The effect of training systems, time of pruning together with fruit thinning on tree development, yield and fruit size of Sensation mangoes.
Fivaz J., Stassen P. J. C.
Author Affiliation: Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.
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Abstract : Mango cv. Sensation trees planted in 1990 were manipulated into different structural forms (central leader, open vase, closed vase or palmette) from their fourth year after planting. As the trees trained to central leader or closed vase systems have not yet filled their allotted space in the tree row it is recommended that trees pruned according to these systems be planted at a higher density. Control trees (not pruned or manipulated in any way) have already filled the space in the tree row and problems of overshadowing will probably cause a decrease in production in the near future. Postharvest pruning reduced yields, but pruning in Oct. or Nov. 1995 and 1996 combined with fruit thinning resulted in good yields. Pruning combined with fruit thinning also increased fruit size.