Influence of weather parameters on sex expression and flowering pattern of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Abstract

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt., family- Myrsticaceae) is a source of twin spice- nutmeg (dried seed) and mace (dried aril covering the seed). Nutmeg, with a dioecious habit has been differentiated into five types viz., pure female, pure male, bisexual female, bisexual male, and hermaphrodites.Every species of plant has different flowering response to the environment (Thomas 1993; Ravindra et al., 2006). The climatic variables play an important role in sex expression of nutmeg.Flach and Crucikshank (1969) observed year round production of flowers and fruits on nutmeg trees in Grenada with abundant production in the months of April, May, November and December.In this paper an attempt was made to analyze the influence of weather parameters on the flowering pattern of nutmeg in Keral and Karnataka states of India.