Indian Journal of Horticulture
Year : 1947, Volume : 5, Issue : 1and2
First page : ( 35) Last page : ( 44)
Print ISSN : 0972-8538. Online ISSN : 0974-0112.

Hunger Signs on Mango

Sen P. K., Roy P. K., De B. N.

Fruit Research Station, Sabour. Bihar.

Summary and Conclusion

Studies on the mineral nutrition of the mango have been undertaken with a view to determine its optimum requirements of the various elements. The work is being carried out in pot culture in quartz sand" using Langra variety which is one of the best mangoes and widely cultivated in Northern India. Eleven treatments consisting of varying concentrations of N, P and K have been used in the present experiment. Results of six years’ growth of plants under the treatments have been described. It has been shown that the mango can be successfully grown in sand culture. Plants receiving balanced nutrient solutions have made normal growth and produced flowers and set fruits. The effects of nutrient deficiencies have been very prominent. These have been described, and coloured plates depicting the hunger signs i.e., the deficiency symptoms as developed on the leaves and the twigs have been presented. From chemical analysis of leaves of plants under the different treatments it has been shown that the supply of nitrogen really controls the uptake of other elements and determines growth. There is an optimum effect of nitrogen, further increase showing no effect on P but developing K deficiency symptoms. This shows a direct relation between N and K. It cannot withstand potassium deficiency of any degree. It causes die-back which proves fatal to the plants. The mango appears to show considerable resistance to the adverse effects of phosphorous deficiency. The outstanding treatment of mango nutrition appears to be the balance of K with N. These results are Interesting in view of the fact that the soils of Bihar on. which very good mangoes are grown, are known to have plenty of potassium but deficient in nitrogen and phosphorous. It is also interesting to note that nitrogenous manure (Farm Yard Manure or oil cake) has been the only manure recommended in practice. It has also been shown in these experiments that the adverse effects of potash and phosphorous deficiencies could be overcome by replenishing these elements. The experiments are being continued.

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