Effects of light availability on the architecture of canopy in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Manzana trees.
Durand G.
Author Affiliation: Universidad Ezequiel Zamora (UNELLEZ), Mesa de Cavaca, Guanare, Venezuela.
: 217-227
Abstract : Leaf area index (LAI), leaf dry weight/area and leaf density were measured in seven 13-year-old mango cv. Manzana trees growing in northwestern Venezuela, and were related to the light environment in the canopy throughout the growing cycle. When the amount of penetrating photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) was measured in 3 deflowered and defruited trees, sunflecks decreased sharply inside the canopy, which had a proportional effect on the LAI. Removal of the fruits caused an increase in LAI during the transition from flowering to fruiting. Relative leaf growth index (RLGI) in fruited trees showed a higher increase in leaf area/unit area than the leaf weight/unit area during the transition from the vegetative stage to flowering. RLGI also showed a higher increase in leaf weight/unit weight than the leaf area/unit area during fruit growth. It is suggested that this is evidence that plant resources are mainly invested in fruit growth during this period. It is also suggested that facilitating light penetration in the canopy during fruit growth may lead to increased yields.