When evaporation is high and rainfall is low, frequent irrigation at 7 to 10-day intervals may be necessary. Under dry climate conditions, irrigation must be carried out:
– At the start of the growth period (pre-irrigation),
– During the end of vegetation period (vine development),
– During the flowering period,
– And during the yield formation period.
During these periods, soil water depletion must not exceed 50%.
During the ripening period, relatively dry soil is preferred in order to increase the sugar content and to prevent the flesh from becoming more fibrous and less juicy. Under moderate evaporation and heavy soil conditions, water must be added during growth. Heavy irrigation may be enough to ripen the crop.
