Plant architectural traits and their role in defense mechanism against malformation in mango (Mangifera Indica L.)

Abstract

Different physiological factors related to intensity of floral malformation in twelve mango cultivars differing in their degree of resistance to malformation were investigated. The results revealed that thickness of leaf blade had no significant correlation with intensity of floral malformation, but mango resistant cultivars Bhadauran and Elaichi showed thicker leaf blade when compared with highly susceptible cultivar like Eldon. Leaf wax content showed highly significant negative correlation with intensity of mango floral malformation (r=−0.88). Results revealed that highly susceptible cultivars have less wax thickness (315–375μg/cm2) when compared to resistant cultivars (484–522μg/cm2). The number of stomata per unit area (mm2) of leaf surface did not show significant correlation (r=−0.28) with intensity of malformation, but the total number of stomata per leaf showed significant positive correlation (r=0.53) with percent malformation intensity in mango cultivars. Maximum number of stomata per leaf surface area was found in highly susceptible cultivar Amrapali, followed by susceptible cultivar Chausa. Whereas minimum number of stomata per mango leaf surface was found in resistant variety Bhadauran. Stomata size (length and breadth) and width of stomatal aperture did not show significant correlation with intensity of floral malformation. Intensity of malformation had significant positive correlations to leaf length, width, weight and leaf area r=0.59, 0.53, 0.57 and 0.55 respectively.