Changes in the Chemical Composition of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Leaves Cv. Dashehari at Different Stages of Flowering and Fruit Growth

The changes in the chemical composition of leaves in mango cv. Dashehari during different stages of flowering and fruit growth were studied at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during 1974–75. The level of all the nutrients were higher before flowering and lower during flowering and fruit growth excepting calcium, which accumulated in leaves at various stages during the experiments. Major utilization of these elemets, particularly N took place during the flowering and fruiting period. There was a tendancy to recoup the level of nitrogen by rapid uptake prior to onset of different phases. The levels of reducing sugars and starch were higher before flowering and decreased during flowering and fruit growth. The maximum depletion of these constitutents in leaves was observed at the time of fruit-bud differentiation. The non-reducing sugars increased at this stage, indicating the first step in the break down of starch.

It may be concluded that sufficient levels of inorganic and organic constituents must be built up in leaves before the fruit-bud differentiation to complete the reproductive phase of the plant and the manurial schedule can be based on leaf analysis.