Effect of paclobutrazol on fruit quality attributes in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Totapuri

Abstract

Paclobutrazol application restricts vegetative growth while improving flowering and fruiting in mango. In the present study, effect of soil drenching with Paclobutrazol @ 3.0ml m-1 canopy diameter, applied during the 3rd week of August, on fruit quality attributes was investigated in cv. Totapuri. Parameters like fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS), % acidity, and content of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, lycopene and individual sugars was estimated. Paclobutrazol application increased average fruit weight, TSS and content of ascorbic acid and total carotenoids, and reduced the acidity in fruits compared to fruits in untreated trees. Lycopene content was only marginally influenced by paclobutrazol. In fruits of paclobutrazol treated trees, increase of 23.4% in total sugars, 29.6% in reducing sugars, 77.4% in glucose and 27.8% in sucrose content was recorded over fruits from the untreated trees. Results indicated that, paclobutrazol application improved quality in mango fruit.