Unlocking the Mystery Behind Mango Fruit Drop

Premature fruit drop in mango trees poses significant economic and environmental issues in Australia, with only 0.1% of fruits maturing. As climate change heightens stress on crops, understanding underlying hormonal and genetic causes is crucial. Research is focusing on solutions using growth regulators to mitigate these challenges.

In Australia, mango farmers are grappling with a significant challenge as premature fruit drop affects their yields, resulting in millions in economic losses annually. This issue, exacerbated by climate-induced stress, sees only a minuscule 0.1% of mangoes reaching maturity, highlighting the vulnerability of this high-value crop.

Research is shedding light on the complex hormonal and genetic signals that lead to fruit drop. Stress factors such as drought and heatwaves disrupt the hormonal balance in mango trees, prompting a 'quit signal' that leads to the premature shedding of fruit. This phenomenon is not only a commercial concern but a broader environmental issue with global significance.

To combat this, scientists are exploring the use of plant growth regulators. These synthetic hormones offer promising results, with early intervention showing a yield increase of up to 17%. As the climate continues to challenge agricultural practices, understanding and managing these molecular processes is essential for sustainable crop production.

(With inputs from agencies.)