The effect of deficit irrigation on water relations, growth, and fruit quality of "Braeburn" apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) growing in lysimeters : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science at Massey University

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dc.contributor.authorPothamshetty, Kalpana
dc.date.accessioned2016-12-13T00:28:55Z
dc.date.available2016-12-13T00:28:55Z
dc.date.issued1997
dc.description.abstractThis project investigated the feasibility and practicality of using deficit irrigation (DI) at different times of the growing season on water relations, growth and fruit quality of 'Braeburn' apples grown in lysimeters. Five-year-old trees on MM. 106 rootstock were subjected to three irrigation treatments in a completely randomised design. The treatments were: Well-watered control (C), deficit irrigated for the entire season (ED), and deficit irrigated late in the season (LD) from 102 days after full bloom (DAFB) to harvest. Both ED and LD trees developed a lower predawn and midday leaf water potential than C trees. For LD and ED trees towards the end of growing season, reduction occurred in the photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), and the rate of transpiration. The reduction in Pn was caused by stomatal and non-stomatal factors. Deficit irrigation caused an increase in canopy temperature (Tc) and canopy-air temperature difference (Tc-Ta) in ED and LD. Fruit growth was not affected by DI although shoot growth and increase in trunk circumference were significantly reduced under DI. Deficit irrigation also reduced mean fruit weight at harvest as well as return bloom. Deficit irrigation increased the concentration of fruit soluble solids and volatiles, decreased that of N, and did not have any effects on the concentration of P, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+. The ED and LD treatments resulted in more advanced fruit maturity based on higher ethylene production and TSS concentration. Firmness was higher in LD and ED fruit than the C fruit after 12 weeks of storage at 1 °C. This study showed that water deficit late in the season may be used in apple production with improved fruit quality in terms of increased TSS. firmness in storage, and higher volatiles without adversely affecting on fruit size.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/10111
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectApplesen_US
dc.subjectIrrigationen_US
dc.titleThe effect of deficit irrigation on water relations, growth, and fruit quality of "Braeburn" apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) growing in lysimeters : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science at Massey Universityen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorPothamshetty, Kalpanaen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineApplied Scienceen_US
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Applied Science (M. Appl. Sc.)en_US
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