Phenology, Morphology and Physiology Responses of Deficit Irrigated ‘Koroneiki’ Olive Trees as Affected by Environmental Conditions and Alternate Bearing

Climate change is affecting water resources in the Mediterranean region. In olive orchards, irrigation use efficiency could be increased by accounting for trees’ alternate bearing behaviour and growth-stage sensitivity to drought. The main objective of this study examine tree phenology, morphology physiology “on” “off” productive years improvement scheduling. A regulated (RDI) a sustained (SDI) deficit treatment were applied ‘Koroneiki’ orchard Cyprus. Flowering occurred on 11 May 2019 27 April 2021, which was caused lower temperatures 2019. Kc season, computed from daily balance observations, 0.37 (38% canopy cover) 0.41 2021 (62% cover). Irrigation treatments did not significantly affect plant stem potentials. years, shoot elongation ceased early season potential towards end September (−4.0 MPa) than year. Stem recovery year indicated that less 35% ETc fall. Water savings RDI 24–32% 48% relative SDI, with no statistically significant effects yields.