Plant water requirement of ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange in cold temperature conditions |
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Authors: | Smita Barkataky Kelly T Morgan Robert C Ebel |
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Affiliation: | 1. Soil and Water Science, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, 2685 SR 29 N, Immokalee, FL, 34142-9515, USA 2. Horticultural Sciences, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, 2685 SR 29 N, Immokalee, FL, 34142-9515, USA
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Abstract: | Citrus irrigation scheduling is usually based on evapotranspiration (ET) multiplied by a crop coefficient that varies throughout the year. However, ET at 10°C and less has not been investigated. Citrus acclimate to temperatures below 10°C, which affects ET, and therefore may allow irrigation scheduling to be adjusted accordingly. Three separate growth chamber experiments were conducted in complete block design with two temperature treatments and 8-one tree replications with the objective of determining water use of ‘Hamlin’ orange exposed to cold temperatures. The treatments included: full cold-acclimating temperatures, alternating 10 days cold and 3 days warm temperatures, and alternating 10 days warm and 3 days cold temperatures. Although well-watered, trees exposed to temperatures ≤10°C demonstrated lower water use compared to trees held at temperatures that promoted growth. Reduction of water use of cold-treated plants than the controls was 66, 20–57, and 14–28% during full cold-acclimating temperatures, alternating 10 days cold and 3 days warm, and alternating 10 days warm and 3 days cold temperatures, respectively. Reduced water use of cold-treated plants was due to stomatal closure, increased root resistance, and decreased leaf area. Effective irrigation scheduling based on water requirements as they change during cold-acclimating temperatures should save water while providing adequate water for yield and quality. |
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