Model reproductive stages of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in the central zone of Venezuela.
Pérez Macias M., Soto E., Puche M., Avilan L., Gutiérrez M.
Author Affiliation: Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrícolas (INIA), Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (CENIAP), Apartado 4653, Maracay 2101, Venezuela.
: 85-93
Abstract : The transition from the vegetative phase through reproductive phase implies changes in the pattern of morphogenesis and cellular differentiation of the apical shoots. It is observed after the progressive and well-organized apparition of the type stages of the reproductive phenology. These floral organs represent a complex array of specialized structures. The evolution of these structures, the so called model-stage in reproductive phenology, provides precise information largely related with the environment and especially with the season changes that perennials species are submitted. Nowadays it is essential to build data bases that allow to store this information in time, using a numeric system with a uniform codification. Until now, none of the phenological keys cited has included in its study a precise description of Mango in the tropics. In the experimental field of CENIAP, INIA, Venezuela, six consecutive periods of flowering were analysed in observation plots on 20 trees of mango 'Haden' and 10 of 'Edward'. A model was established that identifies and defines eight main types stages and two sub reproductive stages macroscopically, from dormant shoot to spongy fruit that were diffused in the until now known proposal. The annual date of most occurrence of the type stage is indicated in combination with the climate information of these periods, which allows to know, to measure and to deduce the visual date of beginning of flowering in the production area.