Variation in measures of contraction and dilation of Cedrela odorata L. under different doses and frequencies of irrigation in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora

Abstract

This work was carried out in a semi-arid area corresponding to the Experimental Technology Transfer Center of Technological Institute of Sonora, Yaqui Valley, Sonora, Mexico, with the aim of assessing the variability in measures of contraction and expansion of the species Cedrela odorata L. under different irrigation rates and frequencies. To this five dendrometers Ecomatik (DD- S) German made with cords placed and readings were recorded every 10 seconds total averaging every 30 minutes for 24 hours in plants subjected to four doses and frequency of watering (96 liters of water every ten days in June 2010; 192 liters of water every ten days in July 2010; 192 liters of water every seven days, August, October and November 2010 and 192 liters of water every three days, August 2011). The results showed an upward trend with a daily pattern of variation that characterizes the species. It was shown that the variations are greater when water stress are presented and once the stress is alleviated the gap is narrowing. High variability in measures of contraction and expansion of the stem was obtained, which indicated water stress until August 2011 that the mitigation of stress was achieved with a dose and frequency of irrigation of 192 liters of water every three days.