LUCKNOW, April 3 -- Temperature swings during the critical flowering phase have disrupted fruit production in Lucknow's Malihabad, Kakori, and Mal, the epicenter of Dussehri mango cultivation, raising concerns about yields at a time when the region supplies a significant portion of India's premium mangoes. While recent rainfall has not directly damaged flowers, fluctuating temperatures have prevented normal fruit setting in several orchards, leaving growers anxious about both the quantity and quality of their crop in the coming weeks, according to experts. "The rain itself hasn't destroyed the mango flowers in Malihabad, Kakori. The bigger issue is the fluctuating weather. In some orchards, fruit setting has taken place, while in others it hasn't," said PK Shukla, department of crop protection, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Rehmankhera. He added that while a section of farmers is reporting good yield, the broader assessment from the region remains mixed. "As per our observations, the results are not very encouraging overall," he said. The impact is particularly serious because Malihabad and adjoining areas are considered the backbone of the Dussehri crop. Any inconsistency here directly influences both quality and market arrivals. Experts also flagged a decline in pollinators as a key concern. Reduced bee activity has affected natural fertilisation, compounding the impact of unstable weather. In addition, excessive pesticide use by farmers is seen as detrimental to both pollinators and fruit quality. "Orchard management is another issue. Compared to western UP and Barabanki, canopy management practices in these areas are not as efficient, which affects productivity," Shukla noted. According to Shailendra Rajan, former director of ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), mango flowering is highly sensitive to temperature variations. "An even climate is essential. Too much heat or cold damages the delicate mango flowers, called 'buars'. Night temperatures below 15degC can hinder embryo development. However, uncertainties in fruiting are always present," Rajan said. Despite concerns in the Dussehri belt, experts remain cautiously optimistic....