Effect of pruning on growth, flowering and fruiting in mango.
Mohan Swaroop, Sant Ram, Singh C. P., Shukla P.
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263 145, India.
Indian Journal of Horticulture 58 : 303-308
Abstract : The effect of pruning on growth, flowering, fruiting and fruit quality of 21-year-old mango cv. Dashehari grown in Pantnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, was investigated. The trees were classified into 'off' and 'on' years for each pruning experiments. Both set of 'on' and 'off' year trees were pruned from July to February in 1998-99. Thus, 2 experiments were conducted on 'on' and 'off' year trees for 2 years (1997-98 and 1998-99). Apical shoot apices (4.5 cm) were pruned on the 20th day of each month and pruning in each month served as a treatment. The number of panicles were almost double on each shoot when 'on' year trees were pruned in July, August and December. Number of terminal panicles on pruned shoots were more than the control in July-August pruning and December pruning produced auxillary panicles only, whereas July-August pruning increased both terminal and auxillary panicles on pruned shoots. The panicle length was also higher than the control when pruned in July and August without any such effect after pruning in other months, except in September pruning where panicle length was reduced. The main rachis diameter was also less in auxillary panicles after pruning in November and December. Hermaphrodite flowers slightly increased in July, November and December pruning. Shoot pruning completely controlled malformation when done in July, August and December. Data, therefore suggests that 'on' year mango trees should be pruned in July, August and December for increasing panicles on a shoot, hermaphrodite flowers in panicles, control malformation and fruit yield and quality. However, 'off' year trees need pruning to increase new shoot production and more vegetative growth without flowering and fruiting in the same year.