Effects of short day with and without ringing on growth and flowering of mango (Mangifera indica L.).
Maiti S. K., Maiti S. C., Sen P. K.
Author Affiliation: Seva Bharati Farm School, West Bengal, India.
Indian Agriculturist 22 : 159-176
Abstract : In a 3-year study with mature mango trees, cv. Langra, initially in the 'on' year, whole limbs were given 8-h short-day (SD) treatment for 1 month, starting in mid-April, mid-June or mid-August in the first 2 years and in mid-September, mid-October and mid-November in the third year. Four limbs/tree, each about 8.5 cm in diameter, were selected, 2 of which were ringed 1 month before SD treatment in the first 2 years and in mid-March in the third year. Controls received normal daylength (10.5-13.5 h) and were not ringed. Shoot growth (length and diameter) was inhibited by SD treatment and ringing, irrespective of the time of application; ringing was the more effective when applied alone, but both treatments applied together were more effective than either applied alone. Flower induction in all years was enhanced by ringing, especially when done early. SD treatment did not induce flowering in the 'off' year and tended to inhibit flowering in the 'on' year.