Minimum temperature an environmental determinant in the floral initiation of mango.
Puche M., Pérez Macias M., Soto E., Figueroa R., Gutierrez M., Avilán Rovira L.
Author Affiliation: Universidad Central de Venezuela, Facultad de Agronomía, Maracay, 2101, Estado Aragua, Venezuela.
Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola 12 : 83-90
Abstract : In tropical zones, initiation of flowering in mango is governed by environmental factors, genetic expression and cultivar origin. It can be promoted by water deficit, management practices and naturally, by low temperatures. In the experimental field of the National Center for Agronomic Research (CENIAP), Maracay, Venezuela, in a previously established trial, six consecutive flowering cycles were analyzed during 2002 to 2008. Plots had twenty mango trees of 12 years old, including 10 of 'Haden' and 10 of 'Edward'. Climatic characterization (1980-2008) of the study area was made, also, meteorological conditions during the trail were recorded. Significant differences in variables related to flowering phenology were found between cycles and there were differences in days at flowering (DIF) between cultivars. The accumulated number of days (DFrío) with minimum temperatures below a threshold (21°, 20°, 19°, 18° and 17°C) showed a seasonal pattern as well as year to year variability. During warmer cycles, 'Haden' did not show any relationship between DFrío and DIF, whereas, a linear relationship was evident in cycles with lower minimum temperatures. Except for cycle 5, this linear relationship was also observed in 'Edward', therefore it seems that this cultivar is either more sensitive to variations of minimum temperature. Results suggest that temperature requirements are different for each cultivar.