Effect of thiosulphates and paclobutrazol on "type" and length of branch in mango (Mangifera indica L.) 'Haden'.
Aņez M., Sergent E., Leal F.
Author Affiliation: UNELLEZ, College of Agriculture, Crop Production Program, Guanare, estado Portuguesa, Venezuela.
: 209-215
Abstract : The influence of paclobutrazol (PBZ) alone or combined with ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) or potassium thiosulfate (PTS) on type and length of branch in mango 'Haden' was analysed in Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela. The experiment was conducted over two production cycles (1997-98 and 1998-99). Treatments comprised: check=T0, PBZ only=T1 and the combinations of PBZ plus ATS or PTS; the ATS and PTS at three different concentrations and at two different application dates. PBZ was applied to the soil at 10 ml a.i. per tree, and thiosulfates were applied to the tree canopy. Twelve branches were marked per tree. The treatments had no effect on type and length of branch, but the interval of values between two production cycles was different. For the first cycle, it varied from 9.08 cm for ATS (0.5%) applied 90 days after PBZ to 14.86 for ATS (1%) 60 days after PBZ, at the second, it varied from 1.18 cm for ATS (2%) 60 days after PBZ and ATS (1%) 90 days to 3.20 for ATS (1%) 90 days. The medium length of treatments in the second cycle, compared with the first, was 80% less. The most flushing of branches occurred in the first cycle; but in the second, a minimum of 40% (December 1998) of branches showed no flushing. In the first cycle, there was mainly a major percent of vegetative growth. The results confirm the competition between vegetative and reproductive growth in mango.