THE INFLUENCE OF MULTI NPK 12-2-44 ON THE FLOWERING CAPACITY O ‘CARABAO’ MANGO

Percent flowering in ‘Carabao’ mango increased with increasing concentration of Multi NPK up to 2.0 percent level. Flowering response was high at 14 days after induction and continued to increase 7 days later with the highest flowering (80.75%) recorded on trees sprayed with 2.0 percent Multi NPK and lowest (50.59%) on trees sprayed with 3.0 percent Multi NPK. Control trees did not flower.

The different treatments did not significantly affect the final size of the panicles (length and width) and number of flowers per panicle. However, trees sprayed with Multi NPK have greater number of axillary and multiple panicles and more hermaphrodite flowers.

Fruit setting increased as the concentration of Multi NPK increased up to 2.5 percent. However, slight decrease in the number of fruits retained per panicle was observed beyond this concentration. The highest fruit settings of 2.24 and 2.27 per panicle were obtained from 2.5 percent Multi NPK and Super blum, respectively.

It is recommended to use lower concentrations of Multi NPK (1.0 to 1.5%) during late induction (December to April) and higher concentrations (2.0 to 2.5%) during early induction (July to November).