Abstract

DIAZ HERNANDEZ, Yusnier; TORRECILLAS MELENDRERAS, Arturo  and  RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ, Pedro. Stem diameter fluctuations as stress indicator in fruit trees and its use in irrigation management. cultrop [online]. 2015, vol.36, suppl.1, pp. 59-66. ISSN 1819-4087.

Indexes derived from stem diameter fluctuations (SDF) and leave water potential have been used in irrigation programs for different cultures. Several studies have been conducted to address SDF indixes in irrigation water management. This work has as aims to emphasize main progresses using derived indexes and reference equations obtained from SDF indixes to do an accurate management of irrigation. Of these, maximum daily trunk shrinkage (MDT) and trunk growth rate (TGR) are the most used. Thus far recent studies have shown that certain factors may affect the outcomes of SDF indixes prior to obtaining base lines. These include crop load, tree age and size, and soil moisture at different depth regardless of the water deficit of the plant. In addition, SDF indixes are related to climate variables such as air temperature and vapor pressure deficit. In order to study these variables, a wide number of sensors are required for their measurement. This makes the methodology more complicated for irrigation management in commercial agriculture.

Keywords : tree; leave water potential; irrigation; environmental temperature.

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