Effects of timing and intensity of deficit irrigation on vegetative and fruit growth of apricot trees.

Highlights: [•] Timing and duration of deficit irrigation affect vegetative growth and apricot yield. [•] Regulated deficit irrigation reduced apricot yield only at severe water deficits. [•] Continuous deficit reduced apricot yield due to vegetative and fruit growth reduction. [•] Fruit size and yield decrease when deficit irrigation relief delays beyond stage III. [•] Deficit irrigation increased apricot root length density close to the drip-line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]