YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF ALMOND, PEACH AND PLUM UNDER REGULATED DEFICIT IRRIGATION

• Regulated deficit irrigation was assessed in almond, peach and plum over 3 years. Fruit-growth slowdown stages are appropriate periods to apply irrigation. Peach yields were unaffected under a regulated of 75% ETC. 50% ETC maintained almond plum. Fruit quality improved The effects (RDI) on the performance cv. Tuono, JH-Hall Stanley Saiss Plain (NW, Morocco) three consecutive growing seasons (2011–2013). Irrigation treatments consisted control, applied fully satisfy crop water requirements (100% ETC), two RDI treatments, (RDI-75) (RDI-50). These during fruit-growth corresponding Stages II III Stage Yield fruit traits determined. effect differed between species. size reduced significantly only RDI-50. this species first year experiment, with an increase sugar/acid ratio polyphenol content. Plum also but significant second third Similar results recorded kernel, their epidermal grooves deeper RDI-50, may have affected commercial value. It is concluded that can be saved period by up 25% improvements without affecting total yield.