Physiology of flowering in mango

Abstract

Mango flowering is an important physiological event that sets the start of fruit production. Initiation is the first event that takes place for mangoes to flower. Coincident with shoot initiation, induction occurs based on the conditions present at the time of initiation. Numerous studies with mango trees support the existence of a florigenic promoter (FP) that is continuously synthesized in mango leaves and induces flowering. Translocation experiments suggest that the FP is carried from leaves to buds in phloem. Induction appears to be governed by the interaction of the FP and a vegetative promoter (VP).Mango exhibits wide variations in flowering and fruiting due to its strong dependency on environment. Flowering is decisive factor in the productivity of mango. The process associated with mango involves shoot initiation followed by floral differentiation of apical bud, and panicle emergence. Variability of mango flowering depends upon cultivar, tree age, environmental condition and growth conditions in the dry or humid tropics. Mango is the premier fruit among the tropical fruits and has been in cultivated in the Indian subcontinent since several centuries. Flowering is one aspect of mango reproductive biology that has attracted interest from researchers worldwide. The present information will helps in better understanding of flowering physiology in mango.