ISHS Acta Horticulturae 291: III International Mango Symposium
MANGO MALFORMATION - POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT OF MALFORMIN-LIKE SUBSTANCE (S) AND CONTROL |
| Authors: | Z. Singh, B.S. Dhillon |
| Abstract:
Mango malformation is posing a serious threat to the mango industry of the world. The studies conducted to date have not clearly revealed the exact cause or control of this malady. Recently, malformin-A like substance(s) and other compounds possessing similar bioactivity has been detected in malformed panicles of mango at all stages of development. Malformed seedlings also contain higher levels of malformin-A like substance(s) than the healthy seedlings. Malformins were absent in healthy panicles and seedlings. The occurrence of malformin like substance(s) affected endogenous levels of phytohormones in malformed panicles and seedlings. Floral malformation is associated with malformins stimulated ethylene production and higher levels of ABA, GA3 and zeatin and lower levels of IAA. Malformed seedlings showed decreased levels of IAA and GA3 and higher levels of ABA, ethylene and zeatin. Among the various strategies adopted to control floral malformation, minimising the destruction of IAA with polyphenol and o-dihydroxyphenol appeared to be a better approach than exogenous application of auxins to supplement depleted auxins. Experimental findings revealed that spray application with catechol (1000 ppm) prior to flower bud differentiation (FBD) during the first week of October was the best for reducing floral malformation. From amongst the compounds which inhibit the activity of malformins, viz. naphthalene acetic acid, silver nitrate, potassium metabisulfite and ascorbic acid, a spray treatment of ascorbic acid (2000 ppm) prior to FBD reduced/checked malformation. Moreover, various aspects of research in future have also been suggested. | |
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