Irrigation and fertigation studies in high-density mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Abstract

The investigation on Irrigation and fertigation studies in high-density mango (Mangifera indica L.) var. “Arka Anmol” was carried out at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesarghatta, Bangalore during the year 2001-2002. Seven year old mango plants of Arka Anmol was grafted and dwarfing rootstock Vellaikulamban and planted at a spacing of 5 m x 5 m, gives a plant density of 400 plants per hectare. The mango plants were subjected to two levels of irrigation (40% and 80% evaporation replenishment rate) and three level of fertigations (100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of fertilizer) applied through drip irrigation system. Fruit yield (9.50 t/ha.), number of fruits per plant (99.92) and fruit volume (259 cc) were higher with 80% of evaporation replenishment rate as compared to 40% of evaporation replenishment rate {(fruit yield (7.06 t/ha.) number of fruits per plant (63.58), and fruit volume (232.20 cc)}. The higher fruit yield (10.65 t/ha.) and number of fruits per plant (97.88) at 100% recommended dose of fertilizer, fruit yield (7.92 t/ha.), number of fruits per plant (64.38) were lower under 50% recommended dose of fertilizer. However, the interaction effect of 80% evaporation replenishment rate and 100% of recommended dose of fertilizer reported highest fruit yield (12.50 t/ha.), number of fruits per plant 9113) as compared to other interactions. The acidity (0.40%), peel weight (48.42 g), pulp weight (178.89 g), stone weight (38.05 g), peel to pulp ratio (3.84) and pulp to stone ratio (3.63) were higher at 80% evaporation replenishment rate as compared to 40% of evaporation replenishment rate. Whereas, higher TSS was reported at 40% of evaporation replenishment rate (18.58 oBrix). Similarly, TSS (18.20 oBrix), peel weight (48.18 g), pulp weight (182.83 g), stone weight (49.06 g), peel to pulp ratio (3.84) and pulp to stone ratio (3.63) were higher at 100% RDF as compared to 50% of RDF.