Weather change affects mangoes and litchis growth in winter

New Delhi: Fruits like mangoes, litchis, vegetables, and other crops are severely affected in December due to fluctuations in temperature. A huge difference between maximum and minimum temperatures in this month affects the growth of plants, influencing seed germination, flowering, and fruiting. However, fruits like mango and litchi, even with minor deviations from optimal temperature ranges, can reduce productivity. If temperatures rise suddenly, then heat stress can occur in crops.

This disrupts essential physiological processes like photosynthesis, water absorption, and nutrient uptake. Conversely, an unexpected drop in minimum temperatures can harm crops by slowing their metabolism. Cold conditions may delay flowering and fruiting, and frost can cause severe damage to plant tissues, potentially leading to plant death.

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Temperature fluctuations can also disturb the synchronization between flowering and pollination. Mango and litchi trees rely on specific environmental cues for successful pollination. Disruptions during this phase may result in fewer fruits or poorly developed ones. Additionally, temperature variations affect the prevalence of pests and diseases. Warmer conditions favor certain pests, while colder, damp environments encourage disease outbreaks.

Mango is a tropical fruit, and it flourishes in warm weather, and dry conditions are ideal during flowering and fruiting. If the climate changes, then production will be reduced. Meanwhile, litchi, a subtropical fruit, is highly sensitive to extreme temperatures. It needs sufficient chilling hours for flowering, and a lack of these can affect the quality and quantity of the harvest.

Farmers are advised to monitor weather minutely and protect their crops. Adopting strategies like timely irrigation, using protective covers, and applying pest and disease management techniques can help mitigate the adverse effects of temperature fluctuations on agricultural productivity.