Analyzing sap flow to assess water absorption dynamics in apple trees

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