Flowering phenology and productivity of mango cv. Alphonso.
Salvi B. R., Damodhar V. P., Mahaldar S. R., Munj A. Y.
Author Affiliation: Regional Fruit Research Station, Vengurle - 416 516, Dr. B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India.
Annals of Plant Physiology 27 : 73-76
Abstract : The normal mango productivity is greatly influenced by change in climatic factors. After the ceasation of rains October heat creates abiotic stress condition which is coupled with the low temperature stress conditions during winter. Change in climate delays the flowering phenology as a result the delayed rains up to 17th November 2010 induced vegetative flush instead of normal 1st flowering flush initiation. It takes 80 to 90 days period for maturation of the vegetative flush. Unless this late matured vegetative flush is supported by winter stress flowering does not occur. Hence, severe cold (low temperature below 17°C) period for at least 12 to 15 days is necessary. Climate change delays stress conditions which are important for flowering initiation. Present analysis shows that delayed rains resulted in three to four flowering flushes due to intermittent rains and lack of cold waves. During the year 2010-2011, the mango bearing was very much less (20%) as against in normal season 60%. Because of lack of cold climate during 46 to 52 meteorological week and 1 to 10 meteorological week of the year 2009 and 2010 due to which flowering season hampered very badly. The extended rainfall for 131 days against normal 105 days during 2009 and the same was for 141 days during 2010 caused lack of stress conditions. Similarly the cold temperatures (below 17°C) required consecutively for 9 to 12 days were lacking due to intermittent rains during winter season. Application of PBZ @ 0.75 g a.i. per meter canopy at least 110 to 120 days prior to floral primordial formation or bud break. This not only improves the flowering and hermaphrodite flower percentage but also the yield is improved under climate change uncertainties.