R445 Late Season Water Management

Aim: To determine the effects of late-season water management on bruise susceptibility and skinset.

Industry Challenge

Previous observations of late season water management have shown that short term hydration, soil moisture deficit (SMD) and timing of mechanical defoliation can affect the potential for bruising. These observations indicate that better recommendations on water management close to defoliation should help in the prevention of bruising. In combination with N management, water plays a large role in governing the timing and rate of canopy senescence, which in turn is closely linked to the rate of skinset. Better information on management of water is crucial to enable rapid skinset, early harvest and reduction in blemishing diseases such as black dot and silver scurf.

Collaboration

CUF

Approach

Objectives: