Location: Horticultural Crops Production and Genetic Improvement Research Unit
Title: Going with the flowAuthor
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KELLER, SADIE - Oregon State University |
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SHERIDAN, REBECCA - Oregon State University |
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DAHMS-MAY, SCOUT - Oregon State University |
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Scagel, Carolyn |
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NACKLEY, LLYOD - Oregon State University |
Submitted to: Digger
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/21/2023 Publication Date: 4/28/2023 Citation: Keller, S., Sheridan, R., Dahms-May, S., Scagel, C.F., Nackley, L. 2023. Going with the flow. Digger. 67(4):41-44. Interpretive Summary: In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the heart of the nursery industry, rainfall is scarce during the summer and humidity is low. The plant stress resulting from the low soil moisture, high heat and low relative humidity has been exacerbated in recent years by the increasing frequency of heatwaves. Drought and heat stress can scorch the canopies and reduce growth, leading to decreased plant quality and economic losses for shade tree growers. To improve irrigation efficiency and achieve water conservation benefits without sacrificing plant quality, growers need to know how their plants respond to water deficits. This article describes how scientists at Oregon State University and the USDA-ARS are using principles of plant hydraulic physiology to understand how shade trees respond to drought and heatwaves. The data generated is being used to make informed irrigation management decisions for nursery crops. Technical Abstract: In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the heart of the nursery industry, rainfall is scarce during the summer and humidity is low. The plant stress resulting from the low soil moisture, high heat and low relative humidity has been exacerbated in recent years by the increasing frequency of heatwaves. Drought and heat stress can scorch the canopies and reduce growth, leading to decreased plant quality and economic losses for shade tree growers. To improve irrigation efficiency and achieve water conservation benefits without sacrificing plant quality, growers need to know how their plants respond to water deficits. This article describes how scientists at Oregon State University and the USDA-ARS are using principles of plant hydraulic physiology to understand how shade trees respond to drought and heatwaves. The data generated is being used to make informed irrigation management decisions for nursery crops. |