Abstract
Variable fall temperature and moisture conditions may alter leaf senescence of deciduous fruit trees, influencing carbon assimilation before dormancy and phenology the following spring. This study explored gas exchange of young peach trees (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) when senescence proceeded normally or was delayed during the fall under two soil moisture treatments: Well-irrigated trees or water deficit. Results showed leaf carbon assimilation was similar between the senescence treatments, but whole tree assimilation was estimated to be greater in delayed senescence trees compared to normal senescence trees based on timing of defoliation and total leaf area. The effect of soil moisture on carbon assimilation was not consistent between years. Delayed sap flow and bloom time resulted as a consequence of delayed senescence the previous fall, but soil moisture did not affect spring phenology.
Highlights
The impact of climate change on tree phenology has received increasing attention over the last 20 years [1,2,3,4]
Than in 50% ET trees, and the two treatments tended to separate based on standard error (Figure 1c), but rates were similar during 2017 measurements between dates (Figure 1d)
Recent studies have shown that an increase in temperature as a result of climate change or climate variability canhave delay leaf senescence in forestinand fruit trees as during the fall
Summary
The impact of climate change on tree phenology has received increasing attention over the last 20 years [1,2,3,4]. Most studies which address variable climatic conditions and climate change on deciduous trees focus on how cold deprivation and the reduction of winter chill affect carbohydrate reserves during dormancy and spring carbon dynamics [5,6], and impact production [7,8]. A delay of senescence during the fall may provide additional time for photosynthetically active leaves, thereby increasing carbon assimilation (A) and carbohydrate storage prior to leaf abscission [14], and increasing the annual productivity of future growing seasons [12,15]. How A is affected by variable climate conditions during fall and how senescence influences spring phenology are still poorly understood [12,16]. While some studies show the water-saving benefit of deficit irrigation strategies during the postharvest season for multiple fruit tree species including peach [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
