Physiological and yield response of almond to different drip irrigation regimes under temperate conditions

An experiment was conducted eight-year-old almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) cv. Shalimar plants to determine the effect of different irrigation levels vis-a-vis various phenological stages on growth and yield parameters. The study revealed that irrigation applied at different phenological stages improved yield and yield contributing attributes of almond significantly. Highest nut yield (2.69 kg/tree) was recorded at 100% Etc (I-1) during the first year of experimentation, which rose to the tune of (2.91 kg/tree) at the same irrigation level during the subsequent year. The leaf nutrient status (N, P & K) of almond increased significantly with irrigation. Similarly, the leaf Relative Water Content (RWC) increased significantly with increase in the irrigation level. However, Water Use Efficiency (WUE) decreased with increase in the irrigation level. Maximum WUE (0.60 kg m(-3)) was observed at 0% ETc (I-0) level of irrigation followed by 50% ETc (I-3) level (0.46 kg m(-3)), which was statistically at par with 75% ETc (I-2). The highest yield attributes, leaf nutrient concentration and RWC of almond recorded at 100% ETc (I-1) level of irrigation and found to be statistically at par with 75% ETc level, when applied throughout the growth stages.