Distribution of cashew flower sex-types between clones and sides of tree canopies in Tanzania

Abstract

Production of male, hermaphrodite and abnormal flowers was studied on the north, east, south and west sides of the cashew tree canopy from Jul. to Dec. 1992 at the Agricultural Research Institute Naliendele, Southern Tanzania. Flowers were recorded daily on selected clones throughout the main flowering season and subsequently yield of each clone was also recorded. Results showed differences in the number of flower types both between clones and between sides: however, there were consistently more male than other types of flower. Significant yield differences between clones were not detected and so could not be used to provide unambiguous evidence of the relationship between yield and flower characteristics but did indicate that clonal differences were present in terms of earliness of yield production.