Chemical regulation of tree size in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Alphonso. III. Effects of growth retardants on yield and quality of fruits.
Kurian R. M., Iyer C. P. A.
Author Affiliation: Division of Fruit Crops, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore 560?089, India.
Journal of Horticultural Science 68 : 361-364
Abstract : The effects of soil drenching with paclobutrazol (2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g/tree) and foliar sprays of Cycocel [chlormequat] (4000 or 8000 mg/litre) or Alar [daminozide] (1500 or 3000 mg/litre) were studied on 9-year-old trees. Treatments were applied once or twice just prior to vegetative flushing. Fruit yield was increased considerably by the 2 lower rates of paclobutrazol but was reduced by the highest rate. Alar applied twice at 8000 mg/litre slightly increased yield, but reduced TSS. The 2 higher paclobutrazol rates reduced fruit size, adversely affected TSS and the sugar:acid ratio, and delayed fruit maturity and ripening. Other physico-chemical fruit characteristics were unaffected. Soil drenching with paclobutrazol at 2.5 g/tree during Nov. and Mar. in alternate years was recommended for regulating tree size and improving yield in young bearing mango trees.