CPPU and salicylic acid application improved fruit retention, yield, and fruit quality of mango cv. Dusehri

The present investigation was aimed at assessing the efficacy of N1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N3-phenylurea (CPPU) and salicylic acid on fruit retention, yield, and quality of mango cv. Dusehri. The research was carried out at the Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. The experiment was conducted simultaneously at two different locations for two cropping seasons during 2019–20 and 2020–21. Fruit retention enhancing treatments of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (@20 ppm), CPPU (@5, 10, and 15 ppm), and salicylic acid (@100, 200, and 300 ppm) were applied at pea stage of fruit growth. Experimental plants were observed for various reproductive, yield, and fruit quality parameters. The results indicated that foliar application of CPPU (T6-CPPU @10 ppm) significantly enhanced fruit retention during marble and harvest stages at both locations in both seasons. The novel growth hormone also improved fruit yield, fruit weight, and fruit quality in mango cv. Dusehri. Foliar applied salicylic acid recorded intermediate values for observed parameters. Therefore, foliar application of CPPU can be considered as a better alternative to 2,4-D for fruit drop management of mango.