Manipulation of branching and architectural structures of mango trees by shoot pruning

A. Fadhilnor and T.M. Tengku Ab. Malik

Abstract
The present study evaluates the responses of Chokanan mango after subjected to shoot pruning. There are two different pruning cuts namely, i) pruning cuts made 1 cm above the first intercalation unit and, ii) pruning cuts made 1 cm below the intercalation unit were tested. The new lateral axillary shoots started to grow in the second week after pruning. The length and diameter of the new shoots were measured at a weekly interval. Two months following the pruning, the number, final length and size of the shoots produced from both pruning cuts were assessed. It was found that pruning cut that was made below the intercalation unit produced three to four new lateral shoots. In contrast, five to six new lateral shoots were produced from pruning cut that was made above the intercalation unit. No significant differences were found on the final mean length, diameter and shoot cross-sectional area of the lateral shoots. Both pruning cuts can assist synchronise flushing of vegetative shoots and can be used to manipulate branching of mango trees. It is noteworthy that the information generated from this study may contribute to the improvement of physiological understanding, increase farmer’s knowledge to a proper tree management and useful for optimising mango production.

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