ISHS Acta Horticulturae 465: IV International Peach Symposium
REDUCTION IN VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND FRUIT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN THE PEACH VARIETY "CARNIVAL" THROUGH MODERATE WATERING RESTRICTIONS |
| Authors: | M. Ghrab, A. Sahli, N. Ben Mechlia |
| Keywords: | Prunus persica, irrigation, deficit, development, yield |
| Abstract:
A study was carried out on the vegetative and fruiting behaviour of peach trees subject to watering restrictions at different stages of fruit growth. The late-producing variety "Carnival" grown in a private orchard was used. With reference to the growers watering input (T0), three modes of irrigation restrictions (-30 %) were adopted : restriction during phase I and III (T1), during phase I and II (T3) and during the whole cycle of fruit development (T5). The effect of water supply reduction on the various treatments was studied. Shoot elongation, branch thickening and fruit growth were recorded weekly. Fruit quality analysis were also performed. The results show that the predawn foliar water potential varied between -0.21 and -0.27 MPa for control trees (T0) and from -0.25 to -0.53 MPa for the least watered trees (T5). Because of high spring rainfall, reducing irrigation during the first two stages of fruit growth did not have a significant effect on fruit growth cinetics and final yield. Restriction of water supply, however, affected vegetative growth, and a decrease of up to 35% in shoot elongation and 12% in branch thickening was observed. Finally, the qualitative analysis revealed a slight improvement in fruit quality (Brix degrees and dry matter content) following water input reductions. | |
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