Performance of Bearing Cherry and Prune Trees under Very Low Irrigation Rates1

Abstract

Abstract Cherry ( Prunus avium L.) and prune ( P. domestica L.) trees were trickle irrigated daily or weekly at 100%, 50%, and 15% of evaporation from a standard Class “A” pan, adjusted to the area of the tree canopy (Ec), for one full growing season. Soil moisture remained above the wilting point throughout the soil profile with 100% Ec but reached the wilting point except for a wetted zone near the emitters for 50% Ec and 15% Ec. Leaf water potential of shaded cherry leaves at midday averaged near -14 bars for 100% Ec, near -20 bars for 15% Ec, reaching as low as -28 bars for prunes in late July and August. Growth of fruit and vegetative parts was reduced by severe stress but the trees survived on 15% Ec. Prunes recovered to normal yield and growth by the second year after treatment. Peripheral branches of cherries died back during the year of treatment and in the following year. Cherries grew and fruited normally by the third year after treatment except for reduced bearing surface.