Phenological cycles and seasonal carbohydrate fluctuations of three mango cultivars: an update on current research in the Nkwalini Valley, Natal.
Robert J. P., Wolstenholme B. N.
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticultural Science, University of Natal, PO Box 375, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 13 : 2-10
Abstract : In a project initiated in 1991, leaf and trunk core samples were collected monthly from trees of mango cultivars Zill, Peach and Kent on the Riversbend Estate, Nkwalini Valley. Starch contents showed marked seasonal fluctuations but were fairly similar between cultivars. A generalized seasonal cycle showed 2 peaks in reserve carbohydrates, one at the beginning of winter tree dormancy and another just after the start of spring, prior to fruit growth. Carbohydrate levels declined gradually during fruit growth then increased during the summer up to a pre-dormancy peak. The implications of the results for orchard management are discussed.