The Effects of Planting Density, Training System and Cultivar on Vegetative Growth and Fruit Production in Young Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Trees
, Frédéric Normand 2,3, Carole L. Wright 1, Kare Mahmud 1,‡ and Ian S. E. Bally 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript describe an experimental work on the effects of planting density, training system and cultivar on vegetative growth and fruit production in young mango.
The findings are interesting and well exposed.
There is a problem with a crossref (probably it was the crossref to Table 1?) in 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 chapters.
Did you considered the estimation of canopy volume? With height, length and width you can calculate the volume considering the canopy as an ellipsoid (as in Thorne et al. 2002 DOI: 10.2307/4003129) or a parallelepiped (as in Lodolini et al 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111831) or a cylinder with elliptical basis (as in Lodolini et al 2023 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1366.29). It could be useful insight to evaluate differences between cultivars that can have a different architectural growth. And also differences between plant densities.
Chapter 4.3 Rephrase the sentence “some planting densities and training systems appeared appropriate for tree production during the three first productive years”. It is not clear. Did you mean that during the first three productive years some combinations of densities and training system showed higher tree production?
You should consider evaluating Yield efficiency as Yield/tcsa o yield/volume, to investigate deeper the effect on production.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe study aimed to evaluate how varying planting densities and different training systems impact the growth and production of young mango trees, while also comparing the performance of different cultivars. It sought to understand the complex interactions between these factors and their effects on vegetative growth and fruit yield over time.
The study aligns with Horticulturae by addressing key aspects of fruit production, plant growth, and management practices through innovative approaches to planting density and training systems. By comparing cultivars and providing practical insights, it contributes valuable knowledge to optimize orchard management and enhance horticultural productivity.
The study presents an original and well-defined question, offering significant advancements in mango orchard management. The results are well-justified, clearly interpreted, and supported by robust data and sound methodology.
The article is written to high standards, ensuring clarity and precision, and is likely to attract broad interest from the journal's readership. This work provides substantial benefits by advancing knowledge and addressing important horticultural questions.
However, the current version of the manuscript requires minor revisions before it can be accepted for publication in this journal. As the manuscript does not have line numbers, I am providing my comments on the manuscript.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Minor editing of typographical errors and the English language is required.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
