Sustained deficit irrigation on yield and fruit water quality of dwarf green coconut

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) on fruit yield and fruit water quality of dwarf green coconut trees. The experiment was carried out in a commercial orchard located in Camocim, Ceará, Brazil. Four years old coconut trees were irrigated during 29 months, using micro-sprinklers, at irrigation depths equivalent to 55%, 77%, 100% and 131% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Green coconut fruits were harvested six months after flower aperture and evaluated for number of fruits per plant, volume of coconut water per fruit and total soluble solids of the coconut water. SDI reduced coconut fruit yield, fruit water volume and coconut water yield. Conversely, SDI increased total soluble solids of the coconut water and irrigation water productivity in terms of fruits and coconut water. Deficit irrigation showed no economic advantage over full irrigation due to the small reduction in irrigation costs compared to the substantial reduction in gross revenue.