Effect of Source Manipulations on the Dynamics of Pod Set and Flower Abscission in Mungbean

Flower abscission and pod set behaviour of mungbean in relation to the degree of defoliation at the reproductive stage was studied under field conditions. In the undefoliated and partially defoliated plants flowering occurred in two successive flushes, although the second flush of flowering was less distinct in partially defoliated plants. Most of the pods a plant attained came from the second flush of flowering. Undefoliated and partially defoliated plant had 23 and 8 pods, respectively. Magnitude of flower abscission and pod set in undefoliated plants was much higher than it was in partially defoliated plants. In the completely defoliated plants none of the pods survived to mature and death of plants occurred within a week following defoliation.