Effect of ultra high-density planting, paclobutrazol and potassium nitrate on yield and quality of mango (Mangifera indica L) cv Kesar in western Maharashtra

Mango (Mangifera indica L) cv Kesar is a commercially important cultivar valued for its superior fruit quality and market demand. The present investigations were conducted during 2020-21 to 2022-23 at Rahuri and Ganeshkhind, Pune (Maharashtra) to evaluate the effect of ultra high-density planting (UHDP), paclobutrazol (PBZ) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) on growth, yield, fruit quality and economic returns. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with four planting densities, three PBZ doses and three KNO3 concentrations. Results indicated that planting density significantly influenced vegetative growth and yield parameters. Wider spacing promoted greater canopy development, while closer spacing (3 m × 2 m) resulted in the highest yield per hectare (14.69 tonnes/ha) due to increased plant population. Paclobutrazol effectively regulated vegetative growth and enhanced flowering and yield, with higher doses reducing plant vigour. Potassium nitrate showed limited effect on vegetative growth but improved fruit set and yield marginally. Fruit quality parameters such as TSS, acidity and TSS-acidity ratio showed only slight variation among treatments, indicating stability of fruit quality across different management practices. Pest and disease incidence was slightly lower under wider spacing due to better air circulation. Economic analysis revealed that treatment D1P1K2 was the most profitable, recording the highest yield (15.12 tonnes/ha), net return (Rs 323,826.09) and B-C ratio (3.50). Overall, the study demonstrated that UHDP combined with optimum PBZ and KNOfl application e nhances productivity and profitability of mango cv Kesar under western Maharashtra conditions.