The Association of Bushy Legumes with ‘Ataúlfo’ Mango (Mangifera indica L.)+ cv. Ataúlfo Affects Reproductive Biology and Enhances Productivity in Mango Plantations in Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico

The study analyzes the effect of associating four legumes (Crotalaria spectabilis, Cajanus cajan, Vigna unguiculata and Crotalaria longirostrata) in two spatial arrangements during two mango production cycles on the reproductive biology and productivity of ‘Ataulfo’ mango in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Variables were measured from July 2011 to April 2013. Legume associations increased the number of floral panicles during the two cycles studied. The Crotalaria spectabilis treatment retained 510 floral panicles versus 359 in the control. Cajanus cajan showed a highly significant masculine/hermaphroditic flower ratio of 79/21 percent. Highest yields were obtained in the Crotalaria spectabilis and Crotalaria longirostrata associations (924 and 1388 kg ha-1 respectively). It is concluded that differences in reproductive variable values and productivity in mango favouring legume scenarios, were due to microclimatic changes and lower temperature fluctuations induced, to the incorporation of nitrogen by the legume rhizobia, to soil humidity and to the incorporation of organic matter.