Standardization of high-density planting in mango (Mangifera indica) under sub-humid alfisols of eastern India

A study was conducted during 1997-2003 to analyze the plant growth parameters and their relations to yield in 'Amrapali' mango (Mangifera indica L.) in the spacing of 7.5 x 7.5 m, 5.0 x 7.5 m, 5.0 x 5.0 m, 2.5 x 7.5 m, 2.5 x 5.0 m and 2.5 x 2.5 m at HARP, Ranchi. The data on the vegetative growth were recorded during the on- years of adult bearing plants during 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003, whereas the data on yield and fruit quality were recorded in each year. Leaf area index and diffusive non-interceptance was recorded during 2003. After 13 year of planting, the plant height was the maximum under 2.5 x 2.5 m (4.35 m) and minimum under 7.5 m x 7.5 m (3.77 m). The plants under spacing 2.5 m x 2.5 m (2.86 m) and 2.5 m x 7.5 m (2.80 m) had significantly low canopy spread (North-South) than other treatments. The plants under 2.5 m x 5.0 m spacing had the maximum tree volume (56.66 m3) while it was the minimum in 2.5 m x 2.5 m (31.95 m3). Planting at a spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m resulted in the maximum trunk girth (60.32 cm), whereas it was the minimum in 2.5 m x 2.5 m spacing (54.58 cm). Planting at a spacing of 2.5 m x 2.5 m resulted in the maximum leaf area index (3.38) and the minimum diffusive non-interceptance (0.06) at the end of 13 year. Under Ranchi conditions, the plants of 'Amrapali' exhibited biennial bearing tendency after 5 years. During the on-years, the yield / tree increased at all the spacing except under that of 2.5 m x 2.5m where a decline in yield was observed after 2001. With respect to yield / hectare, the highest yield was observed in 2.5 m x 2.5 m spacing during 1997, 1999 and 2001, the minimum in 7.5 m x 7.5 m spacing during the on-years of observation. During 2003 the highest yield / ha (13.9 tonnes /ha) was observed in 5.0 m x 5.0 m spacing accommodating 400 plants/ha. The maximum total sugar and reducing sugar content was observed in 2.5 m x 2.5 m spacing (8.0 and 1.88 % respectively).