Mango model: starch distribution in different tissues of "Sensation" mango trees of varying ages.
Davie S. J., Stassen P. J. C.
Author Affiliation: Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Nelspruit, South Africa.
: 143-150
Abstract : Sensation mango trees (1-18 years old) were excavated and the wet mass, dry mass and starch content were determined. The tree components were separated, weighed and dried before analysis. The percentage starch and the absolute starch content of the different parts of the trees are presented in graphs. The starch concentrations for the different plant parts are also presented for different times of the year, showing the annual accumulation and depletion cycles. Trees of similar size, and from the same Sensation orchard as the excavated trees, were sampled at different times throughout the preceding year for the determination of leaf, root and xylem starch. The starch requirement of the fruits borne by the trees is presented, showing the high demand that fruit production places on photosynthesis, and its dependence on starch reserves. It is concluded that irregular bearing is due to the depletion of starch reserves during fruit production and development.