Influence of Deficit Irrigation and Absorbent Materials on “Hass” Avocado Cv.: B- Leaf Chemical Composition, Water Use Efficiency and Economical Returns.

Abdelzaher, Rania. A. E.; Nassar, Said. A.; Ali, Sadam. H.; Maged, Safaa. M.; El-Shaieb, Faisal

doi:10.21608/hrj.2025.452477

Influence of Deficit Irrigation and Absorbent Materials on “Hass” Avocado Cv.: B- Leaf Chemical Composition, Water Use Efficiency and Economical Returns.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Tropical Fruit Researches Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt

² Tropical Fruit Researches Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

³ Deciduous Fruit Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/hrj.2025.452477

Abstract

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a globally important fruit crop, with the 'Hass' cultivar being the most widely cultivated. Water scarcity threatens the sustainability of avocado production in arid and semi‑arid regions. During (2023–2024) field study was established to evaluate the effects of two soil absorbent materials biopolymer and zeolite applied at 500, 1000, and 1500 g/tree under three regulated deficit irrigation regimes (100%, 80%, and 70% of irrigation requirements, IR) on leaf chemical composition and water use efficiency (WUE) of ‘Hass’ avocado. A split plot design with three replicates was used. Both amendments significantly improved nutrient status, chlorophyll concentration, and proline accumulation compared to control treatment, particularly under moderate deficit irrigation (80% IR). Total leaf carbohydrate content was consistently enhanced by amendment application. The results demonstrate that integrating high dose water retentive amendments with optimized deficit irrigation can sustain leaf chemical composition, water efficiency and improve economical returns in avocado orchards facing increasing water limitations.

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