Mango fruit yield and quality improvement through fertigation along with mulch

Abstract

Improvement in fruit yield and quality with fertigation and plastic mulch as against the conventional method of application of surface irrigation without mulch was studied in 'Dashehari' mango (Mangifera indica L.). Maximum fruit yield, ie 328.33,273.33 in numbers and 41.18,44.93 kgltree was recorded in the treatment combination I,F, (drip irrigation at 'V' level with mulch + full dose of fertilizer through fertigation). In the first week of April, May and June, maxin~um fruit set was observed with different levels of fertigation and nntlch (I, F,, I, F, during 2002 and 2003). Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of leaves were also significantly influenced by drip irrigation with mulch and different doses of fertilizers including their interaction without any fixed &end. With the treatment combination I,F, (drip irrigation at 'V' level without mulch t full dose of fertilizers), maximum p-carotene content, i.e. 2.02 g, 2.0 gl 100 g of pulp was recorded during 2002 and 2003 respectively. Average fruit weight (I, F, and I, F,) and fruit volume(1, F, and 1, F,) were also increased during 2002 and 2003 respectively. To receive maximum fruit yield with quality fruits, 'Dashehari' mango trees should be provided with 100% followed by 75% fertilizers of recommended doses + 'V' level of irrigation with mulch.