The Effects of Combined Pre and Postharvest Deficit Irrigation on Loquat Yield, Fruit Quality and Handling Aptitude

• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy11020201
• Publication Date: 2021-01-21T14:49:21Z
• Authors: Juan J. Hueso; Francisca Alonso; María L. Cañete; Mónica González; Virginia Pinillos; Fernando M. Chiam...; Julián Cuevas
• Keywords: Preharvest; Sweetness

Loquat prices depend on fruit size and earliness. Earliness is improved by postharvest deficit irrigation (DI), without negative effects size. An optimization of DI strategies carried out limiting the dry period led to greater harvest date advancement, but water savings were reduced. To further improve earliness quality increase savings, we combined pre strategies. Treatments T1: trees not irrigated during six weeks after (no preharvest applied); T2: that, in addition DI, watered from rapid growth phase (nine extra DI); T3: color break (six plus T4: that growth, re-irrigated at (2–3 depending season). Full-irrigated grown for comparison. T1 saved 18% with respect full-irrigation, advanced harvesting 16 days. T2 more water, had an earlier produced a higher early yield. Shorter periods beneficial lower extent. Fruit was significantly diminished T2, T4. A major advantage T3 T4 better performance handling shelf life. fruits favored panelists their sweetness criticized smaller