Effect of foliar application of boron on vegetative and panicle growth, sex expression, fruit retention and physicochemical characters of fruits of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv Dusehri

Abstract

The foliar application of boric acid at zero, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm to mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv Dusehri at the late bud-swelling stage significantly increased vegetative growth, length and breadth of the panicle, fruit retention, total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/acid ratio and total sugars of fruit compared with the control. Boric acid above 3000 ppm showed inhibitory effect on the percentage of hennaphrodite flowers, and applications greater than 4000 ppm reduced the length, breadth and weight of the fruit and the pulp/stone ratio. The ascorbic acid content of the fruit was significantly reduced in all treatments compared with the control. Most of the desirable effects were achieved with 3000 ppm boric acid.