Mysuru: Typically, mangoes are a fruit that is enjoyed in the summers, However, the people of Mysuru are now able to enjoy them in December, even before the arrival of the new year. The city markets are now flooded with off-season mangoes that have come from Tamil Nadu. The locals are confused about whether to buy them or not, as most are clueless about how mangoes are available during the winters. According to sellers, they currently get Neelam at Rs 160 per kg and Banganapalli at Rs 150 per kg, from parts of Tamil Nadu. According to them, the main challenge they are facing is the low demand for the off-season fruit. “These are naturally grown and ripe mangoes. However, there is not much demand. Everyone fears that they are artificially ripened mangoes,” said Timmanna, a seller from Devaraja market. “Everyone shows curiosity, but high prices are another reason for the poor demand,” he explained. According to BN Gnanesh, senior scientist and head, genetics and plant breeding, ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, mangoes are typically consumed during the summer season. However, there is demand for mangoes even in Dec and Jan. In parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, certain varieties such as Neelam, Malgova and Bangalora are grown as off-season crops. These orchards can produce 3 crops in 2 years. To induce early flowering, farmers use a plant growth regulator called paclobutrazol. It is applied through soil drenching near the root zone, where it is absorbed by the roots. Paclobutrazol suppresses vegetative growth and promotes early flowering. When the chemical is drenched in soil during June or July, flowering begins after 2 to 4 months, enabling fruit harvest between Oct and Dec. The use of paclobutrazol is permitted, provided it is applied at recommended doses. When used optimally, it does not contaminate the soil or leave residues in the fruit.In some regions, particularly Kanyakumari and Chittoor, off-season flowering can also occur naturally, due to favourable climatic conditions, even without the application of paclobutrazol. However, growers often target off-season production to fetch premium market prices.
