Scientific Name: Mangifera indica
Conditions favoring mango farming
-For optimum growth and production, the average maximum temperature should be between 27 and 36 °C.
-The trees can survive in swampy conditions for an extended period of time, but will also survive in areas with an annual rainfall of less than 300 mm and temperatures as high as 45 °C.
-Wind (even moderate winds) could cause scratch marks on fruit. Harmful fungi and bacteria can enter the fruit through these wounds. Fruit with such marks are unacceptable for marketing.
-Stronger winds will cause fruit loss, resulting in lower yields.
Conditions favoring mango farming
-For optimum growth and production, the average maximum temperature should be between 27 and 36 °C.
-The trees can survive in swampy conditions for an extended period of time, but will also survive in areas with an annual rainfall of less than 300 mm and temperatures as high as 45 °C.
-Wind (even moderate winds) could cause scratch marks on fruit. Harmful fungi and bacteria can enter the fruit through these wounds. Fruit with such marks are unacceptable for marketing.
-Stronger winds will cause fruit loss, resulting in lower yields.
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| Ripening mango fruits |
- Avoiding very windy areas.
- Establishing windbreaks such as artificial structures or fast-growing trees on the upwind side of prevailing winds.
-Prune the non-bearing flower panicles as soon as it is evident that these will not bear any fruit, because when they become dry and hard, they cause scratch marks on the fruit.
-In the tropical and subtropical regions, mangoes grow well at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1200 m.
-Mango trees grow and produce well on various soil types. The tree often develops a fairly strong taproot shortly after planting. This taproot can continue growing until it reaches the soil water-table, and under favourable conditions can penetrate the soil to a depth of 6m.
-Mango trees grow best on a slight slope which enables runoff of excess water and prevents waterlogging.
-The trees also grow well in sand, gravel and limestone soils. The optimum soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5. Trees should be positioned in full sunlight for optimal fruit production.
-Mango trees grow best on a slight slope which enables runoff of excess water and prevents waterlogging.
-The trees also grow well in sand, gravel and limestone soils. The optimum soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5. Trees should be positioned in full sunlight for optimal fruit production.
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| Mango inflorescence |
Planting mangoes - Planting holes should be at least 60 cm (2 ft) deep and another 60 cm (2 ft) wide to accommodate the root ball of the tree.
-Fertilizer should not be added to the the planting hole at time of plating as it can burn sensitive roots.
-Tree spacing depends on the variety being grown but is generally between 10.5 and 18 m (34 to 60 ft).
-The tree canopy can be cut backup to 75% after planting to reduce water stress and promote root development.
-Fertilizer should not be added to the the planting hole at time of plating as it can burn sensitive roots.
-Tree spacing depends on the variety being grown but is generally between 10.5 and 18 m (34 to 60 ft).
-The tree canopy can be cut backup to 75% after planting to reduce water stress and promote root development.
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| Mango foliage |
Care and maintenance of mangoes - Mango trees are easy to maintain once established.
-They are tolerant of drought but will perform best if irrigated during dry spells.
-Mango planted in the home garden does not generally require regular fertilization, if leaves are beginning to look pale or yellow, a balanced fertilizer may be applied once or twice every year.
-When grown commercially, mango trees require regular pruning to open up the canopy.
-Pruning keep the canopy at a manageable size and also promotes good air circulation around the leaves and fruit, reducing the incidence of disease.
-They are tolerant of drought but will perform best if irrigated during dry spells.
-Mango planted in the home garden does not generally require regular fertilization, if leaves are beginning to look pale or yellow, a balanced fertilizer may be applied once or twice every year.
-When grown commercially, mango trees require regular pruning to open up the canopy.
-Pruning keep the canopy at a manageable size and also promotes good air circulation around the leaves and fruit, reducing the incidence of disease.
Harvesting mangoes - Mango fruits are usually ready for harvest 4-5 months after flowering.
-Fruits that are ready for harvesting will snap easily from the tree.
-If the fruit does not dislodge with a slight pull then it is not fully mature and should be left to ripen fully.
-Fruits can be harvested by hand or, in commercial plantations, with the aid of special fruit picking devices.
-Mango fruit is delicate and easily bruised and must be handled carefully.
-Mango sap is very caustic and additional care must be taken during harvest to prevent sap coming into contact with the skin of the fruit or it will result in dark blemishes.
-Fruits that are ready for harvesting will snap easily from the tree.
-If the fruit does not dislodge with a slight pull then it is not fully mature and should be left to ripen fully.
-Fruits can be harvested by hand or, in commercial plantations, with the aid of special fruit picking devices.
-Mango fruit is delicate and easily bruised and must be handled carefully.
-Mango sap is very caustic and additional care must be taken during harvest to prevent sap coming into contact with the skin of the fruit or it will result in dark blemishes.
Mango pests and diseases
1.Anthracnose - Small, dark spots on flowers; spots coalesce to cover entire panicle; infected flowers dropping from tree;dark flecks or spots with yellow halo on young leaves; dark, irregular, sunken lesions on fruit; fruits dropping from tree before ripe.
1.Anthracnose - Small, dark spots on flowers; spots coalesce to cover entire panicle; infected flowers dropping from tree;dark flecks or spots with yellow halo on young leaves; dark, irregular, sunken lesions on fruit; fruits dropping from tree before ripe.
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| Anthracnose symptoms |
2.Powdery mildew - Gray-white powdery growth on leaves, flowers and/or fruit; curled, distorted shoots; fruit aborted and dropping from tree.
3.Algal leaf spot - Orange rusty spots on both upper and lower leaf surfaces which may coalesce to form large irregularly shaped patches; scraping away the orange spots reveals a grayish discoloration of the leaf lamina underneath.
4.Phoma blight - Angular or irregular brown lesions on old leaves; lesions may develop gray centers and dark margin; withering leaves; defoliation of tree.
5.Mango hoppers - Reduced plant vigor; sticky substance coating leaves; may be a growth of sooty mold on sticky residues; curling and drying leaves.
6.Pink disease - White, silk-like threads at forks of branches which coalesce to form a pink crust during wet conditions; twigs and branches above this site may be killed and foliage will begin to dry out and die; orange pustules may be present on infected bark.
7.Bacterial black spot (Bacterial canker) - Angular, water-soaked spots on leaves which coalesce and turn black; black cankerous lesions on stems which crack and exude a gummy substance; irregular black lesions on fruits which extend into the flesh and exude gum; fruits dropping from plant.
8.Mango tree borer - Mango tree borer damage may first be noticed as circular holes in the bark. This damage indicates that the tree has been attacked by borers which have chewed exit holes in the wood.
-Mango tree borers feed on the bark of twigs and chew green growing tips; when feeding damage is severe, branches may be killed and the main stem of the tree may collapse;insect frass (feces) collects in cracks in the bark and around the base of the tree; holes become visible in the bark.
-Mango tree borers feed on the bark of twigs and chew green growing tips; when feeding damage is severe, branches may be killed and the main stem of the tree may collapse;insect frass (feces) collects in cracks in the bark and around the base of the tree; holes become visible in the bark.
Mango health benefits
-Prevents Cancer - Research has shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruit have been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers.
-Lowers Cholesterol - The high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels, specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein.
-Clears the Skin - Can be used both internally and externally for the skin. Mangos clear clogged pores and eliminate pimples.
-Eye Health - One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes.
-Alkalizes the Whole Body - The tartaric acid, malic acid, and a trace of citric acid found in the fruit help to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.
-Blood sugar level - Mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood.
-Improved Sex - Mangos are a great source of vitamin E.
-Improves digestion - Contain enzymes for breaking down protein. The fiber in mangos also helps digestion and elimination.
-Remedy for Heat Stroke - Juicing the fruit from green mango and mixing with water and a sweetener helps to cool down the body and prevent harm to the body.
-Boosts Immune system - The generous amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A in mangos, plus 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system healthy and strong.
-Prevents Cancer - Research has shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruit have been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers.
-Lowers Cholesterol - The high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels, specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein.
-Clears the Skin - Can be used both internally and externally for the skin. Mangos clear clogged pores and eliminate pimples.
-Eye Health - One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes.
-Alkalizes the Whole Body - The tartaric acid, malic acid, and a trace of citric acid found in the fruit help to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.
-Blood sugar level - Mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood.
-Improved Sex - Mangos are a great source of vitamin E.
-Improves digestion - Contain enzymes for breaking down protein. The fiber in mangos also helps digestion and elimination.
-Remedy for Heat Stroke - Juicing the fruit from green mango and mixing with water and a sweetener helps to cool down the body and prevent harm to the body.
-Boosts Immune system - The generous amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A in mangos, plus 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system healthy and strong.
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