SESSION—V - GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Dr. R.M. Pandey delivered the Keynote Address for this session on ‘Physiology of Flowering in Mango’. The available information on the various aspects of flowering process in mango were reviewed with special emphasis on the effect of crop load, environment, age of shoots and various biochemical factors involved directly or indirectly in flower initiation. It pointed out the need for further studies on the role of endogenous growth factors like ethylene as a factor responsible for initiation of flowering in mango.

Presentation of papers on photosynthesis, flowering and tissue culture of nucellus tissue from poly- and mono-embryonic varieties evoked great interest among the delegates indicating the need for intensification of research on these aspects.

Investigations are required for better canopy design and management of mango trees for better utilization of solar energy thereby increasing the photosynthetic efficiency of leaves, shoot thinning and opening up of the trees could be useful for this purpose and needs further experimentation.

Investigation on the role of 'Stress' induced by various biotic and external factors on the primary metabolites and growth integrators which ultimately control the flowering process in mango is to be undertaken.

Controlling the time of emergence of panicles using growth regulators so as to escape the damaging effect of cold weather frequently experienced in Northern India, Canary Islands, South Africa, Florida and Israel needs emphasis.

Research on aseptic culture of different mango tissues like shoot apex, nucellus and ovules, and embryos in order to develop techniques for mass clonal propagation, creating somaclonal variations and for raising large scale hybrid progenies by ovule/embryo culture are to be intensified.

Studies on water relations in mango trees—a topic totally neglected so far and its effect on various aspects of growth and development of the trees need attention.

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