Flower bud induction, flowering and fruit-set of some tropical and subtropical fruit tree crops with special reference to citrus.
Albrigo L. G., Galán Saúco V.
Author Affiliation: Citrus Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA.
: 81-90
Abstract : Yields of fruit tree crops are determined primarily by flowering intensity and subsequent fruit set from those flowers. The processes related to flowering and fruit set are discussed in this mini-review particularly for tropical-subtropical behaviour of citrus with some references to subtropical avocado and more tropical mango, litchi and longan fruit crops. The flower bud induction process is followed by differentiation and flower expansion preceding anthesis. The subsequent fruit set process usually involves 2 major drop periods, one at bloom and another some weeks later when crop load is reduced as excess fruitlets are shed. Climatic conditions (cool temperatures or water stress), bud age and tree vigour are usually associated with the flower bud induction process, whereas climatic stress and internal limitations from lack of pollination, adverse hormonal levels or competition for carbohydrate and/or nutrients may lead to unsuccessful fruit-set (physiological drop). Current knowledge of these processes is discussed.