Summary of the effects of drip irrigation and irrigation interval in newly planted pear orchards on irrigation requirement, water status, growth and yield.

Key messages:

  • 35% less irrigation was applied in the drip treatments
  • Drip irrigated trees in Year 1 were less stressed
  • Frequently irrigated trees in Years 3 and 4 were less stressed
  • There was no effect of drip irrigation or irrigation interval on young tree growth
  • Yield increased by 167% under drip irrigation attributed to fruit number
  • Spur flower cluster number was higher under drip irrigation
  • Fruit size was greater under frequent irrigation