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Why do Mango Flowers Drop and Turn Black?
Mango trees can produce a profusion of fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, but not all of these blossoms will develop into sweet, succulent fruits. In fact, many mango flowers drop and become blackish, especially during the early stages of growth, and this can be a normal part of the tree’s reproductive cycle or a sign of stress or damage.
One reason why mango flowers drop is natural thinning, or the tendency of the tree to shed some of its excess flowers to focus its resources on fewer fruits. Mango trees typically bloom in clusters of hundreds or thousands of flowers, but each flower may have only a small chance of being pollinated and fertilized. Therefore, the tree may shed some of the unproductive or weak flowers to increase the chances of the remaining fruits receiving enough nutrients, water, and sunlight to ripen properly. This process usually occurs within a month or so of flowering and can happen several times before the final fruit set is determined.
Another reason why mango flowers drop is abnormal thinning, which is caused by environmental factors such as frost, heat, drought, or pests. Mango trees are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages, and a sudden drop in temperature or a prolonged heat wave can trigger the flowers to abort. Similarly, lack of moisture or poor soil conditions may prevent the roots from absorbing enough nutrients and water to support the flowers, leading to premature dropping. Insects or diseases that damage the flowers or buds can also cause blackening and dropping.
To prevent or minimize the dropping of mango flowers, growers can take several measures, depending on the cause. For natural thinning, which is desirable to some extent, the tree should be healthy and well-nourished, with a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and magnesium. Pruning the tree to remove dead or diseased wood, or to open up the canopy for better light penetration and air circulation, can also promote better flowering and fruiting. However, excessive pruning or damage to the tree can also induce stress and shedding.
To prevent abnormal thinning, growers may need to protect the tree from environmental extremes by providing shade, shelter, or irrigation if possible. Covering the tree with frost cloth or mulch can protect it from frost or heat damage, while watering it deeply and frequently can prevent drought stress. Applying insecticides or fungicides as needed can also reduce the damage caused by pests or diseases, but care should be taken to avoid overuse or misuse of these chemicals. Checking the tree regularly for any signs of stress or damage, such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or discoloration, can help detect and address any problems early on.
In conclusion, dropping of flowers of mango after becoming blackish can be a natural or abnormal part of the tree’s growth, depending on the cause. By understanding the factors that affect mango flowering, growers can take appropriate measures to promote healthy and productive trees that yield high-quality fruits. Whether you enjoy mango flowers for their beauty or their delicious flavor, their presence can signal the promise of a bountiful harvest to come.