Management of flowering in three tropical and subtropical fruit tree species.
Davenport T. L.
Author Affiliation: Tropical Research & Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, 18905 SW 280 Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA.
HortScience 38 : 1331-1335
Abstract : The overall mechanisms governing initiation and induction of flowering and vegetative shoots in mangoes, citrus, and lychees appear to be similar. The induction of flowering in the subtropics is primarily governed by chilling temperatures from passing cold fronts during the winter-spring months. The age of the previous flush modifies the cool-temperature-induced floral response, with older stems exhibiting a high probability of a floral response and younger stems displaying a high probability of a vegetative response. In the tropics, however, the age of the last flush is the dominant factor in flowering of all 3 species. The stems must be in rest for a sufficient time, generally approximately 5-6 months to be induced to flower in the absence of chilling temperatures. This extended rest period occurs naturally as trees increase in stature, but it can also be achieved by mild plant water stress or low nitrogen fertility. Moderately cool temperatures that often reach deep into tropical dry and high elevation locations provide additional stimulus to flower in stems of a given age.