Phase change in mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) and its relationship to tree size and vigour

M. Masri

Abstract

Attainment of a minimum tree size is important in completing the juvenile phase of many tree crops. In mangosteen, the long juvenile phase is considered one of the major limiting factors in its commercial development. Since the best strategy for reducing juvenility is to grow seedlings to a certain minimum size before applying appropriate flower inducing treatments, information pertaining to tree size and its relationship to first flowering in mangosteen is vital. A study was conducted at the MARDI Research Station in Bukit Tangga where size-related parameters of flowered and non-flowered trees were compared during their first flowering. Results showed that mangosteen seedlings flowered after attaining a minimum size of 18 main stem storeys. About 70% of the flowers were located on the 8th to 11th storeys. Vigorous trees as shown by bigger stems attained their first flowering earlier. The number of flowers per tree was positively correlated to stem size.

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