A global meta-analysis of yield and water productivity of woody, herbaceous and vine fruits under deficit irrigation

Deficit irrigation (DI) is widely recognized as an irrigation method to save water and increase/maintain yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of DI on yield and water productivity (WP, the ratio of yield divided by evapotranspiration (ET)) of woody fruits (apple, citrus, pear, peach), herbaceous fruits (strawberry, watermelon) and vine fruit (grape), and to identify the optimal irrigation management strategy for different fruit species groups. For this, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis with 591 observations from 56 peer-reviewed papers. Results showed that DI reduced the yield of woody, herbaceous, and vine fruits by 13.74%, 20.51%, and 9.03%, and increased WP by 13.34%, − 2.08%, and 9.89% compared with full irrigation (FI), respectively. Herbaceous fruits were more vulnerable to yield reduction than woody and vine fruits under DI. As for woody fruits, compared with FI, low degree (80%−100% irrigation amount of FI) DI performed better, increasing yield and WP by 0.87% and 9.77%. Woody fruits are suitable for DI in stage I and stage II (bud burst to leafing stage and flowering to fruit set stage), which can reduce the risk of yield reduction and significantly increase WP by 1.86%− 9.28%. Among irrigation methods, surge-root irrigation and sprinkler irrigation under DI performed better for woody fruits, increasing yield and WP by 1.81% and 11.89%, − 5.85% and 43.91%, respectively. In terms of herbaceous fruits, compared with FI, mild degree (60%−80% FI) DI declined the risk of yield reduction and significantly increased WP by 2.25%. DI at stage IV (fruit maturation stage) performed better, which can decrease the risk of herbaceous fruit yield reduction and improve WP by 0.37%. Among irrigation methods, furrow irrigation under DI performed better for herbaceous fruits, increasing yield and WP by − 0.66% and 2.29%. In terms of vine fruits, compared with FI, moderate degree (40%−60% FI) DI performed better, which can significantly increase yield and WP by − 8.05% and 13.87%. Vine fruits are suitable for DI in stage I, increasing yield and WP by 5.38% and 22.13%. For woody fruits, DI is suitable for higher seasonal precipitation (SP > 400 mm) and annual average temperature (AAT ≥ 10 °C). In contrast, for vine fruits and herbaceous fruits, DI is suitable for lower SP (< 200 mm) and AAT (< 10 °C). Our findings provide guidance for precise water deficit management of woody, herbaceous, and vine fruits.