Effect of foliar application of chemicals on flowering of fruit crops

Abstract

Among the fruit crops of tropical and subtropical region the irregular or erratic flowering, low fruit set as well as fruit retention leading to low yield and fruits of poor quality and short availability period are also the main problems in mango production. Certain chemical sprays found very effective for the reduction of intensity and losses due to these limitations. Foliar application of KNO3, Ethrel and urea significantly increase the flowering percentage. Applications of KNO3 induce early flowering and reduced alternate bearing. Ethrel release ethylene gas and turn triggering the mechanism of flowering. In addition, urea spray was reported to be helpful for better retention of flowering in certain crops. It is also observed that delayed flowering in mango fail to fetch attractive price from the market. Delayed flowering also have risk due to early rainfall, which may bring fruit drop and deterioration in quality.