Ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) enhanced gum-resinosis in mango, Mangifera indica L.
Bhatt J. R., Shah J. J.
Author Affiliation: Department of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar 388 120, India.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 23 : 330-339
Abstract : The gum-resin exuded by mango stem bark is used in local medicine, but is not produced in sufficient quantity to be tapped regularly for various commercial purposes. In 2 successive years, ethephon at 9.6, 96, 192, 384 or 768 mg was injected into 3.5 × 1 cm holes in tree trunks, in 2 ml solution/hole. Controls were injected with water. Exudation was enhanced by ethephon, markedly so at the highest rate. Treatment induced the formation of many cavities and cysts in addition to the normal secretory ducts present in the secondary phloem. Cell structure and resin formation are described.