Effect of pruning intensity on light penetration and leaf physiology in Amrapali mango trees under high-density planting.
Sharma R. R., Room Singh
Author Affiliation: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
Tropical Science 46 : 16-19
Abstract : Sixteen-year-old Amrapali mango trees, established at high-density in New Delhi, India, were pruned by tipping or by removal of 4, 8 or 12 inches from the apex of each branch. The light penetration and rate of photosynthesis increased with the extent of pruning, but the specific leaf weight was not affected. The leaf chlorophyll contents were higher in unpruned and tipped trees than in pruned ones. The rate of photosynthesis and leaf chlorophyll contents were greater in leaves that developed on the southeast side of the tree canopy than on the other sides. The same applied to leaves further from the crotch than those nearer to it.