Page 22 - FRUTAS DEL TRÓPICO

22 Frutas del trópico

Davenport et al., 2006). The ratio of these two components in buds is thought to induce for-
mation of the distinct shoot types; i.e., high FP to VP ratio induce generative shoots, high VP

to FP ratios induce formation of vegetative shoots, and intermediate FP to VP ratios may be

responsible for formation of mixed shoots.

Vegetative flushes typically occur one to three times per year on individual stems, depen-

ding upon species, cultivar, size of the tree, and growing conditions. Reproductive flushes ge-

nerally occur after extended periods of stem rest in the low-latitude tropics often after relief of

extended periods of non-lethal water stress or during cool winter months in the higher latitude

tropics and the subtropics. Control of flowering of mango outside of these natural flowering

times focuses on management of shoot initiation at a time when the ratio of these two putative
promoters are favorable for flowering.

There are reasons unique to each country as to why producers of mango and the other

tropical fruits desire to manage flowering. Mango is perhaps the most amenable to floral ma-

nipulation. Producers are, thus, most interested in reliable out-of-season flowering in order

to provide fruit for markets at times of maximum value. Flowering is not an important issue in

the subtropics unless there is concern for reduced productivity through reduced flowering as

a result of annual pruning. Flowering in tropical latitudes is, however, an important issue, both
for dependable flowering and for manipulation of the timing of flowering to take advantage of

market opportunities.

Most mango producers are interested in managing the flowering time of orchards in or-

der to obtain early harvest. Mango prices are highest during March and April in today’s markets

in the northern hemisphere, and it takes about four months from flowering to fruit maturity;

hence, the normal February flowering period must be shifted forward in time to October in

order to accomplish harvest during this most profitable time period. Because cool arctic or

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