Spongy tissue development in mango fruit of cultivar Alphonso in relation to temperature and its control.
Katrodia J. S., Sheth I. K.
Author Affiliation: N.M. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Navsari 396?450, India.
: 827-834
Abstract : Symptoms similar to the physiological disorder spongy tissue were produced in Alphonso mangoes still on the tree and in harvested fruits by heating the fruits to 40-45°C by sun exposure, or by using infra-red radiation, a hot-plate or an incubator. These treatments resulted in inactivation of enzymes and inhibition of starch hydrolysis. In 2 field trials, sod culture utilizing Eragrostis [Spartina] cynosuroides, which grows naturally in Gujarat, completely eliminated the disorder. Ground temperature was reduced by 20° compared with clean cultivation, thus reducing convected heat. Sod culture was more effective than mulching with paddy straw or mango leaves. Cover crops of mung [Vigna radiata] and cowpea [Vigna unguiculata] had no advantage, as they required irrigation, which increased humidity and pests.