Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2002: 4(1): 27-29

Studies on fruit-bud differentiation in mango (Mangifera indica L.) under South Indian conditions

Humayun, M; Babu, R S

Department of Horticulture, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati - 517 502, Andhara Pradesh, India.

The period of fruit bud differentiation (FBD) in mango cultivars AU-Rumani, Neeleshan, Neeluddin, Baneshan, Bangalora and Neelam grown in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India was studied during 1998 and 1999. In general, FBD commenced on the 3rd week of September and was completed on the 3rd week of November. However, the onset of FBD and peaks of differentiation varied among the cultivars. The first sign of FBD (stage II) was observed in AU-Rumani on the 3rd week of September, and 100% differentiation was observed towards the end of October. In Neeleshan and Baneshan, stage II was observed on the 4th week of September, and 100% differentiation was evident towards the 2nd week of November. In Neeluddin, Bangalora and Neelum, stage II occurred during the 1st week of October, and 100% differentiation was evident on the 2nd and 3rd weeks of November. In general, the total carbohydrate fraction and C/N ratio were greatest at 100% FBD, whereas the total N fraction was lowest during FBD. At FBD, the total carbohydrate fraction, total N fraction, and C/N ratio were 4.5%, 0.07% and 64.28 in AU-Rumani; 4.9%, 0.09% and 54.24 in Neeluddin; 4.4%, 0.09 and 48.89 in Bangalora; 4.4, 0.08% and 55.00 in Neelum; 4.6%, 0.08 and 57.50 in Neeleshan; and 4.4%, 0.08% and 55.00 in Baneshan.