Effect of temperature on the flowering biology and fertilization of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.).

Abstract: The effect of 3 temperature regimes (31/25 (warm), 25/19 (moderate) and 19/13 degrees C (cool), day/night) on flowering and pollination in 4 mango cultivars (Haden, Irwin, Keitt and Local) was investigated in Taiwan. Compared with the moderate treatment, warm temperatures hastened growth rates of panicles and flowers, shortened flowering duration and life span of individual flowers, and decreased the number of hermaphrodite and male flowers. Warm temperatures increased the rates and percentages of anther dehiscence and pollination. In contrast, cool temperatures retarded the growth of panicles and flowers, extended flowering duration and life span of flowers, and increased the number of hermaphrodite and male flowers. Sex ratio was statistically not different among the 3 temperature treatments. The highest number of hermaphrodite flowers occurred during the first third of the flowering period. The highest number of male flowers occurred halfway through the flowering period.