Studies on flowering behaviour and bio-chemical attributes of commercial mango cultivars with special reference to Ratol

Abstract

Eight commercial cultivars of mango i.e. Ratol, Dashehari, Langra, Neelam, Mallika, Alphonso, Amrapali and Bombay Green were studied. The study was concentrated on the flowering behaviours and bio-chemical attributes. The earliest time of panicle initiation, date of completion of panicle emergence, date of flower initiations and date of full bloom was recorded in cv. Bombay Green. Mango cultivars also differed significantly for various chemical characters. The maximum level of TSS was recorded in cv. Alphonso (25.92 °brix). The level of titratable acidity was significantly lowest in cv. Ratol (0.11%) followed by Amrapalii. Maximum total sugars were recorded in cv. Amrapali (17.42%). Maximum storage life at ambient condition was observed in cv. Mallika (8.15 days) which was significantly higher than other cultivars. Minimum percent decay loss (21.40%). Organoleptic quality of cv. Ratol was found to be ‘excellent’, while Amrapali, Alphonso and Dashehari was found to be ‘very good’ and maximum incidence of floral malformation in cv. Amrapali (53.65%) followed by Ratol (51.63%). Such studies in commercial cultivars of mango will certainly be helpful in understanding its floral biology and chemical analysis to improve the fruit quality and yield.