Uncommon cuticular ornamentation on the stigma surface of mango (Mangifera indica L.).
John P., Raghuram Y., Nair G. M.
Author Affiliation: Dep. Bot., Fac. Sci., Maharaja Sayajirao Univ. Baroda, Baroda 390 002, India.
Current Science, India 56 : 783-784
Abstract : The ornamental stigma cuticle of M. indica is described and illustrated. The cuticle is seen as an adaptation to prevent desiccation, but its presence is also thought to contribute to low fruit set in the species. Mechanical 'tripping' of the stigma surface with a brush before pollination is recommended to improve fruit set.