HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES ON FLORAL MALFORMATION IN MANGO DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES AND THE FLORAL ORGANOGENY

Development of the floral buds were anatomically divided into five stages. The floral buds developed normal at the first, second and third stage 10 January. A modification in the anatomical features of some buds was observed at the fourth stage on 25 January. These buds might bear the malformed tissues and produce the malformed organs. Apical meristem of such buds was surrounded with crowded laterals in contarast to normal buds, which had a less number of laterals at this fourth stage. An advanced fourth stage on 31 January was characterized with many misformed branches beneath the apex. The main axis developed irregularly and bore many laterals of first and second orders. The malformed fifth stage was observed on 6 February where the third branches were initiated. A more advanced fifth stage was observed on 13 February where the main axis became undefinable. Laterals grew vigourously and bore branches of first, second, third and fourth orders. All examined buds were free from any fungal infection. The floral malformation-phenomenon may be explained by the disturbance in the physiological metabolism of the tree, which might occur before the fourth stage. Therefore a LAG-PHASE of 5–6 weeks before floral initiation was postulated. Attention might be given to that period, in which the postulated induction of malformation occured.