Towards control of flowering in mango in Cameroon. Use of a growth regulator: paclobutrazol.
Vuillaume C.
Author Affiliation: Misión Técnica Embajada de Francia, IRFA/CIRAD, AA 34565 Cali Valle, Colombia.
Fruits (Paris) 46 : 187-198
Abstract : In trials at Nyombé, Cameroon, with 16 cultivars (planted in 1981), 15 g paclobutrazol/tree was applied to the soil around 3 cultivars (Keitt, Brooks and Lippens) in 10 litres of water/tree in May 1987 (the off-season) and in 20 litres to all cultivars in Nov. 1987 (45 days before the usual time of flower initiation). The effect of treatments varied with cultivar but, in all except Améliorée du Cameroun and Hindy Bi Sinnara, treatment decreased growth. In all cultivars, except Julie Kasowa, Ruby and Améliorée du Cameroun, the number and weight of fruits/tree were increased. In most cases the weight of individual fruits was also increased. Trees which received applications in May showed induction of flowering, which varied in intensity according to cultivar, indicating that it may be possible to advance flowering by 1-2 months.