Category: Water management
Surface soil water content as an indicator of Hass avocado irrigation scheduling
This study aims to determine whether Hass avocado irrigation can be triggered based on the surface soil water content (SSWC). To address this question, the soil water dynamics from three Hass avocado orchard plots located in Valle del Cauca (Colombia) was simulated using a model provided by Hydrus-1D software, which was calibrated through the genetic algorithm NSGA-II and validated using the soil matric potential measured at several depths at nine monitoring stations installed in the three plots.
Growth, photosynthetic performance and antioxidative response of ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) plants grown under high soil moisture
‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’ avocado plants were grown under well-watered or waterlogged conditions. Results indicated significant effects on the majority of the allometric parameters in waterlogged plants, with ‘Fuerte’ displaying a more pronounced growth inhibition. Waterlogged conditions caused a progressive and simultaneous decline in net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, earlier in ‘Fuerte’ than in ‘Hass’. Maximal potential quantum yield of PSII was unaffected by the soil
Bioenergetics, respiration cost and water relations of developing avocado fruit
Avocado fruit of cultivars with different susceptibility to physiological fruit disorders were examined in situ for respiration, stomatal conductance, transpiration and xylem water potential. Therein, attached fruit of cv. Fuerte (susceptible to mesocarp discolouration) were compared with Hass (susceptible to small fruit) over the 3-month period from anthesis until the fruit reached 60 g fresh matter:1. Avocado fruit respired more CO2 in the dark than in the light due to fruit photosynthesis. Respiration
Global virtual water trade of avocado
This paper investigates the relationship between international trade of avocado and the related virtual water trade over the period 2000–2016. Using a Physical Trade Analysis, we show that commercial and virtual water trade grew rapidly moving almost hand-in-hand in the years taken into account: in parallel with a remarkable increase of international trade of avocado from 0.4 Mt in 2000 to 1.9 Mt in 2016, the global virtual water trade of avocado increased from 408 Mm³ to 2238 Mm³ over the same
The water relations and irrigation requirements of avocado (persea americana mill.): a review
The results of research on the water relations and irrigation need of avocado are collated and reviewed in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to irrigation practices. Background information is given on the centre of origin (Mexico and Central America) and the three distinct ecological areas where avocados are grown commercially: (1) Cool, semi-arid climates with winter-dominant rainfall (e.g. Southern California, Chile, Israel); (2) Humid, subtropical climates with summer-dominant
Water stress affects leaf anatomy, gas exchange, water relations and growth of two avocado cultivars
Two cultivars of avocado (Persea americana Mill., 'Fuerte' and 'Hass') plants, grown in 501 containers, were studied under two irrigation regimes for 6 months in order to evaluate the growth response and leaf physiological and anatomical changes induced by moderate water stress. Irrigation was applied when soil water potential reached at -0.03 and -0.5 MPa for the wet and dry treatments, respectively. Leaf anatomy changed in water-stressed leaves, which could have accounted for the decreased stomata]