Question

The ideal temperature for mango cultivation is _________.

• A. 5 to $10^\circ\text{C}$
• B. 10 to $15^\circ\text{C}$
• C. 15 to $20^\circ\text{C}$
• D. 24 to $30^\circ\text{C}$

Hint:

Mango Climatic Requirements:
- Optimum Temperature: $24\text{--}30^\circ\text{C}$.
- Rainfall: $750\text{--}2500\text{ mm}$ annually with a clear dry period before flowering.
- Key Pollinator: Musca domestica (Housefly).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
Mango (Mangifera indica), known as the King of Fruits, is a tropical and subtropical perennial fruit crop indigenous to the Indo-Burma region.
Thermal regimes strongly govern its vegetative flushing, panicle initiation, anthesis, pollen tube growth, and fruit maturation.
Optimal ambient temperatures ensure proper metabolic enzyme kinetics and photosynthate assimilation throughout its phenological phases.
Extreme temperatures, whether severe frost or scorching heatwaves during flowering, cause flower desiccation and poor fruit set.

Step 1: Thermal Requirements of Mango:
Mango thrives best in regions with a warm, frost-free tropical to subtropical climate.
The physiological optimum temperature for healthy vegetative growth, shoot emergence, and fruit enlargement ranges between $24^\circ\text{C}$ and $30^\circ\text{C}$.

Step 2: Assessing Low Temperature Sensitivity:
Temperatures below $10^\circ\text{C}$ retard plant growth, cause floral malformation, reduce pollinator (housefly, Musca domestica) activity, and induce chilling injury in young tissues.
Temperatures between $5^\circ\text{C}$ and $15^\circ\text{C}$ are inadequate for active growth and fruit development.

Step 3: Assessing Upper Temperature Thresholds:
While mango trees can survive temperatures up to $45^\circ\text{C}$ if soil moisture is sufficient, optimal physiological function and maximum yield potential are achieved in the range of $24\text{ to }30^\circ\text{C}$.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the ideal temperature range for mango cultivation is $24\text{ to }30^\circ\text{C}$, matching option (D).