Water requirement and effect of deficit irrigation on tree growth, yield and fruit quality of ortanique tangor
2006
Metochis, C.
Irrigation studies with Ortanique tangor during a 19-year period were carried out in the south coastal area of Cyprus. These concerned irrigation requirements in relation to crop development, comparison of irrigation methods, as well as different deficit irriga¬tion strategies. Seasonal irrigation requirement increased from 60 mm at planting, to 400 and 600 mm when the trees covered the soil by 30 and 50 per cent, respectively, reaching a maximum of 800 mm for trees at full development. Rate of tree growth, production and fruit quality were optimal and statistically non different between well-managed drip and minisprinkler methods of irrigation. Reduced irrigation during the entire irrigation sea¬son decreased yield due to reduced number of fruits produced, and adversely affected tree growth and fruit quality. Irrigation restriction during the summer or autumn months reduced production as a result of smaller fruit size, while its effect on fruit quality was the same as with irrigation reduction over the entire season. On the contrary, water-stress imposed by reduced irrigation during spring, affected mainly seasonal vegetative growth without any negative effect on yield or fruit quality, indicating that by the use of this method, it is possible to save water during years of severe water shortage.
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