Mango Fruit Drop or Low Fruit Set is a complex disorder affecting mango crops’ productivity and profitability. Mango Fruit Drop is a physiological disorder that causes the premature shedding of mango fruits. This disorder can cause significant economic losses for mango growers and exporters due to the reduced quality and marketability of the fruit. This makes the fruit unappealing to consumers, resulting in significant losses for growers and exporters.
Effective management strategies for Mango Fruit Drop disorder involve a combination of cultural, nutritional, and chemical approaches. These strategies may include using irrigation to maintain soil moisture, applying fertilizers to correct nutrient imbalances, and using growth regulators to control hormonal imbalances. Understanding the causes and symptoms of Mango Fruit Drop is essential for effective management strategies to reduce crop losses, improve mango fruit production, and ensure the long-term viability of this important crop.
Mango Fruit Drop and Zinc Deficiency Disorders Management
Characteristics of Mango Fruit Drop Disorder
- The disorder is characterized by the premature shedding of mango fruits, which can occur in large numbers, resulting in significant yield losses for mango growers.
- The disorder is often accompanied by a change in the color and texture of the affected fruit, which becomes soft and wrinkled, making it unsuitable for commercial markets.
- Mango Fruit Drop disorder can occur at different stages of fruit development, including the early stages of fruit development, mid-season, or even close to harvest.
Causes of Mango Fruit Drop Disorder Development
- A combination of environmental, nutritional, and hormonal factors causes the disorder.
- Lack of pollination due to inadequate pollinating agents near the orchards.
- Self-incompatibility occurs when pollen of a flower from the same tree germinates on the stigma of another flower of the same tree.
- Low stigma receptivity will prevent pollen germination and leads to embryo abortion.
- Nutritional imbalances, such as a deficiency of boron, calcium, or magnesium, can also contribute to the development of the disorder.
- Embryo abortion and failure of fertilization will occur in the ovary due to lack of nourishment.
- Water stress and drought conditions during the fruit development phase will develop this disorder.
- The developing fruits compete for limited resources, leading to seed or embryo abortion.
- Hormonal imbalances of ethylene and auxins can also cause Mango Fruit Drop.
- The incidence of pests like hoppers and mealybugs and diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew makes the crop susceptible to this disorder.
- Exposure of the fruits to unfavorable climatic conditions like hailstorms and strong winds can cause the fruits to drop prematurely.
Favorable Conditions of Mango Fruit Drop Disorder
- Environmental factors such as high temperature, low humidity, and water stress can contribute to Mango Fruit Drop.
- Inadequate irrigation or drought conditions can also contribute to developing the Mango Fruit Drop.
- An excess of ethylene or a deficiency of auxin can disrupt fruit development and lead to premature fruit shedding.
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