Environmental stresses are among the most important challenges facing professional orchardists, causing significant economic losses annually. This article reviews the scientific literature and provides practical solutions for managing three major environmental stresses (drought, salinity, and cold) using the latest research findings and modern horticultural techniques
Climate change and water resource constraints have presented orchard management with unprecedented challenges. To maintain productivity and profitability, leading orchardists need to employ integrated strategies that increase the orchard’s resilience to environmental stresses. This article presents proven management protocols from a scientific and practical perspective.
Drought Stress Management
Plant-Based Approaches
Use of drought-tolerant cultivars and rootstocks: Vegetative rootstocks such as GF-677 for seed trees and M9 and MM106 rootstocks for tourists are among the tolerant options
Use of short-stemmed genotypes: Due to their more limited root system and higher water use efficiency
Management Approaches
Implementation of high-efficiency subsurface and drip irrigation systems
Use of organic and inorganic mulches to reduce evaporation from the soil surface
Nutritional management with emphasis on potassium and silicon to increase drought resistance
Appropriate pruning to reduce transpiration level
Salinity Stress Management
Rhizosphere Conditions Improvement Strategies
Use of organic and biological fertilizers to improve soil physicochemical properties
Use of gypsum mulches in soils with high pH Top
Implementing a drip irrigation system to gradually wash away salt from the root zone
Plant selection strategies
Cultivating salt-tolerant cultivars such as figs, pomegranates, and pistachios
Tolerant rootstocks such as orange for citrus and GF-677 rootstocks for peaches and nectarines
Managing Cold Damage
Preventive Measures
Selecting the right location for the garden based on airflow and preventing pocket frost
Using late-flowering cultivars to reduce the risk of cold damage to flowers
Active Measures
Applying active protection systems including:
Heating systems (garden heaters)
Fog systems
Sprinkler irrigation systems to protect flowers using latent heat released
Using biological antifreezes (colloidal kaolin, PDJ)
Conclusion
Successful management of environmental stresses requires It is an integrated and multifaceted approach that includes selecting tolerant cultivars and rootstocks, employing advanced management techniques, and continuously monitoring orchard conditions. Implementing these strategies will not only reduce damage from environmental stresses, but will also increase the productivity and sustainability of orchard systems.
Operational recommendations
Conduct soil and water testing before orchard establishment
Select cultivars and rootstocks that are compatible with regional conditions
Design a high-efficiency irrigation system
Develop a region-specific nutrient management program
Install field weather stations to monitor environmental conditions
