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...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sandonís Pozo, Leire, Martínez Casasnovas, José Antonio, Pascual Roca, Miquel
Tipo de recurso: capítulo de libro
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat de Lleida (UdL)
Repositorio:Repositori Obert UdL
OAI Identifier:oai:repositori.udl.cat:10459.1/469331
Acceso en línea:https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004725232_068
https://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/469331
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Apple orchard
Canopy structure
Irrigation management
Leaf area index (LAI)
LiDAR
Precision horticulture
Water use efficiency
Descripción
Sumario: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.