Abstract

Application of slow release calcium carbide (CaC₂) to the soil are thought to improve plant growth and yield through the generation of acetylene, which inhibits nitrification, thereby reducing nitrogen losses which may be converted to physiologically significant concentrations of the plant growth regulator ethylene. The effects of different application rates of slow release of CaC₂ on the growth and development of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Langra were studied in a field trial in 2009. The rates were 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 g of CaC₂ per tree. The NPK was applied at the rate of 2 kg: 1 kg: 1 kg per plant respectively in the form of Urea, DAP and SOP. Half dose of N with whole P and K was applied before flowering, along with the application of CaC₂. Results show that number of leaves per flush, leaf area, leaf area index, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, final fruit drop, yield per plant, fruit weight, fruit volume, pulp weight, peel weight, juice weight and fruit skin color were significantly affected by the calcium carbide treatment while number of new flushes per branch, number of flowers, flower drop percentage, fruit percentage and stone weight remained unaffected. It was also concluded that cv. Langra showed positive response to different doses of wax-coated CaC₂. However, T₄ (30 g CaC₂ plus NP and K fertilizers) was the most effective treatment with respect to yield and other growth parameters.

Key words: Calcium carbide, Mangifera indica L., stomatal conductance, physiological attributes, total soluble solids, fruit set.

Abbreviation

Abbreviations: DAP, SP etc