Analysis of drought impact on apple trees using the leafiness- LiDAR index
Apple trees (Malus×domestica Borkh.) are widely cultivated in Mediterranean regions, where drought poses a major challenge to growth and productivity. This study assessed the Leafiness-LiDAR Index (LLI) as a proxy for the Leaf Area Index (LAI) and its relationship with yield parameters, including fr...
| Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | book part |
| Status: | Published version |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Country: | España |
| Institution: | Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya) |
| Repository: | Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:recercat.cat:10459.1/469331 |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004725232_068 https://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/469331 http://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/469331 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | Apple orchard Canopy structure Irrigation management Leaf area index (LAI) LiDAR Precision horticulture Water use efficiency |
| Summary: | Apple trees (Malus×domestica Borkh.) are widely cultivated in Mediterranean regions, where drought poses a major challenge to growth and productivity. This study assessed the Leafiness-LiDAR Index (LLI) as a proxy for the Leaf Area Index (LAI) and its relationship with yield parameters, including fruit count (num/tree), size, weight, and yield (kg/ha), under two irrigation regimes – full irrigation (FI) and deficit irrigation (DI) – and planting densities (0.5 m and 1 m). Results showed a positive correlation between LLI, LAI, and yield, with reduced vegetative growth under drought (DI) conditions. Wider planting frames favoured larger fruit size and higher fruit count, while denser frames increased yield per hectare. LLI proved effective for monitoring canopy dynamics, offering potential for improving productivity and drought resilience. |
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