Effects of potassium nitrate and paclobutrazol on flowering induction and yield of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Haden

Potassium nitrate (PN) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) effects on mango production applied to 5 years old 'Waden' trees were evaluated during 1993-94. The experiment was conducted at Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela, using a randomised block design with 3 replications. Concentrations used were: 24; 36 and 48 g/L, divided in three applications in 1993-94 (September, October and November). Other groups of trees were treated in June with Paclobutrazol at 5; 10 and 15 g.a.i./tree; and in October at 2.5 g.a.i./tree, during 1993. During july 1994, PBZ was applied at 2.5; 5.0; 5.0 and 0.0 g.a.i./tree. The highest concentration of PBZ (15 g.a.i.) induced good yields and reduced the biennial bearing of 'Haden'. Also the applications of PN (36 g/L) were effective in maintaining high yields during two consecutive years; while the control trees exhibited low yields and strong biennial bearing.