Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) Effects on Water Productivity and Fruit Quality of Mango Under a Subhumid Tropical Climate

Water scarcity during fruit enlargement phase (FEP) reduces the productivity and quality of mango fruits under subhumid tropical climate of eastern India. Optimal regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) during FEP may improve the fruit quality and water productivity (WP) of mango. However, information on the response of mango plants to RDI during FEP is lacking. A study, therefore, was conducted to evaluate the effects of RDI during FEP on fruit yield, quality and WP of drip‐irrigated mango in eastern India. RDI was imposed at 40% of crop evapotranspiration (ET c ) (RDI 40 ), 60% ET c (RDI 60 ) and 80% ET c (RDI 80 ) during FEP and compared with full irrigation (FI, 100% ET c ). The fruit yield in RDI 60 was statistically ( p > 0.05) similar to that in RDI 80 and FI. However, RDI 60 saved 33% of the water and enhanced WP by 21% compared with FI. Fruits with the highest pulp content and total soluble solids with the lowest acidity were observed in RDI 60 . The strongest linear relationship was observed between crop water use and plant canopy volume. The water content in the top 0.60 m of soil varied significantly under RDI. Overall, the study suggests the adoption of RDI at 60% ET c during FEP to improve fruit quality and WP of mango orchards in eastern India.