD) received 448.9 mm (2921.1 L/tree). However, when trees were mature, trees with a FS system received an average of 994 mm (6461.7 L/tree), whereas trees with a FD received 614.1 mm (3996 L/tree) of irrigation water per growing season. Trees on ‘Budagovsky 9’ (‘B.9’) had smaller trunk cross-sectional area (TCA) and higher yield efficiency, whereas those on ‘Supporter4’ (‘Sup.4’) had larger TCA and lower yield efficiency than those on other rootstocks in all years of the study. Trees on ‘Nic.9’ (‘RN29’) always had higher yield per tree as compared with those on other rootstocks. Trees on ‘RN29’ often had higher but trees on ‘B.9’ had lower fruit weight than did those on other rootstocks. Trees on ‘Sup.4’, despite their lower yields, had smaller fruits than those on ‘RN29’ every year and thus were not suitable for planting. Fruit from trees on ‘B.9’ and ‘Cornell-Geneva30’ (‘G.30’) often had higher soluble solids concentration (SSC) and starch degradation pattern (SDP) than those other rootstocks. Fruits from trees on ‘G.30’ also had lower firmness and higher stem-end cracking, suggesting that this rootstock advances maturity in ‘Pacific Gala’ apple. Trees with FS irrigation had higher TCA than those with the FD system. Trees with the FD system were more precocious and had higher yield per tree, yield efficiency, and fruit weight than trees with the FS system when they were young. However, these differences were not significant when trees matured. ‘Pacific Gala’ fruit from trees with FS consistently had better color than those with the FD system every year. Fruits from young trees with the FD system often had higher SDP and lower firmness than those from FS irrigation.

scholarly journals Nitrate Leaching, Yields, and Water-use Efficiency of Zucchini Squash (Cucubita pepo) under Different Irrigation and Nitrogen Rates and Methods in a Sandy Soil

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 988B-988
Author(s):  
Lincoln Zotarelli ◽  
Johannes Scholberg ◽  
Michael Dukes ◽  
Hannah Snyder ◽  
Eric Simonne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Use Efficiency

On sandy soils, potential N contamination of groundwater resources associated with intensively managed vegetables may hamper the sustainability of these systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between irrigation system design/scheduling and N fertilization rates on zucchini production and potential N leaching. Zucchini was planted during Fall 2005 using three N fertilizer rates (73, 145, 217 kg/ha) and four different irrigation approaches. Irrigation scheduling included surface-applied drip irrigation and fertigation: SUR1 (141 mm applied) and SUR2 (266 mm) using irrigation control system (QIC) that allowed time-based irrigation (up to five events per day) and a threshold setting of 13% and 15% volumetric water content (VWC), respectively; Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) using a QIC setting of 10% VWC (116 mm) combined with surface applied fertigation; and a control treatment with irrigation applied once daily (424 mm). Leacheate volumes were measured by drainage lysimeters. Nitrate leaching increased with irrigation rate and N rate and measured values ranged from 4 to 42 kg N/ha. Use of SDI greatly reduced nitrate leaching compared to other treatments. SDI and SUR1 treatments had no effect on yields (29 Mg/ha). However, SDI had a 15% and 479% higher water use efficiency (WUE) compared to SUR1 and the fixed irrigation duration treatment. Application of N in excess of intermediate N-rate (standard recommendation) did not increase yield but yield was reduced at the lowest N-rate. It is concluded that combining sensor-based SDI with surface applied fertigation resulted similar or higher yields while it reduced both water use and potential N leaching because of improved nutrient retention in the active root zone.

scholarly journals 296 Study of Water Applied on Two Varieties of Honeydew Melons with a Drip Irrigation System

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 442E-442
Author(s):  
Fabián Robles-Contreras ◽  
Raul Leonel Grijalva-Contreras
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Drip Irrigation System ◽  
Annual Crop ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Honeydew Melon ◽  
Commercial Field

In the Caborca area, water scarcity is the main problem for the farmers, because of the depletion of the aquifer. This is the main reason why they are focusing on orchards and vegetables. Melon is the vegetable annual crop more extensively grown in this area and is furrow-irrigated with 120 cm of water. But, because of the scarcity of water, it is necessary to use drip irrigation. The objective of this study was to validate in a commercial field (15 ha) the effects of drip irrigation system on the water use, yield, and quality of two honeydew melon varieties (green flesh and orange flesh) in the Caborca area. Our results indicate that, with 50 cm of water applied, yields were 2146 to 2802 boxes/ha for green flesh and orange flesh, respectively. The predominant sizes were 4s and 5s with 25% and 38% for green flesh, and 5s and 6s with 42% and 36% for orange flesh. These sizes are the best for the exportation market.

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