A new approach to induce mango shoot maturation in Brazilian semi-arid environment

The shoot maturation phase is important for growing mangoes because it precedes the floral induction, when plants are under stress caused by high temperatures and low water availability. Abiotic stress could be alleviated by using plant biostimulant which alters the phytohormone and carbohydrates biosynthesis. Thus, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the use a plant biostimulant containing Ascophyllum nodosum to induce shoot maturation of mango cv. Palmer grown in semi-arid environment. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with four treatments, ten replications and five plants per parcel. Treatments consisted of: T1) biostimulant foliar spray + K fertilizer; T2) foliar spray with biostimulant alternating with K fertilizer; T3) individual foliar sprays with magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sulfur and calcium fertilizers, potassium fertilizer and Ethrel®; and T4) Control treatment. The total soluble carbohydrates in leaves, buds and shoots, N, K and S leaf concentrations and fruit production were recorded. The carbohydrate concentrations, nitrogen, sulphur and potassium leaf concentrations and fruit production of mango depend on shoot maturation strategy. Shoot maturation strategy using biostimulant containing Ascophyllum nodosum alternating with K fertilizer from 30 days after PBZ could  be recommended for the production of mango cv. Palmer.