Effect of Ethrel spraying on inducing flowering in the off year of mango trees.
Shaban A. E. A.
Author Affiliation: Pomology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Annals of Agricultural Science (Cairo) 49 : 687-698
Abstract : This study was carried out in Egypt during 2000-01 and 2001-02 to evaluate the effect of spraying Ethrel [ethephon] on inducing flowering in the off year season of mango cv. Zebda. Ethrel spraying increased flowering percentage, initial and final fruit set, fruit retention (%), tree yield, fruit weight, TSS (total soluble solids, %), and TSS/acid ratio. However, panicle length and fruit acidity decreased with increasing Ethrel concentration. A positive relationship was found between Ethrel concentration and the contents of total sugars, total amino acids, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, total carbohydrates and C/N ratio in the leaves. A gradual increase in leaf content of total sugars, total amino acids, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and total carbohydrates was noticed from October to December, thereafter they decreased sharply from January to March.