Flowering attributes of parental mango genotypes

Fifteen mango genotypes were characterized for their flowering behaviour under Delhi conditions during 2011–12. Dushehari, Langra and Primor de Amoreira showed very early panicle initiation, i.e., before 10th February. However, Erwin and Husnara had very late panicle initiation, i.e., after 3rd March. Totapari Red Small, Pusa Arunima and Janardan Pasand had flowering during 10–20th February. Whereas, Zill, Tommy Atkins, Sensation, Neelum, Mallika, Amrapali and Bhadauran initiated panicles during 21st February to 3rd March. The maximum duration of flowering was noticed in Primor de Amoreira (41.5 days). However, the minimum duration of flowering was noticed in Husnara (13.0 days) followed by Erwin (14.5 days). Flowering duration was more than 20 days but less than 30 days in Amrapali, Sensation, Bhadauran, Mallika, Totapari Red Small and Janardan Pasand. Total number of flowers ranged between 133.30 in Bhadauran to 506.10 in Tommy Atkins. In general, per cent hermaphrodite flowers was less in early emerged panicles compared to late emerged panicles in all mango genotypes. A scheme of hybridization was suggested on the basis of flowering duration employing these mango genotypes. The effective period of mango hybridization using diverse parental mango genotypes was found to be from 3rd week of February to mid March under Delhi conditions.