The influence of water stress on the quantity and quality of hops yield (Humulus lupulus L.) cv. ’Savinjski Golding’

Abstract

The influence of water stress on the "savinjski golding" hop variety has been investigated. Three different treatments (dry, unirrigated and irrigated) were conducted in pot and field experiments. Irrigation was applied on the basis of instantaneous soil moisture measurements and desorbtion characteristics of the soil. The influence of different treatments was evaluated by green mass, cones and root weights, the yield of hop, alpha acids and essential oil composition. Statistical evaluation revealed that the weight of green mass, cones, roots and the yield were significantly reduced by water stress. It also had a negative effect on the essential oil composition. The calculation of costs for irrigation confirmed that irrigation was justified regarding the increase of yield and quality.