ABSTRACT
Majumder et al. (1982) reported increased yields during the initial years in planting mango trees at a density of 1600 trees per ha as opposed to at lesser tree densities. Ram and Sirohi (1988) communicated their findings after planting mango trees at the spacing of 3 by 2.5 m. In relation to trees planted at wider spacings, yield per ha was significantly enhanced during the initial years after planting due to greater land use efficiency during these years. It was recognized that pruning to contain canopy size was required to avoid orchard overcrowding at a stage after planting. The question of whether regular pruning will adversely affect cropping once containment pruning was required was posed. Majumder and Sharma (1988) stated that it was important to maintain the high level of production attained in planting trees at high density. They indicated that success in this regard might be achieved in using regular bearing, dwarf varieties or varieties grown on dwarfing rootstocks. Accomplishment in growing mangoes at the density of 1600 trees per ha was reported. Judicious pruning was required, however, and the system was
reported to only suit certain varieties, such as Amrapali, which are slow-growing and bear regularly. Charnivichit and Tongumpai (1991) were able to reduce canopy spread and effect flowering in treating Nam Doc Mai trees in a 2.5 by 2.5 m orchard, which was hard-pruned, with paclobutrazol. The treated trees were noted to flower more profusely and considerably earlier than the untreated trees.
