Natural forests are an important source of livelihood for various communities. Yet economically important fruit tree species endemic to sub Saharan Africa e.g. Sclerocaryea birrea (Marula) are critically endangered due to over-exploitation and climate change. Effective conservation, management and...

The results of research into the water relations and irrigation requirements of lychee are collated and reviewed. The stages of plant development are summarised, with an emphasis on factors influencing the flowering process. This is followed by reviews of plant water relations, water requirements,...

The objective of this study was to partition tree T under shallow groundwater table conditions into groundwater (T_gw) and soil water (T_sw). Three indigenous trees growing in lysimeters were installed with the compensation heat pulse velocity method to measure stem sap flow half-hourly. Soil water...

The environmental controls on leaf wax n-alkane distributions and associated interpretation of such distributions in geological archives have long remained rather enigmatic. Studies of contemporary vegetation often conflate changing environmental conditions and species differences between biomes,...

The results of research on the water relations and irrigation need of avocado are collated and reviewed in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to irrigation practices. Background information is given on the centre of origin (Mexico and Central America) and the three distinct...

A reduction in photosynthesis results in a reduced CO₂ assimilation rate and availability of carbohydrates essential for fruit growth and development. This study determined photosynthetic efficiency and photoprotection mechanisms within and outside leaf canopy positions in 'Gem' avocado orchards...

Adequate supply of water and nutrients are essential during all growth stages from flowering until the next dormancy period for sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees. This study investigated the relationship between seasonal rainfall (November to March) and fruit yield, fruit quality attributes, and ...

Adding biochar to soil can alter soil properties and thus affect plant growth; however, the effect of biochar on biological nitrogen fixation, carbon accumulation and water-use efficiency of chickpea in tropical soils is not fully understood. Therefore, this study assessed the efficacy of biochar...

Evapotranspiration measurements of fruit trees can assist in improving irrigation scheduling, and consequently for sustainable water resources management of orchards. The purpose of this study was to assess how evapotranspiration and precipitation variability are influencing harvesting dates of...

The effect of Eucalyptus plantations on water balance is thought to be more severe than for commercial alternatives such as Pinus species. Although this perception is firmly entrenched, even in the scientific community, only four direct comparisons of the effect on the water balance of a Eucalyptus ...