Practical aspect in producing off-season mango in Thailand.
Nartvaranant P., Subhadrabandhu S., Tongumpai P.
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
: 661-668
Abstract : A technique for producing off-season mango was adopted in Thailand in 1986. Paclobutrazol was used in combination with thiourea to produce buds and break the dormancy of flower buds. Studies on application methods showed that soil drenching with paclobutrazol is more effective for the induction of flowering than foliar application. The rate of paclobutrazol application depends on the size of tree canopy as well as on cultivar. For most cultivars, the rate of paclobutrazol applied is generally determined by multiplying the diameter of tree canopy (expressed in meters) with 1-1.5 g of active ingredients of paclobutrazol. At 120 days after the application of paclobutrazol, 0.5% thiourea is sprayed to the tree to induce bud break. Using this method, inflorescences are visible within 2.5-4 months after paclobutrazol application depending on cultivar. However, the success in producing off-season mango is also dependent on other factors such as climatic conditions, cultivar, orchard management and most importantly the experience of mango growers. At present, induction of flowering in mango is not the major problem for Thai growers, since flowering can be controlled in on- and off-season times. Other problems of mango production that need further research are to do with fruit set and pre-harvest fruit drop.