ISHS Acta Horticulturae 465: IV International Peach Symposium
USE OF A GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) TO DESCRIBE SUITABLE PRODUCTION AREAS FOR PEACH |
| Authors: | A. Rumayor-Rodríguez, J.A. Zegbe, G. Medina-García |
| Keywords: | Prunus persica, winter chilling, temperatures, precipitation / evaporation ratio, fruit yield, multiple regression models |
| Abstract:
The peach production area of North-Central Mexico is based almost exclusively on seedlings; its average chilling accumulation from November to February, calculated as chill units, is 634, although fluctuations from 250 to 1000 units occur in "warm" and "cold" winters, respectively. In addition, average annual rainfall is 383 mm, with 75% in summer; while average pan evaporation is 2216 mm. The largest differences between rainfall and evaporation are found in March, April and May, during and after blooming of peaches. Despite these dry and fluctuating conditions, 25,000 hectares are being successfully cultivated with seedling peaches, only about 10% of this area has irrigation water. Therefore, annual variations in the regional average yields depend on weather conditions of each year. A multiple regression model to predict crop yield, based on total winter chilling accumulation and the ratio between precipitation and evaporation for July and August, was calculated. Maximum yield for peach in the area was obtained when chilling accumulation reached 550 units and with a precipitation/evaporation ratio of 0.7. A Geographical Information System (GIS) and the generated model were used to identify regions of homology and their attributes, particularly potential yields, and referenced as maps. Suitable production areas for peach were defined on the map located in the vicinity of actual production areas. In the areas cultivated with peach, yields are restricted by insufficient rainfall, rather than by the lack of winter chilling. The scope of applicability of yield prediction models was extended to a regional productivity analysis by combining their capabilities with a GIS. | |
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