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Control of Flower Drop and Fruit Drop in Mango Crop
Mango is an important fruit crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Although the mango tree is known for its hardy nature, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can lead to significant flower and fruit drop. Flower drop is the premature shedding of flowers or buds, while fruit drop is the shedding of immature or mature fruits. This article will discuss some of the common causes of flower and fruit drop in mango crop and the strategies that can be used to control it.
Causes of Flower Drop and Fruit Drop
1. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, low light intensity, and drought can cause flower and fruit drop in mango trees. These factors can disrupt the normal physiological processes of the tree, leading to the shedding of flowers and fruits.
2. Pests and Diseases: Mango crop is prone to various pests and diseases such as mango hopper, anthracnose, and powdery mildew, among others. These pests and diseases can weaken the tree, affect the development and growth of the flowers and fruits, and cause them to drop prematurely.
3. Nutrient Deficiency: Deficiency of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can negatively affect the growth and development of mango trees, leading to flower and fruit drop.
Strategies to Control Flower Drop and Fruit Drop
1. Cultural Practices: Good agricultural practices such as timely pruning, proper irrigation, and the application of organic fertilizers can promote the growth and development of mango trees, prevent pests and diseases, and reduce flower and fruit drop.
2. Use of Chemicals: The use of chemicals such as growth regulators can help in preventing flower and fruit drop in mango trees. Chemicals such as NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) and 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) can be sprayed on mango trees at flowering and fruiting stages to prevent premature shedding of flowers and fruits.
3. Integrated Pest Management: Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests and diseases in agriculture. IPM involves the use of a combination of methods such as cultural practices, biological control, and the use of chemical pesticides to manage pests and diseases. This approach can be effective in preventing pests and diseases, reducing flower and fruit drop, and ensuring a healthy mango crop.
Conclusion
Flower and fruit drop are major concerns in mango crop production. Environmental factors, pests and diseases, and nutrient deficiencies are some of the common causes of flower and fruit drop. To control flower and fruit drop, farmers can adopt good agricultural practices, use chemicals as growth regulators, and implement integrated pest management strategies. By using these strategies, farmers can maintain a healthy mango crop, increase fruit yield, and improve their income.