Effect of trickle irrigation on the growth and yield of ‘Loring’ peach trees

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Abstract
Summary Supplemental water treatments of 0, 3.8, 7.6, and 11.41 h−1 per tree were applied for five seasons to Loring peach trees, beginning when they were planted in 1975. The amount of water applied was based on 70% pan evaporation. The tree mantle volume was restricted by pruning only after the trees had filled their allotted space in 1978; they began to bear in 1977. Significant increases in trunk diameter occurred with irrigation treatments up to full canopy, but not afterwards. Although yield and fruit size were directly related to the amount of water applied during most bearing years, irrigation at 11.41 h−1 per tree was no improvement over 7.61 h−1 per tree in 1978. Once the trees had reached maximum volume, yield was largely attributable to fruit size. All irrigation treatments resulted in greater yields and fruit size than no irrigation.

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