Weed management in the dry season: interferences in physiology and quality of Persian lime fruits

Abstract

Weed interference in young citrus orchards causes significant damages, especially when competition occurs during the dry season, when environmental resources are even more scarce. This study aimed to test the effects of interference periods and weed management on the physiology, yield and quality of Persian lime fruits, during the dry season. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with five treatments [hoeing; glyphosate application; decrease of stored water (March to May); critical water deficit (June to August); and water deficit throughout the dry season (March to August)] and four replications. Weed interference during the decrease of stored water and critical water deficit periods affected significantly the physiological variables, yield and total solids contents of the fruits, but to a lesser extent than for the water deficit throughout the dry season. Weed control with glyphosate resulted in 1.56 and 2.53 times more fruits per tree than hoeing and water deficit throughout the dry season, respectively. The chemical management provided better physiological and productive responses than hoeing, due to the effect of weed mulch in the water deficit season.

Wheat elicitation performed in open field with the use of different elicitors

“…Examining the correlation between the physiological variables shown in Figure 1a and 1b, it becomes evident that the block with the highest transpiration rate also exhibited the highest SPAD index. This finding goes in accordance with Soares et al (2021), who reported higher SPAD index for treatments with elevated transpiration rates.…”

The technology life cycle of Persian lime. A patent based analysis

“…Because of its wide range of applications, the majority of the Persian lime literature focuses on findings that improve, analyze, or observe the traits, parameters and functional aspects of the fruit and its derivatives [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. For example, research is being conducted on plant development nutrients and compounds [ 30 , 31 ], weed management [ 32 ], harvesting [ 33 ], and protection and preservation [ 34 , 35 ]. Some studies are even held in specific countries due to their unique growth features (for example Egypt [ 28 ], Mexico [ 36 ], or Brazil [ 37 ]).…”

“…Alternative quality-focused approaches have similarly been proposed, such as applying genetic research to promote vegetative development and production [ 40 ], quality on certain value phases such as postharvest [ 41 ], and on vegetative growth and mineral elements’ content [ 42 ]. On the other hand, studies are centered on processes, treatments, or methods [ 43 ] with the purpose of increasing commercialization, such as cutting treatments [ 44 ], chemical management in dry seasons [ 32 ], detection of juice adulteration [ 45 ], oil extraction methods including coldpressing, solvent extraction, enzyme—assisted aqueous extraction [ 46 ], and even innovative extraction methods such a as steam distillation [ 47 ]. Furthermore, there are studies interested on how these treatments or approaches affect physical properties of the Persian Lime [ 48 , 49 ].…”