Effects of pruning on light interception, specific leaf density and leaf chlorophyll content of mango.
Schaffer B., Gaye G. O.
Author Affiliation: Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, Tropical Research & Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL 33031, USA.
Scientia Horticulturae 41 : 55-61
Abstract : Photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), specific leaf density (Wa), and total leaf chlorophyll (Chl) concentration were determined at several positions in pruned and non-pruned cultivar Tommy Atkins canopies during Apr., July and Nov. Pruned trees had approximately one-quarter of the centre of the canopy removed during Mar. Penetration of PPF was generally greater in canopies of pruned trees than in those of non-pruned trees during each season. There was no difference in Wa between pruned and non-pruned trees at any measurement period. Chl content was greatest for pruned trees during Nov., but similar for pruned and non-pruned trees during Apr. and July. During the year that the pruning treatment was imposed, there was no significant effect of pruning on fruit colour.