Certainly, here’s an article on controlling flower in mango:
Mango is a tropical fruit that has gained widespread popularity due to its sweet and juicy flesh. However, the production of mangoes is not without challenges, and one of them is the control of flower in mango. Flower control is a crucial technique used to enhance mango production, and it involves manipulating the flowering behavior of the mango tree. If you are a mango farmer or enthusiast, you need to understand the importance of controlling flower in mango and the techniques involved in achieving it.
Why control flower in mango?
Mango trees produce flowers naturally once they mature. The flowers later develop into fruits. However, not all flowers lead to fruits, and as such, it is essential to control flower in mango to enhance fruit production. Generally, the fruiting season of a mango tree follows about 120 days after the emergence of flowers. However, this varies depending on the mango variety and environmental conditions. By regulating when flowers emerge, farmers can time the fruiting season, thus improving mango production and reducing losses.
How to control flower in mango
Flower control in mango involves using chemical and non-chemical methods. Here are some techniques commonly used by mango farmers to control flower in mango:
1. Chemical methods
Chemical methods of controlling flower in mango involve the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs). PGRs, such as paclobutrazol, ethephon, and benzyladenine, work by suppressing the growth of vegetative tissues and promoting the growth of reproductive tissues.
Paclobutrazol, for instance, inhibits the production of gibberellins, a hormone responsible for cell elongation. As such, the tree focuses more on flower and fruit development than vegetative growth. Ethephon, on the other hand, induces ethylene production, causing the tree to shed its leaves, which promotes flowering.
2. Non-chemical methods
Non-chemical methods of controlling flower in mango include pruning, girdling, and water management. Pruning involves removing unwanted branches to divert the tree’s energy to flower and fruit development. Girdling, on the other hand, involves damaging the tree’s vascular tissues to promote flower formation. Water management entails selectively irrigating the tree to manipulate its flowering behavior.
Conclusion
Controlling flower in mango is a practical technique that every mango farmer needs to master. By regulating the emergence of flowers, farmers can time the fruiting season, improving the yield, and minimizing losses. However, the technique used to control flower in mango will depend on various factors, such as the mango variety, environmental conditions, and the growth stage of the tree. As such, farmers need to consult with experts and conduct research to determine the most suitable technique for their mango farm.