Flower
induction for producing off-season mango in Thailand |
Junthasri,
R.,Nartvaranant, P.,Subhadrabandhu, S.,Tongumpai, P |
Department of
Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand |
The technique
in producing off-season mango has been adopted in Thailand since 1986.
Paclobutrazol, a plant growth retardant, was used in combination with
thiourea for producing as well as breaking of flower buds. The studies
on application methods showed that soil drenching of paclobutrazol is
more effective for the induction of flowering in mango as compared to
foliar spray. The rate of paclobutrazol application depended on the size
of tree canopy as well as on mango cultivars. For most cultivars, the
rate of paclobutrazol applied is generally determined by multiplying
the diameter of tree canopy (expressed in meter) with 1.0-1.5 g of
active ingredients of paclobutrazol. At 120 days after the application
of paclobutrazol, 0.5% thiourea is usually sprayed to some cultivars
for breaking of buds. Using this method, inflorescences are visible
within 2.5 to 4 months after the paclobutrazol application depending on
cultivar. However, the success in producing off-season mango is also
dependent on other factors such as climatic conditions, mango
cultivars, orchard management and most importantly the experience of
mango growers. Induction of flowering in mango is not the major problem
for Thai growers, as we can control the flowering in the 'on-season'
and 'off-season' times. The other problems of mango production that
need further research are few or none fruit set and pre-harvest fruit
drop in both 'on-season' and 'off-season' production. |
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