Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2000 publ 2001: 2(1): 34-36

Blossom biology of hog-plum (Spondais pinnata Kurz)

Darshana Nand

C-67, Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar, Allahabad - 211 016, India.

Studies were undertaken on the flowering biology and bearing behaviour of hog-plum (Spondais pinnata [Spondias pinnata]). Well-established trees of hog-plum varieties 'oval' and 'round', growing within the premises of Government Gardens, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, were used. The studies were conducted with special reference to the variety 'oval'. The trees bore pure panicles at the terminal end of last years growth. The flowering took place on naked shoots with the advent of the spring season. Flowers opened during odd hours and anthers dehisced with the opening of flowers. The structure and shape of the inflorescence were similar to mango. Flowers were observed as hermaphrodites numbering 1829.4 per panicle. Pollen grains were dusty. The initial percentage set under natural open pollination was very good (71.29%) compared to very nominal set in mango. Thirty-five fruits per panicle reached final maturity.