USA The two most important horticultural practices that affect fruit quality in producing orchards are pruning and irrigation. If both of those practices are well done, you are on your way to high quality fruit production. I believe we are doing a good job pruning, and have many experts ready and willing to help growers improve their tree training skills. On the other hand, we could improve our irrigation management and further improve the already excellent quality of our fruit.
Most growers use about the correct amount of water per acre each year.
Unfortunately, the water may not be applied at the time that the trees need it most. 2. increases the possibility of root rot and of collar rot of susceptible rootstocks. 3. leaches the nitrogen, sulfur and boron from the root zone. 4. reduces uptake of calcium and phosphorus. 5. induces excessive vegetative growth.