Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sustainable Fruit Production in Mediterranean Orchards Subjected to Drought Stress

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants

Abstract

Drought stress is the main cause of reduced fruit tree growth and productivity in Mediterranean semi-arid regions and causes a complex of responses at molecular, cellular, physiological and developmental level. In particular, the response of fruit trees to water scarcity is a species- and cultivar-dependent and a series of studies have been carried out to clarify and deepen the mechanisms of their adaptation, avoidance, resistance or tolerance against drought. Considering that 16% of the total cultivable land of the Mediterranean area is occupied by fruit crops, the choice of an appropriate and rational irrigation management is of key importance. Furthermore, plant water status in an orchard is related to many biotic and abiotic factors, such as the amount of light intercepted, plant densities and canopy architecture, which play a key role in determining orchard productivity and fruit quality. The recent research on the physiology of fruit trees and on soil chemical and biological fertility in fruit orchards have revealed that sustainable and innovative soil management systems, with a particular emphasis on water management (e.g., sustained deficit irrigation, regulated deficit irrigation and partial root-zone drying), can determine an optimal plant nutritional equilibrium, avoid nutrients accumulation and leaching risks, improve irrigation efficiency and prevent soil erosion and root asphyxia. The application, optimization and innovation of sustainable agricultural techniques with a low negative environmental impact allow to recover or increase the normal levels of total fertility in fruit agro-ecosystems, so maintaining top yields of high quality. On this basis, the aim of this work is to give an detailed information on drought stress in fruit trees.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 229.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abid N, Lal R (2008) Tillage and drainage impact on soil quality: I. Aggregate stability, carbon and nitrogen pools. Soil Till Res 100:89–98

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aganchich B, El Antari A, Wahbi S, Tahi H, Wakrim R, Serraj R (2008) Fruit and oil quality of mature olive trees under partial rootzone drying in field conditions. Grasas Aceites 59(3):225–233

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aiyelaagbe I, Orodele O (2007) Leaf gas exchange and growth response of juvenile ‘Valencia’ orange trees to dry season irrigation in south western Nigeria. Proceedings conference on international agricultural research for development tropentag 2007. University of Kassel-Witzenhausen and University of Göttingen, Germany, October 9–11, 2007

    Google Scholar 

  • Alarćon JJ, Domingo R, Green SR, Sánchez-Blanco MJ, Rodríìguez P, Torrecillas A (2000) Sap flow as an indicator of transpiration and the water status of young apricot trees. Plant Soil 227:77–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allouche N, Fki I, Sayadi S (2004) Toward a high yield recovery of antioxidants and purified hydroxytyrosol from olive mill wastewaters. J Agric Food Chem 52:267–273

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Angelopoulos K, Dichio B, Xiloyannis C (1996) Inhibition of photosynthesis in olive trees (Olea europaea L.) during water stress and rewatering. J Exp Bot 47: 1093–1100

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arndt SK, Wanek W (2002) Use of decreasing foliar carbon isotope discrimination during water limitation as a carbon tracer to study whole plant carbon allocation. Plant Cell Environ 25:609–616

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arndt SK, Wanek W, Clifford SC, Popp M (2000) Contrasting adaptations to drought stress in fieldgrown Ziziphus mauritiana and Prunus persica trees, water relations, osmotic adjustment and carbon isotope composition. Aust J Plant Physiol 27:985–996

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ayers RS, Westcot DW (1976) Water quality for ­agriculture. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 29, pp. 1–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Bedbabis S, Palese AM, Ben Rouina B, Boukhris M, Rhouma A, Gargouri K (2009) The effect of irrigation by treated wastewater on “Chemlali” olive oil quality. J Food Qual 32(2):141–157

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bellini P (1983) Sovescio. Enciclopedia agraria. REDA, Roma, pp 977–979

    Google Scholar 

  • Bending GD, Turner MK, Jones JE (2002) Interactions between crop residue and soil organic matter quality and the functional diversity of soil microbial communities. Soil Biol Biochem 34:1073–1082

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benlloch M, Arboleda F, Barranco D, Fernández-Escobar R (1991) Response of young olive trees to sodium and boron excess in irrigation water. HortScience 26: 867–870

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berenguer MJ, Vossen PM, Grattan SR, Connell JH, Polito VS (2006) Tree irrigation levels for optimum chemical and sensory properties of olive oil. HortScience 41:427–432

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berman ME, DeJong TM (1996) Water stress preconditioning to improve drought resistance in young apricot plants. Tree Physiol 16:859–864

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Besset J, Génard M, Girard T, Serra V, Bussi C (2001) Effect of water stress applied during the final stage of rapid growth of peach trees (cv. Big-Top). Sci Hortic 91:289–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhantana P, Lazarovitch N (2010) Evapotranspiration, crop coefficient and growth of two young pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties under salt stress. Agric Water Manage 97:715–722

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boland AM, Jerie PH, Mitchell PD, Goodwin I (2000) Long-term effects of restricted root volume and regulated deficit irrigation on peach I. Growth and mineral nutrition. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 125:135–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Borken W, Muhs A, Beese F (2002) Changes in microbial and soil properties following compost treatment of degraded temperate forest soils. Soil Biol Biochem 34: 403–412

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Browicz K, Zohary D (1996) The genus Amygdalus L. (Rosaceae): species relationships, distribution and evolution under domestication. Genet Resour Crop Evol 43:229–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castel JR, Fereres E (1982) Response of young almond trees to two drought periods in the field. J Hortic Sci 57:175–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Cataldi TR, Margiotta G, Iasi L, Dichio B, Xiloyannis C, Bufo SA (2000) Determination of sugar compounds in olive plant extracts by anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Anal Chem 72:3902–3907

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Celano G, Palese AM, Xiloyannis C (2002) La gestione sostenibile del suolo nell’albicoccheto. Frutticoltura 3:37–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Celano G, Palese AM, Xiloyannis C (2003) Gestione del suolo. Olea: Trattato di Olivicoltura. (a cura di Piero Fiorino). Il Sole 24 ORE Edagricole S.r.L., pp. 349–363

    Google Scholar 

  • Celano G, Palese AM, Parente D, Rizzuti L, Silvestri N (2010) Environmental impact evaluation of olive mill wastewater shedding on cultivated fields. Terr Aquat Environ Toxicol 4(1):39–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Celano G, Palese AM, Ciucci A, Martorella E, Vignozzi N, Xiloyannis C (2011) Evaluation of soil water content in tilled and cover-cropped olive orchards by the geoelectrical technique. Geoderma 163:163–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Chalmers DJ, Mitchell PD, van Heek L (1981) Control of peach tree growth and productivity by regulated water supply, tree density and summer pruning. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 106:307–312

    Google Scholar 

  • Chartzoulakis KS (2005) Salinity and olive: growth, salt tolerance, photosynthesis and yield. Agric Water Manage 78:108–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaves MM, Maroco JP, Pereira JS (2003) Understanding plant responses to drought – from genes to the whole plant. Funct Plant Biol 30:239–264

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crisosto CH, Johnson RS, Luza JG, Crisosto SM (1994) Irrigation regimes affect fruit soluble solids concentration and rate of water loss of ‘O’Henry’ peaches. HortScience 29:1169–1171

    Google Scholar 

  • Cuevas J, Cañete ML, Pinillos V, Zapata AJ, Fernández MD, González M, Hueso JJ (2007) Optimal dates for regulated deficit irrigation in ‘Algerie’ loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) cultivated in Southeast Spain. Agric Water Manage 89:131–136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • d’Andria R, Lavini A, Morelli G, Patumi M, Terenziani S, Calandrelli D, Fragnito F (2004) Effects of water regimes on five pickling and double aptitude olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.). J Hortic Sci Biotechnol 79:18–25

    Google Scholar 

  • d’Andria R, Lavini A, Morelli G, Sebastiani L, Tognetti R (2009) Physiological and productive responses of Olea europaea L. cultivars Frantoio and Leccino to a regulated deficit irrigation regime. Plant Biosyst 1:222–231

    Google Scholar 

  • Dabbou S, Chehab H, Faten B, Dabbou S, Esposto S, Selvaggini R, Taticchi A, Servili M, Montedoro GF, Hammami M (2010) Effect of three irrigation regimes on Arbequina olive oil produced under Tunisian growing conditions. Agric Water Manage 97:763–768

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies WJ, Bacon MA, Thompson DS, Sobeigh W, Rodriguez LG (2000) Regulation of leaf and fruit growth in plants growing in drying soil: exploitation of the plants’ chemical signalling system and hydraulic architecture to increase the efficiency of water use in agriculture. J Exp Bot 51:1617–1626

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Graaff J, Eppink LAAJ (1999) Olive oil production and soil conservation in southern Spain, in relation to EU subsidy policies. Land Use Policy 16:259–267

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dichio B, Romano M, Nuzzo V, Xiloyannis C (2002) Soil water availability and relationship between canopy and roots in young olive trees (cv Coratina). Acta Hortic 586:255–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Dichio B, Xiloyannis C, Sofo A, Montanaro G (2007) Effects of post-harvest regulated deficit irrigation on carbohydrate and nitrogen partitioning, yield quality and vegetative growth of peach trees. Plant Soil 290: 127–137

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dichio B, Margiotta G, Xiloyannis C, Bufo SA, Sofo A, Cataldi RI (2009) Changes in osmolyte levels and water status in leaves and roots of olive plants (Olea europaea L.) subjected to water deficit. Trees Struct Funct 23:247–256

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Durán-Zuazo VH, Rodríguez Pleguenzuelo CR, Arroyo Panadero L, Martínez Raya A, Francia Martínez JR, Cárceles Rodríguez B (2009) Soil conservation measures in rainfed olive orchards in south-eastern Spain: impacts of plant strips on soil water dynamics. Pedosphere 19(4):453–464

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dzikiti S, Milford JR, Steppe K, Lemeur R (2006) Water use by young navel orange trees (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) in Zimbabwe. Acta Hortic 707:135–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Dzikiti S, Steppe K, Lemeur R (2008) Partial rootzone drying of drip irrigated ‘Navel’ orange trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] under semi-arid tropical conditions. Acta Hortic 792:249–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Egea G, Nortes PA, González-Real MM, Baille A, Domingo R (2010) Agronomic response and water productivity of almond trees under contrasted deficit irrigation regimes. Agric Water Manage 97:171–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engin H, Ünal A (2008) The effect of irrigation, gibberellic acid and nitrogen on the occurrence of double fruit in ‘Van’ sweet cherry. Acta Hortic 795:645–650

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Escobar-Gutiérrez AJ, Zipperlin B, Carbonne F, Moing A, Gaudillére JP (1998) Photosynthesis, carbon partitioning and metabolite content during drought stress in peach seedlings. Aust J Plant Physiol 25:197–205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Esparza G, DeJong TM, Weinbaum SA (2001) Effects of irrigation deprivation during the harvest period on nonstructural carbohydrate and nitrogen contents of dormant, mature almond trees. Tree Physiol 21: 1081–1086

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Esparza G, DeJong TM, Weinbaum SA, Klein I (2010) Effects of irrigation deprivation during the harvest period on yield determinants in mature almond trees. Tree Physiol 21:1073–1079

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) (1985) Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 29, Rome, Italy

    Google Scholar 

  • FAOSTAT (2010) http://faostat.fao.org

  • Fereres E, Soriano MA (2007) Deficit irrigation for reducing agricultural water use. Exp Bot 58(2):147–159

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández JE, Diaz-Espejo A, Infante JM, Duran P, Palomo MJ, Chamorro V, Giron IF, Villagarica L (2006) Water relations and gas exchange in olive trees under regulated deficit irrigation and partial rootzone drying. Plant Soil 284:273–291

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández MD, Hueso JJ, Cuevas J (2010) Water stress integral for successful modification of flowering dates in ‘Algerie’ loquat. Irrig Sci 28:127–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fleskens L, Stroosnijder L, Ouessar M, De Graaff J (2005) Evaluation of the on-site impact of water harvesting in southern Tunisia. J Arid Environ 62:613–630

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foyer CH, Gomez LD, Van Heerdern PDR (2005) Glutathione. In: Smirnoff N (ed) Antioxidants and reactive oxygen species in plants. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK, pp 53–66

    Google Scholar 

  • García Petillo M, Puppo L, Chamorro A, Hayashi R (2004) Effects of drip irrigation on the amount of water and wetted soil volume on “Washington Navel” orange yield. Acta Hortic 646:101–106

    Google Scholar 

  • García-Tejero I, Romero-Vicente R, Jiménez-Bocanegra J, Martínez-García G, Duran-Zuazo V, Muriel-Fernández J (2010) Response of citrus trees to deficit irrigation during different phenological periods in relation to yield, fruit quality, and water productivity. Agric Water Manage 97:689–699

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gelly M, Recasens I, Girona J, Mata M, Arbones A, Rufat J, Marsal J (2004) Effects of stage II and postharvest deficit irrigation on peach quality during maturation and after cold storage. J Sci Food Agric 84:561–568

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghrab M, Sahli A, BenMechli N (1998) Reduction in vegetative growth and fruit quality improvement in the peach variety “Carnival” through moderate watering restrictions. Acta Hortic 465:601–608

    Google Scholar 

  • Gijón MC, Guerrero J, Couceiro JF, Moriana A (2009) Deficit irrigation without reducing yield or nut splitting in pistachio (Pistacia vera cv. Kerman on Pistacia terebinthus L.). Agric Water Manage 96:12–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gijón MC, Gimenez C, Perez-López D, Guerrero J, Couceiro JF, Moriana A (2010) Rootstock influences the response of pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kerman) to water stress and rehydration. Sci Hortic 125:666–671

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Girona J, Mata M, Fereres E, Goldhamer DA, Cohen M (2002) Evapotranspiration and soil water dynamics of peach trees under water deficits. Agric Water Manag 54:107–122

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Girona J, Gelly M, Mata M, Arbonès A, Rufat J, Marsal J (2005a) Peach tree response to single and combined deficit irrigation regimes in deep soils. Agric Water Manage 72:97–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Girona J, Mata M, Marsal J (2005b) Regulated deficit irrigation during the kernel-filling period and optimal irrigation rates in almond. Agric Water Manage 75: 152–167

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godini A, Palasciano M, Camposeo S, Pacifico A (2008) A nine-year study on the performance of twelve cherry rootstocks under non-irrigated conditions in Apulia (southern Italy). Acta Hortic 795:191–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldhamer DA (1999) Regulated deficit irrigation for California canning olives. Acta Hortic 474:369–372

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomes-Laranjo J, Coutinho JP, Galhano V, Cordeiro V (2006) Responses of five almond cultivars to irrigation: photosynthesis and leaf water potential. Agric Water Manage 83:261–265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gómez-Rico A, Desamparados Salvador M, La Greca M, Fregapane G (2006) Phenolic and volatile compounds of extra virgin olive oil (Olea europaea L. cv. Cornicabra) with regard to fruit ripening and irrigation management. J Agric Food Chem 54:7130–7136

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gonçalbes B, Moutinho-Pereire J, Santos A, Silva AP, Bacelar E, Correia C, Rosa E (2005) Scion-rootstock interaction affects the physiology and fruit quality of sweet cherry. Tree Physiol 26:93–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Govaerts B, Mezzalama M, Sayre KD, Crossa J, Litcher K, Troch V, Vanherck K, De Corte P, Deckers J (2008) Long-term consequences of tillage, residue management, and crop rotation on selected soil microflora groups in the subtropical highlands. Appl Soil Ecol 38:197–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grattan SR, Berenguer MJ, Connell JH, Polito VS, Vossen PM (2006) Olive oil production as influenced by different quantities of applied water. Agr Water Manage 85:133–140

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossman YL, DeJong TM (1998) Training and pruning system effects on vegetative growth potential, light interception and cropping efficiency in peach trees. J Am Soc Hort Sci 123:1058–1064

    Google Scholar 

  • Gruhn P, Goletti F, Yudelman M (2000) Integrated nutrient management, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture: current issues and future challenges. Food, agriculture, and the environment discussion paper 32. International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Hepaksoy S, Kukul YS, Engin H, Erogul D, Aksehirli M (2009) Leafwater potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) under different irrigation levels. Acta Hortic 818:193–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Hernández AJ, Lacasta C, Pastor J (2005) Effects of different management practices on soil conservation and soil water in a rainfed olive orchard. Agric Water Manage 77:32–248

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang X, Huang H, Gao F (2000) The growth potential generated in citrus fruit under water stress and its relevant mechanisms. Sci Hortic 83:227–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hueso JJ, Cuevas J (2008) Loquat as a crop model for successful deficit irrigation. Irrig Sci 26:269–276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iniesta F, Testi L, Orgaz F, Villalobos FJ (2009) The effects of regulated and continuous deficit irrigation on the water use, growth and yield of olive trees. Eur J Agron 30:258–265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Intrigliolo DS, Castel JR (2006) Performance of various water stress indicators for prediction of fruit size response to deficit irrigation in plum. Agric Water Manage 83:173–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Intrigliolo DS, Nicolas E, Bonet L, Ferrer P, Alarcon JJ, Bartual J (2011) Water relations of field grown Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) under different drip irrigation regimes. Agric Water Manage 98: 691–696

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jagadamma S, Lal R, Hoeft RG, Nafziger ED, Adee EA (2008) Nitrogen fertilization and cropping system impacts on soil properties and their relationship to crop yield in the central Corn Belt, USA. Soil Till Res 98:120–129

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson RS, Handley DF, DeJong TM (1992) Long-term response of early maturing peach trees to postharvest water deficits. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 117(881):886

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaska N (2002) Pistachio nut growing in the Mediterranean basin. Acta Hortic 591:443–455

    Google Scholar 

  • Kimmins JP (1997) Forest ecology. Pearson Prentice Hall, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Klay S, Charef A, Ayed L, Houman B, Rezgui F (2010) Effect of irrigation with treated wastewater on geochemical properties (saltiness, C, N and heavy metals) of isohumic soils (Zaouit Sousse perimeter, Oriental Tunisia). Desalination 253:180–187

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klein I, Esparza G, Weinbaum SA, DeJong TM (2001) Effects of irrigation deprivation during the harvest period on leaf persistence and function in mature almond trees. Tree Physiol 21:1063–1072

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kushwaha CP, Tripathi SK, Singh K (2000) Variations in soil microbial biomass and N availability due to residue and tillage management in a dryland rice agroecosystem. Soil Till Res 56:153–166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lakso AN (1979) Seasonal changes in stomatal response to leaf water potential in apple. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 104:58–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Lal R (2004) Soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change. Geoderma 123:1–22

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lavee S, Wodner M (1991) Factors affecting the nature of oil accumulation in fruit of olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars. J Hortic Sci 66(5):583–591

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawand BT, Patil VK, Patil PV (1992) Effect on different water regimes on fruit quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). Acta Hortic 321:677–683

    Google Scholar 

  • Lecouls AC, Bergougnoux V, Rubio-Cabetas MJ, Bosselut N, Voisin R, Poessel JL, Faurobert M, Bonnet A, Salesses G, Dirlewanger E, Esmenjaud D (2004) Marker-assisted selection for the wide-spectrum resistance to root-knot nematodes conferred by the Ma gene from Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera) in interspecific Prunus material. Mol Breed 13:113–124

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lipecki J, Berbeć S (1997) Soil management in perennial crops: orchards and hop gardens. Soil Till Res 43: 169–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lo Bianco R, Rieger M, Sung SS (2000) Effect of drought on sorbitol and sucrose metabolism in sinks and sources of peach. Physiol Plant 108:71–78

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez A, Pollice A, Lonigro A, Masi S, Palese AM, Cirelli GL, Toscano A, Passino R (2006) Agricultural wastewater reuse in southern Italy. Desalination 187: 323–334

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luo HJ, Zheng ZB, Luo S, Pan YS, Liu XH (2007) Changes in leaf characters of loquat under repeated drought stress. Acta Hortic 750:417–422

    Google Scholar 

  • Magliulo V, d’Andria R, Lavini A, Morelli G, Patumi M (2003) Yield and quality of two rain-fed olive cultivars following shifting to irrigation. J Hortic Sci Biotechnol 78:15–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Marquat C, Vandamme M, Gendraud M, Pétel G (1998) Dormancy in vegetative buds of peach, relation between carbohydrate absorption potentials and carbohydrate concentration in the bud during dormancy and its release. Sci Hortic 79:151–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marschner P, Kandeler E, Marschner B (2003) Structure and function of the soil microbial community in a long-term fertilizer experiment. Soil Biol Biochem 35:453–461

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martín-Vertedor AI, Pérez Rodríguez JM, Losada EP, Fereres Castiel E (2011) Interactive responses to water deficits and crop load in olive (Olea europaea L., cv. Morisca). II: Water use, fruit and oil yield. Agric Water Manage, 98:950–958

    Google Scholar 

  • Matos MC, Rebelo E, Lauriano J, Semedo N, Marques N, Campos PS, Matos A, Veira-da-Silva J (2004) CO2 assimilation and water relations of almond tree (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) cultivars grown under field conditions. Photosynthetica 42:473–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melgar JC, Mohamed Y, Serrano N, García-Galavís PA, Navarro C, Parra MA, Benlloch M, Fernández-Escobar R (2009) Long term responses of olive trees to salinity. Agric Water Manage 96:1105–1113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morales F, Abadía A, Abadía J (2006) Photoinhibition and photoprotection under nutrient deficiencies, drought and salinity. In: Demmig-Adams B, Adams WW III, Matoo AK (eds) Photoprotection, photoinhibition, gene regulation, and environment, advances in photosynthesis and respiration. Springer, The Netherlands, pp 65–85

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Moriana A, Orgaz F, Pastor M, Fereres E (2003) Yield responses of a mature olive orchard to water deficits. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 128:425–431

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulas M, D’hallewin G (1997) Fruit quality of four cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) cultivars as influenced by irrigation. Acta Hortic 438:115–122

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulas M, Mulas G (2004) Utilizzo strategico di piante dei generi Atriplex e Opuntia nella lotta alla desertificazione. Università degli Studi di Sassari, Nucleo di Ricerca sulla Desertificazione. Short and Medium-Term Priority Environmental Action Programme (SMAP), February 2004. Available on: http://desa.uniss.it/mulas/desertIT.pdf

  • Naor A, Hupert H, Greenblat Y, Peres M, Kaufman A, Klein I (2001) The response of nectarine fruit size and midday stem water potential to irrigation level in stage III and crop load. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 126:140–143

    Google Scholar 

  • Neilsen GH, Neilsen D, Kappel F, Toivonen P (2005) Nutrient and water management of high density sweet cherry. Acta Hortic 667:337–344

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieddu G, Chessa I, Deidda P, Tekle Z (1997) Changes in CAM activity, ABA and PAS in Opuntia ficus-indica as response to drought. Acta Hortic 438:97–104

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nortes PA, Pérez-Pastor A, Egea G, Conejero W, Domingo R (2005) Comparison of changes in stem diameter and water potential values for detecting water stress in young almond trees. Agric Water Manage 77:296–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nortes PA, Gonzalez-Real MM, Egea G, Baille A (2009) Seasonal effects of deficit irrigation on leaf photosynthetic traits of fruiting and non-fruiting shoots in almond trees. Tree Physiol 29:375–388

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Olesen J, Bindi M (2002) Consequences of climate change for European agricultural productivity, land use and policy. Eur J Agron 16:239–262

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orgaz F, Fereres E (2004) Riego. In: Barranco D, Fernández-Escobar R, Rallo L (eds) El cultivo del olivo. Mundi Prensa, Madrid, pp 323–346

    Google Scholar 

  • Ortuno MF, García-Orellana Y, Conejero W, Pérez-Sarmiento F, Torrecillas A (2009) Assessment of maximum daily trunk shrinkage signal intensity threshold values for deficit irrigation in lemon trees. Agric Water Manage 96:80–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ozpinar S, Cay A (2006) Effects of different tillage ­systems on the quality and crop productivity of a clay-loam soil in semi-arid north-western Turkey. Soil Till Res 88:95–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padulosi S, Van Mele P, Caruso T, Kaska N, Barone E (1998) IPRIG’s initiatives for the promotion of better conservation and use of Pistacia spp. genetic resources. Acta Hortic 470:138–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Palese AM, Celano G, Masi S, Xiloyannis C (2006) Treated municipal wastewater for irrigation of olive trees: effects on yield and oil quality. In: Caruso T, Motisi A, Sebastiani L (eds) Proceedings Olivebioteq 2006 – second international seminar – biotechnology and quality of olive tree products around the Mediterranean Basin – Mazara del Vallo, Italy, November 5th–10th, 2006, Vol. II. pp. 123–129

    Google Scholar 

  • Palese AM, Celano G, Xiloyannis C (2008) Acque per le fertirrigazioni: reflue, urbane e depurate. Olivo Olio 5:48–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Palese AM, Agnelli AE, Celano G, Platinetti M, Vignozzi N, Xiloyannis C (2009a) Soil management and soil water balance in a mature rainfed olive orchard. Proceedings Olivebioteq 2009 – Sfax (Tunisia), December 15th – 19th, 2009, in press

    Google Scholar 

  • Palese AM, Pasquale V, Celano G, Figliuolo G, Masi S, Xiloyannis C (2009b) Irrigation of olive groves in Southern Italy with treated municipal wastewater: effects on microbiological quality of soil and fruits. Agric Ecosyst Environ 129:43–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Palese AM, Nuzzo V, Favati F, Pietrafesa A, Celano G, Xiloyannis C (2010) Effects of water deficit on the vegetative response, yield and oil quality of olive trees (Olea europaea L., cv Coratina) grown under intensive cultivation. Sci Hortic 125(3):222–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pallardy SG (2008) Physiology of woody plants. Academic, San Diego, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Pardini A, Faiello C, Longhi F, Mancuso S, Snowball R (2002) Cover crop species and their management in vineyards and olive groves. Adv Hortic Sci 16(3–4): 225–234

    Google Scholar 

  • Pastor M, Castro J, Humanes MD, Muñoz J (2000) Gestione del suolo nell’olivicoltura dell’Andalusia. L’Informatore Agrario 3:83–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Patumi M, d’Andria R, Fontanazza G, Morelli G, Giorio P, Sorrentino G (1999) yield and oil quality of intensively trained trees of three cultivars of olive (Olea europaea L.) under different irrigation regimes. J Hortic Sci Biotechnol 74:729–737

    Google Scholar 

  • Patumi M, d’Andria R, Marsilio V, Fontanazza G, Morelli G, Lanza B (2002) Olive and olive oil quality after intensive monocone olive growing (Olea europaea L., cv. Kalamata) in different irrigation regimes. Food Chem 77:27–34

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Pérez JG, Robles JM, Botía P (2009) Influence of deficit irrigation in phase III of fruit growth on fruit quality in ‘lane late’ sweet orange. Agric Water Manage 96:969–974

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pimienta-Barrios E, Zanudo J, Yepez E, Pimienta-Barrios E, Nobel PS (2000) Seasonal variation of net CO2 uptake for cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) and pitayo (Stenocereus queretaroensis) in a semi-arid environment. J Arid Environ 44:73–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramirez-Fuentes E, Lucho-Constantino C, Escamilla-Silva E, Dendooven L (2002) Characteristics, and carbon and nitrogen dynamics in soil irrigated with wastewater for different lengths of time. BioresourTechnol 85:179–187

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ranjbarfordoei A, Samson R, Van Damne P, Lemeur E (2000) Effects of drought stress induced by polyethylene glicol on pigment content and photosynthetic gas exchange of Pistacia khinjuk and P. mutica. Photosynthetica 38:443–447

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ranjbarfordoei A, Samson R, Lemeur E, Van Damne P (2002) Effects of osmotic drought stress induced by a combination of NaCl and polyethylene glycol on leaf water status, photosynthetic gas exchange, and water use efficiency of Pistacia khinjuk and P. mutica. Photosynthetica 40:165–169

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rato AE, Agulheiro AC, Barroso JM, Riquelme F (2006) Soil and rootstock influence on fruit quality of plums (Prunus domestica L.). Sci Hortic 118:218–222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rieger M (1995) Offsetting effects of reduced root hydraulic conductivity and osmotic adjustment following drought. Tree Physiol 16:379–385

    Google Scholar 

  • Rinaldelli E, Mancuso S (1996) Response of young ­mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants of olive tree (Olea europaea L.) to saline conditions. I. Short-term electrophysiological and long-term vegetative salt effect. Adv Hort Sci 10:126–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Rieger M, Duemmel MJ (1992) Comparison of drought resistance among Prunus species from divergent habitats. Tree Physiol 11:369–380

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rieger M, Lo Bianco R, Okie WR (2003) Responses of Prunus ferganensis, Prunus persica and two interspecific hybrids to moderate drought stress. Tree Physiol 23:51–58

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romero P, Botia P, Garcia F (2004a) Effects of regulated deficit irrigation under subsurface drip irrigation conditions on water relations of mature almond trees. Plant Soil 260:155–168

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romero P, Botia P, Garcia F (2004b) Effects of regulated deficit irrigation under subsurface drip irrigation conditions on vegetative development and yield of mature almond trees. Plant Soil 260:169–181

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romero P, Navarro JM, García F, Botía Ordaz P (2004c) Effects of regulated deficit irrigation during the ­pre-harvest period on gas exchange, leaf development and crop yield of mature almond trees. Tree Physiol 24:303–312

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rouhi V, Samson R, Lemeur R, Van Damme P (2007) Photosynthetic gas exchange characteristics in three different almond species during drought stress and subsequent recovery. Environ Exp Bot 59:117–129

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rugini E, Fedeli E (1990) Olive as an oilseed crop. In: Bajaj YPS (ed) Legumes and oilseed crops. Springer, Berlin, pp 593–641

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruiz-Sánchez MC, Domingo R, Torrecillas A, Pérez-Pastor A (2000a) Water stress preconditioning to improve drought resistance in young apricot plants. Plant Sci 156:245–251

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ruiz-Sánchez MC, Torrecillas A, Pérez-Pastor A, Domingo R (2000b) Regulated deficit irrigation in apricot trees. Acta Hortic 537:759–766

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan D, Antolovich M, Prenzler P, Robards K, Lavee S (2002) Biotransformations of phenolic compounds in Olea europaea L. Sci Hortic 92:147–176

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scebba F, Sebastiani L, Vitagliano C (2001) Activities of antioxidant enzymes during senescence of Prunus armeniaca leaves. Biol Plant 44:41–46

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sedaghat R (2008) Sustainable irrigation for pistachio farms in Iran: an economic analysis. Acta Hortic 769:201–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Sepaskhah AR, Ahmadi SH (2010) A review on partial root-zone drying irrigation. Int J Plant Prod 4(4): 241–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyman HA (2006) A greenhouse study on root dynamics of cactus pears, Opuntia ficus-indica and O. robusta. J Arid Environ 65:529–542

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sofo A, Dichio B, Xiloyannis C, Masia A (2004a) Effects of different irradiance levels on some antioxidant enzymes and on malondialdehyde content during rewatering in olive tree. Plant Sci 166:293–302

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sofo A, Dichio B, Xiloyannis C, Masia A (2004b) Lipoxygenase activity and proline accumulation in leaves and roots of olive tree in response to drought stress. Physiol Plantarum 121(1):58–65

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sofo A, Tuzio AC, Dichio B, Xiloyannis C (2005) Influence of water deficit and rewatering on the components of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in four interspecific Prunus hybrids. Plant Sci 169:403–412

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sofo A, Dichio B, Montanaro G, Xiloyannis C (2009) Shade effect on photosynthesis and photoinhibition in olive during drought and rewatering. Agric Water Manage 96:1201–1206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sofo A, Celano G, Ricciuti P, Curci M, Dichio B, Xiloyannis C, Crecchio C (2010a) Changes in composition and activity of soil microbial communities in peach and kiwifruit Mediterranean orchards under an innovative management system. Aust J Soil Res 48:266–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sofo A, Palese AM, Casacchia T, Celano G, Ricciuti P, Curci M, Crecchio C, Xiloyannis C (2010b) Genetic, functional, and metabolic responses of soil microbiota in a sustainable olive orchard. Soil Sci 175(2): 81–88

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sorkheh K, Shiran B, Rouhi V, Khodambashi M, Sofo A (2011) Regulation of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in wild almond during drought stress. Russ J Plant Physiol 58:76–84

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stefanoudaki E, Williams M, Chartzoulakis K, Harwood J (2009) Effect of irrigation on quality attributes of olive oil. J Agric Food Chem 57:7048–7055

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson MT, Shackel KA (1998) Alternate bearing in pistachio as masting phenomenon: construction cost of reproduction versus vegetative growth and storage. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 123:1069–1075

    Google Scholar 

  • Stikic R, Popovic S, Srdic M, Savic D, Jovanovic, Z, Prokic LJ, Zdravkovic J (2003) Partial root drying (PRD): a new technique for growing plants that saves water and improves the quality of fruit. Bulg J Plant Physiol Special Issue: 164–171.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoll M, Loveys B, Dry P (2000) Hormonal changes induced by partial rootzone drying of irrigated grapevine. J Exp Bot 51:1627–1634

    Google Scholar 

  • Strudley MW, Green TR, Ascough JC II (2008) Tillage effects on soil hydraulic properties in space and time: state of the science. Soil Till Res 99:4–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sulochanamma BN, Yellamanda Reddy T, Subbi Reddy G (2005) Effect of basin and drip irrigation on growth, yield and water use efficiency in pomegranate cv. Ganesh. Acta Hortic 696:277–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Tajabadipour A, Sepaskhah AR, Maftoun M (2006) Plant water relations and seedlings growth of three pistachio cultivars as influences by irrigation frequency and applied potassium. Acta Hortic 726:317–324

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tarchouna Gharbi L, Merdy P, Raynaud M, Pfeifer HR, Lucas Y (2010a) Effects of long-term irrigation with treated wastewater. Part 1: evolution of soil physicochemical properties. Appl Geochem 25:1703–1710

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tarchouna Gharbi L, Merdy P, Lucas Y (2010b) Effects of long-term irrigation with treated wastewater. Part II: role of organic carbon on Cu, Pb and Cr behaviour. Appl Geochem 25:1711–1721

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tataranni G (2009) Water uptake and transport in olive tree under stress conditions. Thesis in International PhD course. Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Italy

    Google Scholar 

  • Tattini M, Gucci R, Coradeschi MA, Ponzio C, Everard JD (1995) Growth, gas exchange and ion content in Olea europaea plants during salinity stress and subsequent relief. Physiol Plantarum 95:203–210

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Therios I (2009) Olives, vol 18, Crop production science in horticulture. CABI, Wallingford, p 409

    Google Scholar 

  • Tognetti R, d’Andria R, Lavini A, Morelli G (2006) The effect of deficit irrigation on crop yield and vegetative development of Olea europaea L. (cvs. Frantoio and Leccino). Eur J Agron 25:356–364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tognetti R, d’Andria R, Sacchi R, Lavini A, Morelli G, Alvino A (2007) Deficit irrigation affects seasonal changes in leaf physiology and oil quality of Olea europaea (cultivars Frantoio and Leccino). Ann Appl Biol 150:169–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Torrecillas A, Alarcón JJ, Domingo R, Planes J, Sánchez-Blanco MJ (1996) Strategies for drought resistance in leaves of two almond cultivars. Plant Sci 118: 135–143

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tovar MJ, Motilva MJ, Romero PM (2001) Changes in the phenolic composition of virgin olive oil from young trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Arbequina) grown under linear irrigation strategies. J Agric Food Chem 49:5502–5508

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tovar MJ, Romero PM, Girona J, Motilva MJ (2002) l-Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and concentration of phenolics in developing olive (Olea europaea L cv Arbequina) fruit grown under different irrigation regimes. J Sci Food Agric 82:892–898

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tubeileh A, Bruggeman A, Turkelboom F (2009) Effect of water harvesting on growth of young olive trees in degraded Syrian dryland. Environ Dev Sustain 11: 1073–1090

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Visioli F, Romani A, Mulinacci N, Zarini S, Conte D, Franco F, Galli C (1999) Antioxidant and other biological activities of olive mill waste waters. J Agric Food Chem 47:3397–3401

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Visioli F, Galli C, Mogani P (2006) Is olive good for you? In: Caruso T, Motisi A, Sebastiani L (eds) Olivebioteq 2006 – second international seminar – recent advances in olive industry – special seminars and invited lectures. Mazara del Vallo, Italy, November 5th–10th, 2006, pp 255–264

    Google Scholar 

  • Wahbi S, Wakrim R, Aganchich B, Tahi H, Serraj R (2005) Effects of partial rootzone drying (PRD) on adult olive tree (Olea europaea) in field conditions under arid climate I. Physiological and agronomic responses. Agric Ecosyst Environ 106:289–301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang J, Liu J (2009) Change in free polyamine contents and expression profiles of two polyamine biosynthetic genes in citrus embryogenic callus under abiotic stresses. Biotechnol Biotechnolog Equip 23:1289–1293

    Google Scholar 

  • Weaver LM, Herrmann KM (1997) Dynamic of the shikimate pathway in plants. Trends Plant Sci 2(9): 346–351

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widmer F, Rasche F, Hartmann M, Fliessbach A (2006) Community structures and substrate utilization of bacteria in soils from organic and conventional farming systems of the DOK long-term field experiment. Appl Soil Ecol 33:294–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiesman Z, Itzhak D, Ben Dom N (2004) Optimization of saline water level for sustainable Barnea olive and oil production in desert conditions. Sci Hortic 100: 257–266

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wright GC (2008) Evaluation of ten Navel orange (Citrus sinensis) selections under Arizona desert conditions. Acta Hortic 773:77–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiloyannis C, Dichio B, Nuzzo V, Celano G (1999) Defence strategies of olive against water stress. Acta Hortic 474:423–426

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiloyannis C, Gucci R, Dichio B (2003) Irrigazione. In: Fiorino P (ed) Olea: Trattato di Olivicoltura. Il Sole 24 ORE Edagricole S.r.l., Bologna, Italy, pp 365–389

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiloyannis C, Massai R, Dichio B (2005) L’acqua e la Tecnica dell’Irrigazione. In: Fideghelli C, Sansavini S (eds) Il Pesco. Edagricole, Bologna, pp 145–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiloyannis C, Dichio B, Montanaro G (2010) Sustainable apricot orchard management to improve soil fertility and water use efficiency. Acta Hortic 862: 419–424

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yadav RK, Goyal B, Shamara RK, Dubey SK, Minhas PS (2002) Post-irrigation impact of domestic sewage effluent on composition of soils, crops and ground water – a case study. Environ Int 28:481–486

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yakubov B, Barazani O, Shachack A, Rowland LJ, Shoseyov O, Golan-Goldhirsh A (2005) Cloning and expression of a dehydrin-like protein from Pistacia vera L. Trees 19:224–230

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yangui T, Dhouib A, Rhouma A, Sayadi S (2009) Potential of hydroxytyrosol-rich composition from olive mill wastewater as a natural disinfectant and its effect on seeds vigour response. Food Chem 117:1–8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshita K, Takahara T (2004) Effect of water stress on flower-bud formation and plant hormone content of satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.). Sci Hortic 99:301–307

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zeng DQ, Brown PH, Rosecrance RC (1998) The effects of alternate bearing, soil moisture and gypsum on potassium nutrition of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). Acta Hortic 470:412–420

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze dei Sistemi Colturali, Forestali e dell’Ambiente, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy

    Adriano Sofo, Assunta Maria Palese, Bartolomeo Dichio & Cristos Xiloyannis

  2. CRA, Centro di Ricerca per l’Olivicoltura e l’Industria Olearia, c. da Li Rocchi-Vermicelli, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy

    Teresa Casacchia

Authors
  1. Adriano Sofo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Assunta Maria Palese
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Teresa Casacchia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Bartolomeo Dichio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Cristos Xiloyannis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adriano Sofo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190008, India

    Parvaiz Ahmad

  2. , Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, 500046, India

    M.N.V. Prasad

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Sofo, A., Palese, A.M., Casacchia, T., Dichio, B., Xiloyannis, C. (2012). Sustainable Fruit Production in Mediterranean Orchards Subjected to Drought Stress. In: Ahmad, P., Prasad, M. (eds) Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0634-1_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation