Drought Risk in Mango and Avocado Orchards: Insights Into Plant Water Relations and Irrigation-Related Agronomic Solutions

Climate change is making water availability more uncertain, with growing consequences for the productivity and long-term sus-tainability of tropical and subtropical fruit orchards. Mangifera indica L. and Persea americana Mill. both require large amountsof water to sustain growth and productivity. They are among the most water- demanding perennial crops. This review sum-marizes recent findings on plant–water relations and irrigation management in mango and avocado, considering soil-basedapproaches aimed at mitigating water stress. Particular attention is given to regulated and sustained deficit irrigation, partialroot-zone drying and the use of soil amendments such as biochar, zeolite and hydrogels. Recent field experiments indicate thatthe application of soil amendments and biostimulants can mitigate some of the constraints imposed by drought. Their effects aremainly associated with improved soil water retention and nutrient availability, as well as better root-zone functioning leadingto more stable yields under water-limited conditions, especially in degraded soils. By combining physiological, agronomic andsoil-based approaches, this review identifies practical opportunities to improve water-saving strategies in mango and avocado. Atthe same time, it points out key research gaps that need to be addressed to support the development of resilient orchard systemsunder increasing water stress driven by climate change.