Use of paclobutrazol in mango orchard in Southwest Region, Bahia State, Brazil.
Sao Jose A. R., Reboucas T. N. H.
Author Affiliation: Depto. Fitotecnia e Zootecnia, Bahia Southwest State University, CP 95, CEP 45 100-000 - Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil.
: 713-715
Abstract : The present work was carried out in the Southwest Region of Bahia State, Brazil, from November 1997 to November 1998. The purpose of the study was to identify the percentage of mango orchards using paclobutrazol (PBZ) and the effects of such use on flowering and production. About 10% of the total area under mango cultivation in the region was evaluated. The percentage of orchards that used PBZ, and concentration and month of application, were determined in relation to flowering (after spraying with potassium or calcium nitrate) and production. The results were concluded as: (a) 63% of the orchards used PBZ (0.5-1 g a.i. per meter of canopy in diameter) from November to December 1997; (b) 100% of the orchards were sprayed with potassium or calcium nitrate, 90-120 days after PBZ application to induce flower initiation; (c) trees that received PBZ flowered and fruited earlier than those receiving only nitrate sprays; (d) orchards treated with PBZ were harvested in June, July and August 1998, while those sprayed with only nitrates were harvested in August, September and October 1998.