Period of water stress, pruning intensity, and use of agrochemicals under an integrated management program for mango (Mangifera indica L.) malformation.
Vega-Pińa A., Téliz-Ortiz D., Mora-Aguilera G., Sánchez-García P., Otero-Colina G.
Author Affiliation: INIFAP, Campo Experimental Apatzingán, Apdo. Postal 262, km 17.5 Carr. Apatzingán-Uruapan, Apatzingán, Michoacán, C.P. 60600, Mexico.
Revista Mexicana de Fitopatología 22 : 61-71
Abstract : Three factors were evaluated for the integrated management of mango malformation: (a) 45 days (AH45) and 30 days (AH30) of water stress during preflowering, (b) continuous pruning (PC) every 2 months and pruning (PF) at the end of harvest, and (c) application of ethephon (E), tribasic copper sulfate + wettable sulfur (SA) and propiconazole + metidation (PM). The treatment AH30 + PM was the most effective in controlling mango malformation; the final incidence was reduced from an initial average of 55% per tree to 12% during 1996-1998. Fusarium spp. and Aceria mangiferae were detected more frequently in diseased floral buds. Fusarium spore density in the environment was greater in January and February (dry season), and in July-September (rainy season). Spore density was not related to temperature or rainfall monthly average. A. mangiferae in healthy vegetative shoots showed a positive correlation (r2=0.61, pr>F=0.001) with temperature. The interaction AH45 + PF + E or SA significantly increased (Tukey 0.05) tree height (36 cm). AH30 + PF + ETH increased tree canopy (158 cm). PF + PM resulted in the longest healthy vegetative shoots. AH45 + PC recorded the greatest length and area of healthy floral buds. Fruit production was greater under AH30 + SA or PM in 1996-97, and under PM during 1997-1998. However, the greater production obtained under all treatments in 1996-1997 was attributed to the alternation of production.