Project description DEENESFRITPL Optimising kiwifruit irrigation using its physiological indicators of water status Kiwifruit plants regulate their own internal water supply. They have adopted a physiologic strategy to maintain leaf water potential, even under drought conditions, which is called isohydric strategy. This involves closing their stomata, the tiny openings in their leaves, to limit water loss. Irrigation is currently done empirically without understanding of its impact on yields and water use efficiency. Stomatal conductance, a measure of the degree of stomatal opening, is a promising indicator of plant water status. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the KIWIQUALI project will develop a model to estimate stomatal conductance in kiwifruit based on sap flux measurement to improve irrigation management and fruit quality. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Most fruit crop irrigation scheduling is performed on empirical basis, with very little or no awareness of the consequences on yields and on water use efficiency. The main objective of this project is to obtain a model for the estimation of stomatal conductance through sap flux measurement in Actinidia, allowing assessment of plant’s water status and correct management of irrigation, while optimizing fruit quality. This goal will be reached through the following specific objectives: (i) to adjust models for estimation of leaf stomatal conductance of kiwifruit trees from measurements of sap flux density and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit; (ii) to understand which irrigation level optimizes fruit quality and productivity; (iii) to develop precision irrigation protocols based on stomatal conductance estimation. This project will lead to innovative results as it will (i) provide a model to estimate leaf stomatal conductance on an isohydric, drought sensible crop (kiwifruit) with high hydraulic conductance, allowing to understand the hydraulic limitations and physiological responses of one of the most water requiring crops; (ii) improve understanding on how a different plant water status and physiological performance at source level affects fruit yield and quality, and; (iii) provide a tool to optimize irrigation scheduling of Actinidia, based on estimated leaf stomatal conductance. While reaching these scientific objectives, Dr. Fernandes will acquire: (i) research skills by leading the project and being involved in the preparation of further proposal; (ii) teaching skills, by holding seminars and tutoring Master’s students; and (iii) networking skills, by participating at several meeting national and international working groups as well as through a strong interaction with stakeholders. The exploitation of results will be maximized by foreseen open access results and a wide range of dissemination and communication tools adapted to different target groups. Fields of science engineering and technologycivil engineeringwater engineeringirrigationagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturefruit growingsocial scienceseconomics and businesseconomicsproduction economicsproductivity Programme(s) HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme Topic(s) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01-01 - MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 Call for proposal HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-PF - MSCA-PF Coordinator ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA Net EU contribution € 172 750,08 Address Via zamboni 33 40126 Bologna Italy See on map Region Nord-Est Emilia-Romagna Bologna Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window EU contribution No data Partners (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS Spain Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Calle serrano 117 28006 Madrid See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding No data APOFRUIT ITALIA SOC. COOP. AGRICOLA Italy Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Viale della cooperazione 400 47522 Cesena See on map Region Nord-Est Emilia-Romagna Forlì-Cesena Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding No data
