Mango model: growth and development of "Sensation" mango trees.
Davie S. J., Stassen P. J. C.
Author Affiliation: Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.
: 135-142
Abstract : The growth and development of mango cv. Sensation trees were investigated for different parts of the tree and correlated with fruit yields. Sensation trees varying in age from 1 to 18 years old were excavated from orchards in the Nelspruit area of South Africa at various times of the year over 3 years. Tree measurements were recorded and the trees separated into tissues and organs such as leaves, trunk bark, trunk wood, side roots, tap roots and others. These portions were weighed and the leaves were counted and the leaf area was determined. The mass and size of the different aged trees, and in the smaller trees, the seasonal development of different tissues, is illustrated using graphs. Fruit load had a major impact on tree development. Assimilate energy was lost when fruits were retained on the tree before abscission. This inhibited tree growth and reduced the size of remaining fruits. It is suggested that to maintain fruit size in Sensation mangoes, fruit loads need to be reduced to predetermined numbers.