EVALUATION OF MICROCLIMATIC DATA FROM A MANGO ORCHARD FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES

Abstract

Data of air temperature, relative humidity, leaf wetness, wind speed and pluvial precipitation, were collected inside and outside a mango orchard cv. Tommy Atkins, irrigated by microsprinklers, in order to support epidemiological studies in Petrolina, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Mathematical models were obtained by relating microclimatic with macroclimatic conditions. Inside the orchard, comparing with data from automatic agrometeorological station near the experimental area, the air temperature showed values up to 0.5°C lower and 0.3°C higher at hotter and colder hours, respectively. The air relative humidity reached values 9% and 6% higher, respectively at hotter and colder hours. The thermal and humidity amplitudes inside the orchard were lower in relation to outside the orchard. Wind speed values inside the orchard were, on the average, up to 1.9m/sec lower. The values of leaf wetness duration show a good correlation with the air relative humidity/air temperature index. This last index seems to be a good indication for spore germination conditions.