Bearing habits in horticulture crops

Definition of bearing habit in horticulture crops:

The bearing habit in horticultural crops refers to the pattern of flowering and fruiting of the crop over time. It describes how often and when the plant produces flowers and fruits, and the quantity of flowers and fruits produced. This information is important for farmers as it affects the timing and yield of the crop and helps determine the best strategies for managing the crop for optimal production and quality. Different horticultural crops have different bearing habits, and the specific habits of a particular crop can vary depending on environmental conditions, cultural practices, and other factors. By understanding the bearing habits of horticultural crops, farmers can make informed decisions about planting, pruning, and other management practices to maximize the yield and quality of their crops.

Types of bearing habits in horticulture crops:

Different horticulture crops may have various bearing behaviors, which may have an effect on the crop's timing and production. Different bearing habits in horticultural crops include:

1) Continuous bearing: Continuous bearing is a type of bearing habit in horticultural crops, where the plant produces flowers and fruit continuously throughout the growing season. This type of bearing habit is characterized by a consistent and continuous production of flowers and fruits, with new flowers and fruits appearing as old ones are harvested. Some common examples of crops with a continuous bearing habit include tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries.

2) Terminal bearing: In horticultural crops, terminal bearing refers to a form of bearing habit in which the plant produces an abundant flush of flowers and fruit at the end of the growing season. A single massive harvest of fruit, with little to no fruiting earlier in the season, defines this type of bearing habit. Apples, pears, and other citrus fruits are a few typical examples of crops having a terminal bearing habit.

3) Alternate bearing habit: Alternate bearing is a type of bearing habit in horticultural crops, where the plant produces a heavy crop of fruit one year and a lighter crop the next. This type of bearing habit is characterized by an alternating pattern of heavy and light fruit production, with some years producing a large and abundant crop and others producing only a small or modest crop. Some common examples of crops with an alternate bearing habit include mango, nectarines, and figs.

4) Irregular bearing: These crops do not follow a predictable pattern of flowering and fruiting. This can be due to a variety of factors, including environmental stress, improper pruning, or pest and disease problems.

Planning and managing a garden or orchard requires an understanding of the bearing patterns of horticultural crops. For instance, choosing continuous or regular bearers over those with an alternate or biannual bearing habit is crucial if you want a consistent yield. In some situations, crop management may also be required to encourage consistent fruiting, such as through adequate pruning, fertilization, and pest and disease control.

Alternate bearing in mango

Mangoes are typically considered to have an alternate bearing habit. This means that they will produce a heavy crop of fruit one year, followed by a lighter crop the next year, and then a heavy crop again, and so on. The exact pattern and severity of alternate bearing can vary depending on the variety of mango and growing conditions, but it is a common characteristic of mango trees.

Alternate bearing can present challenges for mango growers, as it can make it difficult to predict the size and timing of the harvest from year to year. Additionally, it can result in fluctuations in the market supply and demand, which can impact the price of the fruit. Farmers may need to use effective cultural methods, such as appropriate watering, fertilization, pest management, and trimming, to minimize the consequences of alternating bearing in mangoes. The majority of commercially planted cultivars in North India, such as Dashehari, Safeda, Chousa, and Langra, are alternate bearers. Planting of reasonably regular bearing types like Amrapali, Banganpalli, Bangalora, and Neelum is advised for regular fruits. Additionally, particularly during periods of excessive heat or cold, it could be important to take measures to reduce the stress on the tree, such as offering shade or wind shelter. Farmers can reduce the effects of alternate bearing and enhance the overall yield and quality of their crop by recognizing the demands of the tree and taking the right measures.