Login | Request Account (DAF staff only)

Baseline Light Distribution in Kensington Pride Mango (Mangifera indica L.) tree canopies in North Queensland

Share this record

Add to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to XAdd to WechatAdd to Microsoft_teamsAdd to WhatsappAdd to Any

Export this record

View Altmetrics

Mizani, A., Bally, I. S.E. and Wright, C. L. (2018) Baseline Light Distribution in Kensington Pride Mango (Mangifera indica L.) tree canopies in North Queensland. Acta Horticulturae, 1205 . pp. 387-392. ISSN 0567-7572

Full text not currently attached. Access may be available via the Publisher's website or OpenAccess link.

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1205.45

Abstract

Future mango orchards systems will have canopies optimally designed for tree size, density, light and crop load relationships. Poor distribution of light within mango canopies is one of the reasons for current low orchard efficiency. Light (radiation), plays an important role in driving the photosynthesis, the developmental tree morphology, crop load and fruit quality. This study established a baseline for light transmission through the canopy (distribution) in four different ages of 'Kensington Pride' trees in Queensland commercial mango orchards. Light distribution patterns were established by measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (µmol m-2
s-1) distribution in three dimensional matrix inside the canopy, at seven equally separated transects across the canopy from north to south and 4 sectors (west, middle-west, middle-east and east) on each transect at 5 heights above the ground. Mean light transmission within the canopy increased with tree age and canopy volume, and was related to pruning and training method. Highest light transmission was recorded 73.91 µmol m-2 s-1 at 75% of tree height. Light transmission was 60.90 µmol m-2 s-1 at 50% tree height, 58.23 µmol m-2 s-1 at 25% tree height and 62.81 µmol m-2 s-1 on the ground. In the horizontal plains, light distribution was lower in the middle parts of the canopy compared to the edges. There was a significant (p<0.05) relationship between light transmission and tree height, indicating large variation in light distribution within the canopy, with many leaves in shade where photosynthesis efficiency may be low. Some of the outer canopy may be receiving too much light and possible photo-inhibition as indicted by sun burn on leaves and fruit. This baseline understanding of light distribution will assist research in to improved light distribution in mango canopies and in the development of high density mango orchard systems.Future mango orchards systems will have canopies optimally designed for tree size, density, light and crop load relationships. Poor distribution of light within mango canopies is one of the reasons for current low orchard efficiency. Light (radiation), plays an important role in driving the photosynthesis, the developmental tree morphology, crop load and fruit quality. This study established a baseline for light transmission through the canopy (distribution) in four different ages of 'Kensington Pride' trees in Queensland commercial mango orchards. Light distribution patterns were established by measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (µmol m-2
s-1) distribution in three dimensional matrix inside the canopy, at seven equally separated transects across the canopy from north to south and 4 sectors (west, middle-west, middle-east and east) on each transect at 5 heights above the ground. Mean light transmission within the canopy increased with tree age and canopy volume, and was related to pruning and training method. Highest light transmission was recorded 73.91 µmol m-2 s-1 at 75% of tree height. Light transmission was 60.90 µmol m-2 s-1 at 50% tree height, 58.23 µmol m-2 s-1 at 25% tree height and 62.81 µmol m-2 s-1 on the ground. In the horizontal plains, light distribution was lower in the middle parts of the canopy compared to the edges. There was a significant (p<0.05) relationship between light transmission and tree height, indicating large variation in light distribution within the canopy, with many leaves in shade where photosynthesis efficiency may be low. Some of the outer canopy may be receiving too much light and possible photo-inhibition as indicted by sun burn on leaves and fruit. This baseline understanding of light distribution will assist research in to improved light distribution in mango canopies and in the development of high density mango orchard systems.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Horticulture and Forestry Science
Additional Information:International Symposia on Tropical and Temperate Horticulture
Keywords:light efficiency, canopy architecture, optimize light, photosynthesis efficiency
Subjects:Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Methods and systems of culture. Cropping systems
Plant culture > Fruit and fruit culture
Live Archive:05 Oct 2017 05:08
Last Modified:31 Oct 2022 03:28

Repository Staff Only: item control page