Floral biology and stigma biochemistry of mango cultivars with contrasting fruit set

Abstract

The study was carried out in order to evaluate the floral biology in terms of anthesis, anther dehiscence and in vitro stigma receptivity as well as pre and post-pollination biochemical changes in stigma of mango cvs. Alphonso, Totapuri and Amrapali, differing in fruit set intensity. Maximum anthesis was observed before 8:00 AM and anther dehiscence between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM in all the cultivars. As the temperature increased, anther dehiscence advanced and coincided with higher anthesis and resulted in increased fruit set. Maximum stigma receptivity was observed within 3 h of anthesis in all the cultivars. The pH of stigmatic surface was neutral at the time of anthesis, anther dehiscence and at maximum stigma receptivity and changed to acidic in all the cultivars. Stigmatic surface indicated consistent increase in free sugars (Sucrose, Galactose, Glucose and Fructose), free amino acids (Serine, Citrulline, Alanine, Proline, Phenylalanine and Glutamic acid) and hormones (Abscisic acid, Salicylic acid and Jasmonic acid) after anthesis. Among the cultivars, Amrapali was found to be good in terms of floral biological observations as well as in stigma biochemical parameters resulting in higher fruit set.