Relationship of leaf and fruit transpiration rates to the incidence of softening of tissue in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars.
Singh V. K., Singh D. K., Pathak S. M.
Author Affiliation: Fruit Physiology Laboratory, Division of Crop Improvement and Production, Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow 227 107, India.
American Journal of Plant Physiology 1 : 28-33
Abstract : Softening of tissue is a serious problem of mango. It is thought that it may be due to deficiency of minerals especially calcium (Ca). Low uptake, movement and distribution of Ca, which is controlled by the movement of water through transpiration stream could be one of the main reasons for the incidence of softening in mango. Therefore, the relationship of leaf and fruit transpiration rates with the incidence of softening of tissue in mango cultivars Dashehari (susceptible) and Chausa and Langra (free from softening tissue) were investigated. Leaf transpiration rates were similar in all cultivars. However, the fruit transpiration rates were significantly higher in Chausa, followed by Langra. Artificially induced variations in fruit transpiration rates using perforated polythene covers, paper bags and vaseline coating of fruits also resulted in significant changes in the occurrence of softening tissue in Dashehari along with alternation in chlorophyll, TSS (°Brix) and carotenoid content in different treatments. The significant and negative relationship observed between the fruit transpiration rates and softening tissue suggests that the lower fruit transpiration rates in Dashehari are a varietal specific trait, which results in slower movement of water and mineral to the fruits from the soil/leaf leading to the development of softening of tissue in mango.