Trunk growth rate frequencies as water stress indicator in almond trees

The continuous monitoring of water stress will increase the accuracy deficit irrigation scheduling. Almonds are very sensitive to conditions and an important consumer. Recently, a novel approach use trunk growth rate (TGR) data has been proposed for olive trees. These works suggested TGR frequencies evaluate status aim current work was compare seasonal pattern three different indicators derived from daily curves diameter fluctuations with midday stem potential. During consecutive seasons (2017–2019), experiment carried out in mature almond orchard (cv Vairo) at Dos Hermanas (Seville, Spain). Four treatments replicated four blocks were evaluated using potential fluctuations. were: Control, full irrigated conditions; RDI-1 (irrigation scheduling based on during kernel filling [values around −1.2 MPa]); RDI-2(similar but more severe [−2 MPa]) incomplete recovery after harvest due limitation amount (around 100 mm); SDI, sustained applied equal RDI-2. Trunk measured wireless band dendrometer. processed obtain indicators. Maximum shrinkage (MDS) difference between maximum minimum. two maximums. several ranges compared Weekly values greater than 0.3 mm day−1 decreased reduction potential, changed greatly seasons. weekly frequency − 0.1 0 steadier Differences related yield.