Flowering synchronization of 'Sensation' mango trees by winter pruning.
Oosthuyse S. A., Jacobs G.
Author Affiliation: Horticultural Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
: 422-430
Abstract : In order to synchronize flowering, all of the terminal shoots on separate sets of mango cv. Sensation trees grown in the Northern Province of South Africa were pruned just prior to and during flowering. Branches were pruned 5 cm beneath or at the apical bud or inflorescence attachment. Only trees in their 'on' year were pruned. Flowering was effectively delayed due to the consequent development of axillary inflorescences beneath the pruning cuts. Flowering was synchronized, and resulted in a reduction in variability of the fruit maturation stage at harvest. Flowering intensity was increased by winter pruning due to the enhanced number of inflorescences developing on terminal shoots. Fruit drop also increased. Yield was unaffected due to a compensatory increase in fruit size. The stage of fruit maturation at harvest and the time of flowering were inversely related. Compared with pruning at the apical bud or inflorescence, pruning 5 cm below the apical bud or inflorescence reduced fruit retention and yield. It is suggested that winter pruning can be used to synchronize the flowering of Sensation mango trees when the trees are in a positive phase of alternate bearing.