Climatic influences on mango production in the Bowen district

Abstract

The relationship between annual mango production in the Bowen district during the years 1962-75 and 13 possible determinant factors including climatic influences was investigated. Annual mango production was significantly correlated with previous annual production (P<0.10), previous previous annual production (P<0.05), number of bearing trees (P<0.05), summer rain (P<0.01), annual rain (P<0.05), and incidence of cold days in the pre-flowering period (P<0.05). These suggested determinant factors are discussed in relation to their possible mode of action and their possible use in regulating annual production. Ninety-four per cent of the variation in production was explained by the equation:

Y=447 460-0.463 x1 + 21.15 x3 + 609 x4 + 1089 x9

Where x1 is previous annual production, x3 is number of bearing trees, x4 is summer rain and x9 is June to August rain. The value of this equation as a model for prediction of annual mango production has not been tested, but it provides a useful basis for planning of additional research.