The effect of irrigation and localization of inflorescence in the canopy of dwarf cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) on the flower sex-types production, temporal distribution and the relationship among flower types cultivated under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions was measured. The experiment was conducted from May 16th to August 28th in three and a half year old plants of clone CP 09. For each treatment, ten plants were taken at random and the canopy for each selected tree marked on four sides, north, south, east and west. From each marked side one panicle was taken at random for observation. Most of the perfect flowers flush occurred during the first four weeks of observation, about two weeks before the peak of staminate flowers opening. The total length of flowering period was not influenced by irrigation conditions. The ratio of staminate to perfect flowers was influenced by the location of panicles on the canopy, revealing the importance of orientation of plant rows.
Anacardium occidentale; phenology; flowers; panicles; soil water regimes
