Distribution of Staminate and Hermaphrodite Flowers and Fruit-Set in the Canopy of Cashew Genotypes

Production of staminate(S) and hermaphrodite (H) flowers was studied in the north, east, south and west sides of the cashew tree canopy from December 2003 to May 2005 at S.G. College of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKVV, Jagdalpur (C.G.). Flower production was recorded daily on selected plants throughout the main flowering season and, subsequently, yield of each plant was recorded. Results showed differences in number of flower types on different sides of the tree. However, there was consistently greater number of staminate flowers than hermaphrodite flowers during both early and late flowering . Significant variability between genotypes and sides was recorded for sex ratio (S/H). Hybrid-255 showed highest sex ratio for north, south and west sides and Vridhachalam-2 for the east side. Differences in fruit-set and nut-yield were also found between sides. Hybrid 30/1 had highest per cent fruit-set. Highest number of fruits carried to maturity was recorded in Hybrid-30/1. Distribution of yield over the tree-canopy showed that south side had significantly high nut yield, followed by west side.