Estimation of Peach Tree Water Use Using Infrared Thermometry

Abstract

Abstract Infrared (IR) thermometry has not been extensively applied in deciduous tree fruit production to determine water use. The objectives of this study were to a) examine IR measurement techniques for evaluating canopy temperatures in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] trees; b) evaluate a foliage-minus-air temperature- (Tc – Ta) based diffusion equation for vapor flux used to predict tree water use; and c) measure the Tc – Ta response of irrigated peach trees over a range of air vapor pressure deficits. The mean Tc – Ta for a tree was similar for readings made from the canopy sides (horizontal orientation of the IR thermometer) or canopy tops (vertical orientation). Peach tree water use from weighing lysimeters was predicted within 9.4% ± 3% using the diffusion equation for vapor flux. Tc – Ta for irrigated peach trees was related to the air vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Data are presented to show that stomatal response to VPD does alter the Tc – Ta nonstressed baseline for peach at VPD > 2 kPa.