Advancing Alphonso mango harvest season in lateritic rocky soils of Konkan region through manipulation in time of paclobutrazol application

Abstract: The present study, aimed at advancing Alphonso mango harvest season through manipulation in time of soil application of paclobutrazol (PBZ) [soil application on 15^th of May, June, July, and August]; foliar spray of KNO₃ (3%) [August and September], was conducted during 2010 to 2012 cropping seasons in red lateritic rocky soil of Konkan (Maharashtra, India). Results of individual years and mean for three years revealed that significant earliness in flowering (85.4 day) and advancement in harvesting (82 day) was achieved with the application of PBZ on 15^th May. PBZ application on 15^th June was relatively less effective in inducing early flowering (56 day) and harvesting (69 days). However, the greater extent of flowering (72.23 %) and fruit yield per tree (40.72 kg/tree) were recorded with PBZ applied at recommended time i.e., on 15^th August. Individual fruit weight was higher in KNO₃ sprayed tree in the months of August (268g) and September (265.5 g), whereas fruit T.S.S. was higher (19.37 ^oBrix.) in trees receiving PBZ on 15^th August. The findings of study indicated huge potential for realizing about 5-6 times higher returns from Alphonso produced in February-March months as compared to May harvest.