Effects of tree size on water use of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch)

Abstract

A short-term experiment was conducted to determine the effects of reducing tree size on peach tree water use (TWU). Tree size was progressively reduced by de-branching an individual isolated tree over a 15-day period. TWU was measured at 15-min intervals using heat pulse sap flow sensors located at eight positions in the trunk sapwood. Measures of TWU were compared with estimates derived from reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) and the area of shade cast by the tree on the soil surface (ASH). ASH was estimated prior to each de-branching event using a combination of photographs of the tree taken from the direction of the sun, and measures of fractional radiation interception in the area o..