Some aspects of developmental physiology of the mango fruit

Abstract

SummaryThe studies relate to mangoes of the Alphonso variety harvested in a Mysore orchard in 1965 and 1966. The fruit reached harvest maturity in 16 weeks after fruit-set. The weight continued to increase until harvest. The growth of fruit in terms of length, diameter and weight slowed between 9 and 14 weeks, at the time of the development of the stone. The moisture content of the fruit at maturity was about 80%.Acidity reached a peak around the 7th week but had decreased at harvest. The astringency, rather pronounced to start with, decreased towards maturity.Sugar content declined throughout the period of growth; reducing sugars were present in higher concentration than non-reducing sugars. Accumulation of starch continued to increase with growth and development.Protein nitrogen formed the bulk of the total nitrogen; it decreased for about 9 weeks from the time of fruit-set and thereafter remained steady.Respiration showed a peak during growth, corresponding to the growth climacteric. The pattern of respiration of whole fruit was corroborated by the study of tissue slices.