Mango Tree studies have begun in CUBE.
This thread aims to keep a record of the Mango Tree data that all of us including Citizen Scientists have been posting. WhatsApp messages often go unseen and then tracing back the data becomes a tough task. You can upload them at http://bit.ly/mango-map.
All are encouraged to share photos of mango trees alongwith their exact location (coordinates), date and time of the photo, name of the data collector and an important parameter(s); whether the mango trees are fruiting/flowering/new-leaves are sprouting.
These are important in order to map the trees according to their coordinates so that in future, when one passes through that tree, they can take another snap and compare the earlier status of the tree with the current one. For example, Mango trees have started to flower in Kerala, Tamil Nadu; both being states down south and at the same time, if we see the mango trees in Ranchi, Mumbai both of which lie in mid-India, Mango Trees have not started to flower although new leaves are sprouting.
The idea of this study is to find out the reason(s) behind this very phenomena of difference in flowering of Mango Trees. There are many variables such as difference in i) daylength/daytime ii) temperature iii) weather conditions and much more that can give rise to this behaviour.
These changes are thought to be influenced by epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of heritable observable (phenotypic) characteristics without actually changing the genomic/DNA sequence. Epigenetic behaviours can be influenced by the environment as well. An unlikely close example would be that of colour change (colourless to coloured) in Moina under the influence of low-oxygen conditions or hypoxia.
Mango Mapping-2020
Above is the link (available for edit) of a Google Map wherein we can add the exact location of the trees at different locations (all over India) alongwith photos and also by giving a description of the current situation of the tree.
An introduction session (to be decided) will be conducted wherein a short tutorial will be given on how to use this mapping tool in order to map the tree.
Everyone please post the photos of Mango Trees! Let us create a lively and interactive thread of which we shall be taking help in the near future (when comparing the current photos of Mango Trees with the future ones that would be fruiting/flowering).