Ethrel, Potassium Nitrate, and Ramon Barba’s Mango-Flowering Innovation

These flashcards review the mechanisms of ethephon and potassium nitrate in mango flowering, and summarize the life, education, and contributions of Filipino scientist Ramon C. Barba, whose innovations revolutionized off-season mango production.

What plant hormone does ethephon (Ethrel) release to induce flowering in mango?

Ethylene.

Through what primary mechanism does potassium nitrate (KNO₃) promote flowering in mango trees?

By elevating nitrogen levels past a threshold, synchronizing bud break and floral initiation.

Which chemical spray is considered more reliable for off-season mango flowering, ethephon or potassium nitrate?

Potassium nitrate.

What signaling molecules are thought to mediate the flowering effect of potassium nitrate besides nitrogen?

Polyamines or ethylene.

Who invented the method of inducing mango flowering with ethephon and potassium nitrate?

Ramon Cabanos Barba.

In what year was Ramon Barba proclaimed a National Scientist of the Philippines?

2014.

Where was Ramon Barba born?

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

Which university did Ramon Barba attend for his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture?

University of the Philippines Los Baños.

What was Ramon Barba’s major during his bachelor’s studies?

Agronomy and Fruit Production.

At which U.S. university did Barba earn his Master of Science in Horticulture in 1962?

University of Georgia.

Which institution awarded Barba his PhD in Plant Physiology in 1967?

University of Hawaii at Mānoa (East-West Center).

Before Barba’s innovation, in which month were mangoes traditionally harvested in the Philippines?

May.

What was the practical impact of Barba’s chemical-spray method on mango production?

It enabled out-of-season flowering and multiple harvests per year, greatly boosting productivity.

What award did Barba’s paper “Induction of Flowering of the Mango by Chemical Spray” receive in 1974?

Best paper by the Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP).

In the same year (1974), what national recognition did Barba receive?

He was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Agriculture.

Why did Barba initially choose not to patent his mango-flowering method?

He wanted farmers to use the technique freely.

What action did Barba eventually take when someone else attempted to patent his process?

He filed a patent himself but chose not to charge royalties.

Which instructor at the University of the Philippines influenced Barba’s early interest in orchids and horticulture?

Helen Layosa Valmayor.

Who is regarded as the “father of Philippine horticulture” and was one of Barba’s instructors?

L.G. Gonzales.

What two chemicals form the core of Barba’s mango-flowering technique?

Ethephon (Ethrel) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃).