Correlation of biochemical leaf traits and gall formation in six cultivars of Mango, Mangifera indica L

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves are susceptible to severe attack by insect gall formers. The study’s objective was to assess how different vertical strata of the tree canopy and variation in leaf traits affect gall formation. For this, individual and temporal variation in leaf traits of different mango cultivars (Anwar ratole, Chaunsa, Dusehri, Fajri, Sindri and Siroli) and their ultimate effect on gall formation were studied in 2009-10. In addition, the approximate quantity of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and water content in the leaves was also analysed. Significant variation was found among all mango cultivars for leaf traits and gall formation (p<0.05). Within host individuals, a maximum level of gall formation (200-240 galls, in case of Fajri cultivar) was found on the foliage of the upper tree canopy followed by the lower and inner canopy with the consistent pattern over 2 years. Moreover, gall formation showed significant correlation to carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, phosphorus and potassium level in the leaves of all the studied cultivars except Siroli.