climate shifts trigger early arrival of mangoes ice apples in market
Marking a significant deviation from the typical harvest season, several regions in Andhra Pradesh are experiencing an unusually early harvest of mangoes this Dec, which usually begins in Feb or Mar.
A similar trend has been observed with ice apples, which are already being sold in Vizag markets. While some trees naturally bear early crops, the early mango harvest has been particularly noticeable in markets such as Vijayawada and Guntur, where the fruits are already being sold ahead of schedule.
This occurrence of early or staggered flowering in these crops can likely be attributed to shift in regional climate patterns, including changes in rainfall distribution, prolonged periods of elevated temperatures, and unseasonal rainfall during the winter months. These climatic changes may have disrupted the typical phenological cycles of these crops, leading to premature fruit set and early harvest.
Experts say that inflorescence in palm trees, including ice apples, can be influenced by temperature fluctuations. High temperatures during the winter season may disrupt the usual seasonal cues for dormancy and flowering, causing early blooming. These altered climatic conditions could explain the irregular flowering and fruiting patterns seen this year.
The rainfall conditions in Andhra Pradesh this year have followed an irregular pattern. There was a rainfall deficiency in June and July. While Aug and Sept saw abundant rainfall, Oct experienced a gap in rainfall. However, Nov and Dec have been marked by heavy rains, accompanied by several back-to-back weather systems. This erratic rainfall has had a substantial impact on the agricultural cycle, likely contributing to the unusual flowering and fruiting patterns observed in the state.
Sandeep Naik, an agronomy scientist at the Regional Agricultural Research Station in Chintapalli, said that changing temperatures and climate patterns are likely impacting the flowering and fruiting of mangoes. "In some areas, chemical spraying is also contributing to changes in phenology, leading to uneven or early bearing. Furthermore, some private companies are introducing varieties from other states to achieve early production, but these varieties often fail to match the original taste of local mangoes," said Naik.
Dr K Manikya Kumari, head of the botany department at St. Joseph's College for Women in Visakhapatnam, said: "While some plants of various crops tend to flower and bear fruit early, this year the trend seems to have intensified as the produce has already reached markets. Seasonal anomalies, prolonged dry weather, and intermittent heavy rains triggered by various weather systems likely contributed to this trend. The most surprising aspect is the early production of ice apples this year, which generally do not see any interventions," said Dr Kumari.
Scientists from the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning earlier conducted a study on climate change-induced abnormal flowering patterns in mangoes and found that erratic and profuse flowering depletes nutrient reserves in mango trees, leading to nutrient deficiencies that diminish tree productivity and performance. As a result, developing specialised management strategies, including the use of plant growth regulators and external nutrient supplements, is essential to address nutrient deficiencies and maintain tree vigour and sustained productivity.
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