In the high desert, Nevada farmers are challenged by a short summer growing season and water availability. Grafting on squash hybrids and deficit irrigation have shown to be successful techniques for earlier harvests and increased crop water productivity¹. A field trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of grafted and ungrafted cantaloupes under deficit irrigation. Integrating soil moisture sensors for monitoring soil water availability and determining irrigation amounts has the potential to enhance the effective use of water (i.e., increase crop water productivity) and reduce the amount of water applied without decreasing yield.

1. This study suggests that a reduction in irrigation volume of 30% from ETc, using soil moisture sensors, could be a valuable strategy to increase water use efficiency in cantaloupes without a yield decrease.
2. From a plant physiological perspective, a moderate irrigation deficit (i.e., 70% irrigation treatment) did not impact carbon assimilation rates, resulting in a more conservative use of water at the leaf level (i.e., increased intrinsic water use efficiency).
3. Tracking the relationship between predawn and midday Ψw allows to directly assess plant water status, and could be used as a valuable tool for synchronizing plant water demands and irrigation management.