EFFECT OF DIFFERENT WATER SUPPLY MANAGEMENTS ON VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE GROWTH OF MURTILLA (Ugni molinae Turcz)

Abstract

The general aim of the present study was to determine and evaluate the development and performance of murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz.) plants to different water supply treatments. This study was carried out during summer, 2006-2007 on the farm "Las Marías", located 3 km north of Valdivia city, Chile. Three-year-old plants were used, specifically ecotype 14-1, provided by INIA Carillanca under the project FONDEF DO5I10086. The following treatments were used: 80% irrigation (based in replacing 80 % of the evaporation measured with a pan evaporimeter); 40% irrigation (replacing 40 % of the evaporation); application of a hydrogel (as soil conditioner); and finally a control (natural water supply conditions). The irrigation was performed with the use of drip tapes. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three treatments, a control and four repetitions. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences were analyzed using Tukey multiple comparisons test. The evaluated parameters were: number of fruits per plant, fruit size (equatorial diameter), fruit weight per plant, height of branches, foliage weight and root weight of plants (green and dry matter).

Statistically differences were found between the treatment 40% irrigation and the control, in the number and weight of fruits per plant. Nevertheless, no statistical differences between the treatments and the control were found for equatorial diameter of fruits, average weight of individual fruits and average weight of green and dry plants.