Vegetative growth, yield, and water productivity of an early maturing peach cultivar under deficit irrigation strategies in a warm and arid areaMOTS CLES

Deficit irrigation strategies are considered as promising irrigation management for water saving. In the arid areas of southern Tunisia, agriculture relies heavily on irrigation. With rainfall scarcity, valuable management of water requires efficient approaches. In this context, the effects of deficit irrigation (CDI) and partial root zone drying (PRD) on the vegetative and fruiting behaviour of an early maturing peach (Prunus persica cv. Flordastar) were investigated. Shoot and trunk growth, yield, and fruit size were evaluated during three successive years (2013-2015). In reference to full irrigation (FI) treatment, a 50% water restriction was applied using CDI and PRD. The results obtained showed that both strategies at 50% crop evapotranspiration induced a similar significant reduction of tree vigour mediated by shoot length, trunk cross-sectional area, and pruning wood weight. Consequently, there was a significant yield loss of 25% following the continuous water restriction of 50% observed throughout the experimental period. However, these yield losses were offset by substantial water savings in the range of 48%-52% and a significant increase of agricultural water productivity. Hence, these techniques lead to significant water savings and vegetative and yield losses offset by a significant increase in water productivity.