Early fruit drop in tree crops with special reference to rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) ‐ A review

Abstract

The present article surveys the possible reasons for early fruit drop in tree crops with special reference to rubber. They are environmental, physiological, embryological or pathogenic. Abortion of pistillate flowers and fruit occurs generally in three distinct periods: due to under developed flowers, failure of pollination and embryo abortion due to embryological and physiological factors. Fruit set can be increased by hand pollination, use of growth hormones or by the application of fertilizers. The failure of seed production results in the loss of numerous potentially good cross combinations thus limiting the progress of genetic improvement of the species. Moreover seeds are the rich sources of genetic variability.