The Tree Systems Lab focuses on research and extension investigating tree physiology and its applications to enhance the profitability of fruit orchard systems in a changing global scenario. Key crops include pistachio, olives, cherry and almond. The goal of our research is to understand the impact of abiotic stressors such as limited water, increased salinity, or erratic temperatures on tree physiological processes linked with productivity, and develop management strategies to maximize agricultural industry resilience. Some on-going projects include developing plant-based irrigation strategies for olive and pistachio with limited water supply, and improve winter chill accumulation calculation in cherry under warm winters. We also study the horticultural performance of various cultivars and rootstocks. This is accomplished by integrating applied and fundamental approaches, field and lab experiments, traditional and innovative tools and physiological and biometeorological measures. We participate in various extension events and field days to showcase our research and outreach our findings to different industries’ stakeholders.

https://treesystemslab.sf.ucdavis.edu/