Effect of chemical paclobutrazol on fruit development, quality and fruit yield of Kaew mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Northeast Thailand

Abstract

This investigation was carried out during a period of October 2004 to June 2005 at Chaiyaphum Province, Northeast Thailand to search for more information on the effect of chemical Paclobutrazol (PBZ) on flower and fruit development, quality and fruit yield of Kaew mango (Mangifera indica L.). A completely randomized design with four replications was used. Five rates of Paclobutrazol were used, i.e., 0, 1,000; 3,000; 5,000 and 7,000 ppm/plant. The experiment consisted of two sets of treatments, i.e., T1 -T5 represent the first set and T6-T10 for the second set. The results showed that PBZ had no significant effect in extending number of days from flower initiation up to full bloom. PBZ also had no significant effect in delaying fruit maturity age but fruit sets were significantly increased with PBZ rates applied. PBZ had a highly significant effect on fruit length but significantly decreased fruit thickness. Fruit yields were significantly increased with PBZ application. The best application rate of PBZ was found with T7 (1,000 ppm/plant) with an extended flower raceme length of 5 cm. This treatment gave the highest mango edible fruit yield of 48,281.25 kg ha-1. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.