Growers in Malihabad turn to ‘cultar’ for bumper mango yield | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Farmers in Malihabad are increasingly turning to a chemical paclobutrazol (paclobutrazol 23), commonly called cultar, to boost mango production.Cultar is known for breaking the natural alternate-bearing cycle of mango trees and secure bumper yields every year. While the practice is boosting short-term production, scientists warn that indiscriminate use could permanently weaken trees. Mango trees typically produce a heavy crop one year and a light crop the next. Cultar changes this cycle by inducing flowering even in off-years, helping farmers maintain consistent yields. Orchard owner Upendra Singh, awarded on multiple platforms for mango conservation, said govt horticulturists first demonstrated the use of cultar in Malihabad in 2002. “Mine was one of the two orchards where the demonstration was conducted. I couldn’t maintain the trees then due to limited resources. This year, I used it again in some orchards,” he said. Experts, however, insist on strict adherence to guidelines. Principal scientist at ICAR–CISH, Lucknow, Dr H S Singh, said the chemical must be applied 90 days before flowering — between late Sept and mid-Oct — and in doses calibrated to the tree’s age. “Any deviation will not give the desired results and may harm the tree,” he said. Cultar works by triggering hormonal changes that push the tree to produce more flowers, forcing it to consume stored nutrients. Adequate manure — especially cow dung — is critical to help trees withstand this stress. While the chemical does not affect fruit quality, annual use can cause growth retardation, he added. Malihabad growers agree that excessive dependence on cultar is risky. Orchard owner Naseeb Khan, who used the chemical for the first time under expert supervision, said forcing trees to fruit every year weakens them over time. “Constant use reduces the tree’s lifespan. It goes against its natural cycle,” he said. Mango trees begin yielding fruit at around five years of age and are considered young even at 40. With proper care, they can live for centuries. Scientists and veteran growers recommend giving trees a break from cultar periodically, strengthening them instead through pruning and nutrient management.