Mastering Mango Farming

A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Healthy Mango Trees
Mango farming has become an essential agricultural practice across the globe, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This fruit, scientifically known as Mangifera Indica, has its origins in South Asia, with early cultivation believed to have started in the regions of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and North Eastern India. It has since spread to various parts of the world, and is cherished for its sweet, juicy flesh and versatile culinary uses. Mangoes are prized not only for their flavour but also for their nutritional benefits.
In this article, we will explore the essential stages of mango farming, the diseases and pests that affect mango trees, as well as the best practices for pest control, nutrition, and weed management.

Introduction to Mango Farming
Mango farming involves cultivating mango trees to produce high-quality fruits for both local consumption and international markets.
Mango trees can thrive in areas with annual rainfall as low as 650 mm, but they require a distinct dry season for flowering and fruiting. The tree’s growth is also dependent on various climatic factors, and understanding these will help farmers optimize yields.

Description of the Mango Fruit
The mango is a tropical, edible stone fruit that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is typically oval or round, with a thick skin that ranges in colour from green to yellow to red, depending on the variety and ripeness. Mangoes are cultivated from both seedling trees and grafted trees.
Grafted mango trees are generally preferred by farmers because they produce fruit faster—usually within 3 to 5 years—compared to seedling trees, which can take at least five years to bear fruit. Mangoes grow best in regions with distinct wet and dry seasons, which are essential for the tree’s flowering and fruiting cycles.

THE STAGES OF MANGO GROWTH
The cultivation of mangoes progresses through several stages, each of which has specific environmental and nutritional needs. Understanding these stages is essential for maximizing fruit quality and yield.

1. The Flush Stage (May to July)
   The Flush Stage is the period when the mango tree experiences new vegetative growth. This phase occurs during the long rains in Kenya, typically between May and July. During this time, the tree produces new shoots, leaves, and branches, preparing for the flowering stage that follows.
2. The Flowering and Fruit Setting Stage (July to September)
   This stage is critical for mango farmers as it determines the quality and quantity of fruit produced. Mango flowering is triggered by temperature and the age of the last vegetative flush. In tropical climates, the flowering process is mostly influenced by the maturity of the last vegetative flush.
   • Flowering:
     Mango trees produce small, fragrant flowers in panicles. High potassium levels are essential for optimal flowering.
     Flowering occurs when the tree is mature enough to flower, usually 3-5 years after grafting.
   • Fruit Setting:
     Fruit setting occurs a few days after the flower opens, when pollination and fertilization take place. The ovary begins to develop into a fruit.
   • Watering
     Water is crucial, especially in dry conditions, but excessive watering during flowering can hinder pollen viability.
   • Temperature
     Mangoes flower best at temperatures between 24°C and 30°C.
   • Soil
     Mango trees prefer well-draining soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
   • Fertilization
     Potassium-rich fertilizers are essential for healthy flowering, while nitrogen promotes healthy fruit setting.
   • Pruning
     Pruning should be done to control tree height and allow sunlight penetration to the lower branches.
     
3. Fruit Development Stage (September to November)
   Once pollination and fertilization have occurred, the mango fruit enters the development stage. The fruit grows in size and begins to accumulate sugars, which will later determine its flavour and sweetness. This stage lasts for approximately three months.
4. Ripening Stage (December to February)
   In the final stage, mangoes ripen, developing their full flavour, aroma, and colour. The fruit’s maturation depends on factors such as temperature and the supply of nutrients.
   
   Here are the Diseases/Infections That Affects Mangoes
   • Algal Leaf Spot
     Symptoms: Orange rusty spots appear on the leaves.
     Control: Apply Topguard 500SC at 20 ml/20 L of water during the Flush and Flowering stages, and Tabibu 500SC at 10 ml/20 L of water during the Fruit Development stage. Sooty Mold
     Symptoms: Black, sooty patches on the leaves and fruit.
     Control: Apply Pota-K at 60-100 ml/20 L of water to control sap-sucking and chewing insects.
   • Scab
     Symptoms: Irregular, raised lesions on fruit skin.
     Control: Apply Dewklin 250EC during the Fruit Development stage and Tabibu 500SC during Ripening.
   • Anthracnose and Powdery Mildew
     Symptoms: Anthracnose causes fruit and flower blight, while Powdery Mildew causes a white, powdery coating on leaves.
     Control: Use Dewklin 250EC and Bugati 500SC during the Flush and Flowering stages, and Topguard 500SC during the Fruit Development stage.
     

Pests That Attack Mango Trees
Mango trees are susceptible to various pests that can severely impact fruit quality and yield. Effective pest control measures should be implemented during key stages of growth.

1. Mango Scales and Mealybugs
   Control: Apply Acetak 200SL (15 ml/20 L) and Aragon 220ZC (5-8 ml/20 L) during the Flush and Flowering stages. During the Fruit Development stage and Ripening, switch to Acetak Top 700WG (2.5g/20 L) and Protap 500WP (40 ml/20 L).
2. Mango Seed Weevils
   Control: Apply Emmaron 30SC (15 ml/20 L) and May 50EC (12-15 ml/20 L) from the Flowering stage through to the Ripening stage.
3. Mango Hoppers and Tree Borers
   Control: Use Acetak Top 700WG (2.5g/20 L) during the Flush stage. For the Flowering and Fruit Setting stages, use Regime 480EC (30-40 ml/20 L), Acetak 200SL (10 ml/20 L), and Aragon 220ZC (5-8 ml/20 L). During Ripening, revert to Acetak Top 700WG.
4. Fruit Flies and Thrips
   Control: Apply Spidor Max 300SC (10 ml/20 L) during Flowering, and add Spidor 240SC (10 ml/20 L). For Fruit Development, use May 50EC (12-15 ml/20 L), and Emmaron 300SC (15 ml/20 L) during Ripening.
5. Termites
   Control: Use Regime 480SC (30-40 ml/20 L) for termite control.

Mango Nutrition
Proper nutrition at each stage of growth is crucial to ensure healthy trees and optimal fruit quality.
Flush and Flowering Stage: Use Brilliant (40 ml/20 L) for vegetative growth, Genie Gold 500SL (15 ml/20 L) as a stress manager, and
Microfert TI (20 ml/20 L) to enhance flower bud health. Cabozinc SC (30 ml/20 L) will prevent flower abortion.
Fruit Development and Ripening Stages: Apply Cabozinc SC for calcium to enhance cell wall integrity, and Faida SC (20-40 ml/20 L) for sweet taste. Microfert TI (20 ml/20 L) will help achieve uniform fruit consistency and quality.

WEED CONTROL
Weed management is vital to prevent competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
Flush and Flowering Stages: Use Kausha 480SL (200 ml/20 L), Parastar 200SL (100 ml/20 L), and Weedstar 300SL (100 ml/20 L) for controlling broad-leaved weeds and grasses.
Sticker and Spreader: For improved effectiveness, mix Golden Leaf (2 ml/20 L) with herbicides to increase adhesion.
Mastering mango farming involves a thorough understanding of the mango’s growth stages, the diseases and pests that affect it, and the strategies for managing nutrition and weeds. By applying the right fertilizers, pest control products, and weed management techniques, farmers can maximize their yields and produce high-quality mangoes for the market. With careful attention and management, mango farming can be a rewarding and profitable venture.