Effect of Pruning Intensity on Leaf Tissue Micronutrient Status in Three Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars under High Density Planting

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of pruning on leaf micro nutrient (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) status in nonfloral and floral shoots of three mango cultivars ('Amrapali', 'Mallika' and 'Dashehari') under high density planting during 2005-2007. All the three cultivars differed significantly in Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn content in leaves of non- floral as well as floral shoots. Pruning showed marked influence only on Cu and Zn content in the leaves of non- floral and floral shoots. Leaf nutrient status in terms of Fe and Mn also varied in cultivars irrespective of pruning intensity, and pruning did not have significant impact on Fe and Mn status in leaf tissue. Non-floral shoots had greater concentration of Cu and Zn than floral shoots in both the years of experiment. Highest Cu, Fe and Mn content was recorded in 'Mallika' mango, while, Zn content was highest in 'Dashehari' mango. Severe pruning (90 cm from apex) improved Cu and Zn content in leaves of non-floral shoots as well as floral shoots. The lowest amount of Cu and Mn was noted in 'Dashehari' leaves, while, 'Amrapali' had the lowest Zn and Fe content in both non-floral and floral shoots. Severely pruned 'Mallika' trees registered the highest amount of Cu, while lightly pruned 'Dashehari' trees had highest Zn content in their floral and non-floral leaves. Moderate pruning in' Mallika' enhanced Mn content in leave of non-floral and floral shoots. No-pruning in 'Dashehari' trees led to lower Cu content but Zn content was the least in lightly pruned 'Amrapali' trees. Severe pruning in 'Dashehari' trees drastically reduced Mn content. Thus, severe pruning in old mango trees may be advisable to improve micronutrient status in floral and non floral shoots.