Fruit tree Crop REsponses to Water deficit and decision support Systems Applications

● Collecting, integrating and sharing in a database a critical mass of scientific information on the physiological response to drought stress of at least 6 perennial crops, among the most represented in Europe (grapevine, olive, apple, peach, pear, kiwifruit).
● For each species considered, identifying the most useful physiological indicator to quantify plant water status by using cost-effective and user-friendly proximal and/or remote sensing sensor tools.
● Selecting, among existing physiological and geospatial models the ones best suited to assess plant physiological performance and water status, by integrating plant sensor data, as model inputs.
● Proposing precision irrigation approaches for different crops based on: i) routines to upscale model outputs at orchard level so to correctly estimate irrigation needs; ii) optimized deficit irrigation protocols and iii) definition of within-orchard management zones (MZ), for possible implementation in DSSs.
● Based on this knowledge, providing end-users and service providers with reports on the most promising DSSs available for the various fruits and on the technical gaps for their improvement, while taking action to facilitate their dissemination and adoption.
● Raise public awareness and favour the adoption of “Precision irrigation” strategies.
● Promote an approach to sustainable water management among end-users based on the diffusion and take-up of ICT technologies.