Studies on the effect of pruning on mango.
Rao V. N. M., Shanmugavelu K. G.
Author Affiliation: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
Progessive Horticulture 8 : 21-28
Abstract : Mulgoa and Baneshan mango trees, 45 and 20 years old, respectively, were pruned by removing crossing branches up to 30 cm in diameter so as to open up the centre, and by removing all except one or two of the shoots on the terminal whorls. Data are presented on the effects on flowering and fruit set in the following 3 or 4 years, and on the yields of Mulgoa for 3 years after pruning compared with 9 years before pruning. With both cvs the percentage of perfect flowers on the previous season's terminal shoots was enhanced, and in addition latent buds on the old wood and branches were stimulated and produced flowers. Fruit set of Baneshan was markedly improved after the first year but that of Mulgoa was adversely affected for the first 2 years, with little difference thereafter. The 3-year yields of Mulgoa after pruning were greater than the 9-year yields before pruning; during the latter period the trees had shown marked alternate bearing and they did not yield for 3 years before pruning.