Stigma receptivity in Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.)

The cashew is widely and commercially cultivated throughout the nation for its nut. Cashew is a polygamo – monoecious plant with both male and bisexual flowers developing in same inflorescence. Experimental study was conducted at Kesiary Cashew Plantation Sector, Medinipur as per the guidelines Regional Research Station, Jhargram and National Research Centre of Cashew, Karnataka (2014 – 2018). Changes in stigma receptivity were studied by over 100 panicles chosen at random taken from the commercially cultivated germplasms (WBDC – 4, Kottakerala – 2/97, Dicherla – 2/9, Vetore – 56 and Ullal – 2). The study was continued as for one day before, on the day of flower opening, one day & two days after flowering. It indicates that one day prior to opening & two days after of flowering, stigma receptivity was maximum in the plants of Vetore – 56. But on the day & one day after of flowering it was highest in Dicherla – 2/9. The optimum period of receptivity was at 12 noon on the day of anthesis.