ARS | Publication request: Evaluation of Promalin to promote growth of young mangosteen seedlings

Submitted to: Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 5, 2010
Publication Date: April 30, 2010
Citation: Goenaga, R.J. 2010. Evaluation of Promalin to promote growth of young mangosteen seedlings. Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico. Vol 94(1-2):105-109.

Interpretive Summary: Mangosteen is a tropical fruit of attractive shape, color and excellent flavor. It has great economic potential and is often referred to as 'Queen of fruits.' A major limitation to the development of a mangosteen industry is the long juvenile stage (8-15 years) that seedlings take to bear fruits for the first time. A study was undertaken to determine the effect of the growth regulator Promalin on the growth of mangosteen seedlings. Applied as a foliar spray at five concentrations ranging from 0 to 125 mg/l, this compound was not effective in stimulating growth of mangosteen seedlings.

Technical Abstract: A major impediment to the development of a mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) industry is the long pre-bearing stage that seedlings take to produce fruits. A field study was conducted to determine the effect of Promalin on the growth of mangosteen seedlings. Promalin was applied as a foliar spray at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/l. After 353 days of treatment application, no significant differences were observed on plant height, stem diameter, number of branches and leaves.