Chemical regulation of tree size in mango(Mangifera indicaL.) cv. Alphonso. II. Effects of growth retardants on flowering and fruit set

Effects of soil drenching with paclobutrazol and foliar sprays of Cycocel and Alar on flowering and fruit set of nine year old mango trees were assessed for two successive years. Early and profuse flowering was a striking response to paclobutrazol treatments. Cycocel and Alar slightly increased flowering in first year and reduced flowering in the following year. Treatments resulted in condensed panicles, an enhanced proportion of hermaphrodite flowers and tended to reduce pollen fertility. Fruit set was promoted by 2.5 g paclobutrazol per tree. Fruit retention was not promoted by any of the treatments, but the highest concentration of paclobutrazol (10 g per tree) had a detrimental influence both on fruit set and retention.