Abstract

Seasonality in mango production is a major factor contributing to high postharvest losses reported in the value chain. Oversupply during the high season is one of the factors that contribute to the high postharvest losses (≥ 50%) in the supply chain in Kenya. Effective strategies to address seasonality can contribute significantly to postharvest loss reduction. Efficacy of two flower induction chemicals, potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and ethephon on reproductive growth parameters and yield components were evaluated on two mango varieties: ‘Apple’ and ‘Ngowe’. KNO₃ was applied at two concentrations (2 and 4%), and ethephon (600 and 1000 ppm) then compared to control (water). They were applied to trees which failed to flower/set fruit in 2014 season. There effect was established from reproductive growth parameters: days to flowering, number of panicles per tree, fruit set per 20 panicles, fruit fall and hormonal effect. KNO₃ (4%) and ethephon increased percentage flowering in both ‘Ngowe’ and ‘Apple’ and AEZs (Agro-Ecological Zones), significantly (p < 0.05) shortened time to flowering and increased fruit set. The findings show that KNO₃ and ethephon can be used to induce flowering/fruiting in mango fruits. These technologies can therefore be applied to induce off-season mango production to address seasonality and reduce postharvest losses during the peak season.

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