Analyzing sap flow to assess water absorption dynamics in apple trees
Carl Boivin
Researcher, agr., M.Sc.
418 643-2380
ext 430
Description
Sap flow analysis was developed in France in the 1980s and can be used very effectively to measure the rate of transpiration through tree trunks in woody species such as apple. This method is also used in forestry in Québec, including by researchers at Université Laval.
The hypothesis was that it should be possible to measure sap flow in apple trees and correlate it with soil water conditions and the weather. This is the first time this method has been used for apples in Québec.
Objective(s)
- Assess the potential of analyzing sap flow in apples as an additional tool for determining irrigation recommendations for apples based on the physical properties of the soil and local weather conditions
From 2017 to 2018
Project duration
Fruit production
Activity areas
Service
This study of how apple tree sap flow relates to soil moisture and weather conditions is a first in Québec.
Partners
Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec | Ferme Avicole Orléans
This may interest you
Variable economic injury for the apple leafcurling midge and modelling of population abundance of this emerging pest
The apple leafcurling midge is a new apple pest in Québec. The aim of the project is to explore the pest’s phenology, establish variable economic injury thresholds, and incorporate the results into a phenology model in CIPRA.
Researcher: Daniel Cormier
Investigating key physicochemical and environmental factors that could account for variable lowbush blueberry yields
As part of this project, the soil water status at a chosen blueberry farm will be monitored at 40 spots over the course of the production year. We will seek to identify the relationship between water extraction, physicochemical and environmental factors, and yield levels that could help explain yield variability.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Exploring the potential of thermal imaging data acquired by drone for the detection of water stress in lowbush blueberries
Exploration of the potential of detecting water stress in lowbush blueberries using a thermal infrared imaging sensor installed on a drone.
Researcher: Carl Boivin