THE ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF CARBON IN FRUIT TREES: A DRIVER OF PRODUCTIVITY, A TOOL TO FACE CLIMATE CHANGE, A PRODUCER OF INNOVATION THAT CAN BECOME TOMORROW'S GROWING PARADIGM

Abstract

The control of tree performance by exploiting the interactions of tree and environment is among the goals of ecophysiology. This discipline has accompanied genetic improvement of tree crops over the last half century, and has provided the scientific bases of orchard efficiency and productivity. High density plantings have their roots in the knowledge of the interactions between trees and incoming radiation. Pruning, thinning, water management and other cultural practices are based on similar knowledge. The continuing efforts in elucidating the relationships between environment and trees/tree parts are now focusing on organs such as the fruit, which is becoming an integrator of the plant’s well being: if fruit grow as expected (when measured precisely) they reveal/confirm a healthy status and proper management of the tree. Current knowledge on tree water relations, fruit development, and their determinants at the vascular level are paving the way for future innovation in the management of irrigation, that will allow to better tailor water restitution to the tree needs on a daily, instead of a seasonal, scale. Similarly, knowledge of the complex relationships between incoming light and tree performance promises to allow to maintain orchard productivity and quality while consuming less water. The role ecophysiology can play to offset climate change stems, along with the benefits deriving by a smarter use of renewable resources leading to a smaller water print and energy uptake, also from the capacity that orchards have to sequester Carbon. There is a growing body of knowledge that is amenable to innovation transfer and technological uptake, which will likely form the backbone of precision fruit growing, which will in turn allow to gauge and control in real time the development of the crop, giving the grower the possibility to change his/her management according to the actual orchard needs.