'Cluster' setting of fruits at the tips of the floral panicles affects yield of 'Dashehari' mango (Mangifera indica L.).
Rajput M. S., Ram R. A.
Author Affiliation: Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, P. O. Dilkusha, Lucknow - 226 002, India.
Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences 29 : 152-155
Abstract : A typical phenomenon in mango, in which the fruits set at the tips of the floral panicles in 'clusters', has been observed in the past in mango belt of Malihabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A study was conducted on 100 mango cv. Dashehari trees, planted in Dilkusha, Lucknow, in 1977 and started bearing in 1982, to determine the impact of 'clustering' on the crop loss, and in turn, on the economic loss. Dalshehari is an irregular bearer and follows the rhythm of 'off'- and 'on'-year. The even numbers representing the years were the 'off' years, whereas the odd numbers, the 'on' years. From 1982 to 1998, there were 9 'off' years and 8 'on' years. The yield of individual plant was recorded each year during the 17 years of study. Results revealed that in the 17 years of fruit bearing, 'cluster' setting of fruits occurred for 7 years, whereas, the remaining 10 years were the years of normal fruit setting. 'Off'-year bearing were more prone to 'cluster' setting than 'on'-year setting. Lack of pollination, stenospermocarpy and crop load were attributed to this disorder. Crop losses due to 'cluster' setting ranged from 65.30 to 78.40% per hectare per year, depending upon the intensity of the disorder. Economic loss varied from Rs 360/ha to Rs 29.325 ha-1 year-1, depending upon the prevailing market of Dashehari.