Physiological and biochemical aspects of 'Tommy Atkins' mango subjected to doses and methods of application of paclobutrazol

Abstract

The paclobutrazol has been widely used to stimulate the flowering of mango trees, regulating vegetative growth and promoting changes in photosynthetic activity and in the production of photoassimilates. In this context, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of forms and doses of PBZ on the biochemical and physiological variables of mango, cultivar ‘Tommy Atkins,’ in the Brazilian semiarid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 5 x 2 + 1 factorial design with the first factor was paclobutrazol doses applied by irrigation (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g a.i.-1, linear canopy); the second factor was two phases of collection (vegetative and flowering), and an additional treatment (control) with the application of a dose in the conventional form (2.0 g a.i.-1 linear canopy applied manually by haul), and four replications. The variables analyzed were levels of total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total amino acids, total soluble proteins, liquid photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and leaf temperature. The application of PBZ by fertigation proved more efficient than the conventional application, allowing a greater assimilation of the product by the plant and the reduction of the dose. Most biochemical characteristics showed the highest values by applying lower doses of paclobutrazol. The increase in paclobutrazol doses applied by irrigation system reduced the gas exchange of the ‘Tommy Atkins’ cultivar.