Sensory and Economic Evaluation of Mango cv. Kesar as Affected by Pollinator Attractants and Hormonal Treatments

Abstract

An experiment entitled “Influence of pollinator attractants, chemicals and growth regulators on organoleptic quality and economic returns of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Kesar” was carried out at Fruit Research Station, Lalbaug, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh following under South Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone during the year 2022-23 to 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design consisting of ten treatments which were replicated three times.The treatment involving foliar spray of calcium nitrate @ 0.1% + boric acid @ 0.2% (T10) consistently recorded the highest scores for fruit appearance (8.51, 8.50, and 8.51) and flavour (8.05, 8.20, and 8.12) during both the years as well as in pooled data, respectively. While, the best fruit colour (8.20, 8.33 and 8.54 score) was observed in the foliar spray of calcium nitrate @ 0.1% + boric acid @ 0.2% (T10) during the first year as well as in pooled and potassium citrate @ 2% + putrescine @ 10 ppm (T7) during second year, respectively. Similarly, the maximum score of pleasant test (8.68 and 8.39) was recorded in foliar spray of calcium nitrate @ 0.1% + boric acid @ 0.2% (T10) for first year and in pooled data, whereas for second year, maximum pleasant test (8.50) was recorded in foliar spray of milk @ 5% + jaggery @ 5% (T5). Economically, the highest net realization of ₹3,01,118 and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.77 were achieved with the application of NAA 50 ppm + micronutrient mixture Grade-IV @ 1% (T8). The findings highlight the effectiveness of specific foliar treatments in enhancing both the sensory quality and profitability of ‘Kesar’ mango cultivation.