Management Problem Gallery

Drought Stress
Image courtesy of Becky Carroll, Oklahoma State University

Management Problem

Name: Drought

Secondary Name:

Source: When insufficient water is available to the tree. Drought stress occurs in very dry years, usually in non-irrigated, improved-cultivar orchards. It may also arise when trees have heavy crop loads during hot, dry summers.

Description: Drought stress can be manifested in a variety of different ways. One way is the cessation of shoot growth. A stoppage of shoot growth is often noticeable due to the lack of light green foliage. A further indication is tip-burning on leaves and leaflets. This is when permanent damage is done to plant tissues from lack of sufficient water. A clear indication of drought stress is poor nut fill, when the kernel does not fill the entire nut or is wafer-like.