Effect of Irrigation Rates and Cultivar-Rootstock Combination on Water Potential of Apple Tree

Maria Gospodinova, Anelia Zdravkova, Aleksandar Matev

Abstract: The study was carried out in Institute of Agricultural, Kyustendil, Bulgaria during 2010 – 2011 with apple cultivars Florina and Freedom grafted on two rootstocks: seedling – Gold Pearmain and clonal – MM 106. The trees grown in Chromic Luvisols and planted at 4.0 x 3.5 m. Drip irrigation treatments were 100% ET, 60% ET and non irrigated (control). Irrigation was scheduled using a class A pan. The influence of irrigation rate and cultivar/rootstock combinations on midday leaf and steam water potential was examined. The maximum midday leaf and stem water potential was measured of 100 ET treatment and the lowest of non-irrigated plot. The midday leaf and stem water potential in trees grafted on seedling rootstock were higher then that in MM 106. Florina was more sensitive to water stress than Freedom.

Keywords: apple; irrigation; rootstocks; water stress

Date published: 2017-07-12