Mr. Piyush Kumar, pursuing B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, explains the production technology of mango.
The botanical name of mango is Mangifera indica and belongs to family Anacardiaceae. it is a drupe kind of fruit, falling after getting ripe. India is the highest producer of the mangoes with the cultivated land area of 2325000 hectares and production of 20822000 MT as per the agriculture statistics at Glance 2021.
Soil and climate: Mango can be grown on a wide variety of soils, right from the topmost location to the lowest part. In areas with temperate climate like Jammu and Kashmir and very hot areas like Rajasthan mangoes cannot be grown. It cannot be grown in high humidity, rainfall or frost, as during flowering season there are chances of disease attack. The ideal temperature for mango cultivation is 24 to 27 degree Celsius, and during the developmental stage high temperature is required.
Important cultivars: Some important cultivars are totapuri, banganapalli, dasheri, and alphonso. Dasheri is mainly grown in Uttar Pradesh apart from malgoa, vanraj, langda, and keshar. Malda mango is mainly grown in West Bengal. There are varieties according to time frame, such as early varieties such as Bombay, Bombay Green, Himsagar, Kesar, and Suvernarekha that grow in February and March with less time for fruiting. The mid-season starts from May and June, and varieties such as alphonso, mankurad, bangalora, vanraj, banganapalli, dashaheri, langar, kishen bhog, and zardalu etc. The late varieties start coming up in July and August, and the varieties include Fazli, Fernandin, Mulgoa, Neelum, and Chausa. There are certain hybrid varieties grown in IARI and FRS, and these include Vengurla, Mallika parented by Neelum and Dashehari. These are regular bearers, with great colour, high TSS, uniform size, and moderate keeping quality. Another such variety is Amarapali from IARI, Delhi, and these are dwarf, regular bearers, with cluster bearing small sized fruits and good keeping quality. Ratna Sindhu and Arka Puneet are other such hybrid varieties.
Propagation: We use three grafting methods to propagate mango trees – veneer grafting, approach grafting, and soft wood grafting. In veneer grafting and soft wood grafting, we can use any other plants, but in case of approach grafting, we have to use the same plant. We have to take a small part, put in a grown stem, and attach for a period of time, spray good growth regulators, and they will start growing. In approach grafting, we remove the upper tissue part of the tree, attach, and bind with ropes and tapes as used in agriculture. After a certain healing period, they get united and start growing. In soft wood grafting, we use young stem and put another mango’s stem in a triangular cutting, and then we let them grow. These are quick methods, and if we use seeds, it takes 5 to 6 years, but using the quick methods, we get early yield and used in commercial propagation.
We can use square, quincunx, or triangular systems. Square planting is when we put 4 trees in the same distance length and breadth. In Quincunx method, we place a fifth tree in the centre of the square. Triangular method has 3 trees. When we use pits, they should be of 90 x 90 x 90 cms at a spacing of 8 to 10 metres. They should be filled with fertilisers, well composed FYM organic manure. Planting is done during rainy season, and grafting point should be kept at least 6 inches above soil. They are susceptible to water logging conditions and certain diseases also in the earlier phase.
Irrigation and fertiliser: In the early stages, water should be applied after planting when rains are not available. When trees are in fruit bearing mode, irrigation should be done at 10 to 15 days’ interval for fruits to mature. Mango starts bearing fruits from November, December, and January. It is better to apply organic manure for better nutrition, and it should be applied in small trenches dug from about 1.2 metres away from the trunk up to the drip line. We have to have the distance as the roots are elongated. For the trees 1 to 3 years old, we have to apply FYM 20 kg, Nitrogen 100 g, Phosphorous 50 g, and Potash 200 g per plant. We should never put fertilisers just below the tree, we should make a small trench, and put the fertilisers there and cover with soil so that it reaches the roots. For trees 4 to 6 years old we have to apply 40 kg FYM, and for 7 to 9 years old plant 80 kg, and for trees 10 years old, 130 kg of FYM, and NPK will also increase proportionately.
Trimming and pruning: 75 cm of main stem from the main branch should be allowed and not more than that. There is a chance of breakage due to small crotch angle and heavy top. After resting period of 15 to 20 days of harvesting, we have to start pruning. We have to prune all diseased and broken branches and twigs. We can apply 0.3% copper oxychloride or paste the cut ends with 10% Bordeaux paste. We have to collect the pruned parts and destroy by burning as this will lead to formation of insects.
Fruit dropping is the most natural phenomenon and high in mango especially during the first 4 weeks soon after flower opening, fertilisation, and grain stage of fruits. This occurs as an adjustment to resources available in the plant for the development of fruits. This can be minimised by regular irrigation during fruit development with optimum doses of nutrient, effective control of pests and diseases, and hormone sprays.
Harvesting: Harvesting at the right stage is important which can be ascertained with colour development, shoulder development on the upper surface, and falling of one or two fruits from the plant which is known as Tapka in common language. Specific gravity of 1 to 1.02 is dependable. Mango takes 90 to 120 days for the fruits to mature. Harvesting is done using poles to prevent damage to the fruits in commercial method. We should know that after flowering season, we can get fruits only from 1% of flowers. The rest of the flowers drop. Our productivity will increase by 200 to 300% if we can prevent this 99% of dropping of flowers. Average yield is 8 tons pre hectare which may vary according to variety, locality, and climatic conditions, and factors like humidity etc.
Uses and packing: Mangoes are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help in controlling blood pressure, heart diseases, and many more diseases. They are good to stop bleeding, strengthen heart and brain, make complexion fair, and skin soft and shining. The dietary fibre present in mangoes has a protective effect against degenerative diseases and against certain types of cancer. Mangoes are usually packed in bamboo baskets (for commercial purpose) using straw as the padding material for cushion effect to prevent damage. Wooden and cardboard boxes are also used with padding materials and wrapping fruits individually to maintain the quality of fruits.
Diseases: Anthracnose is a disease that attacks mangoes with black spots on leaves and fruits, and lesions on leaves start as small angular brown to black spots and enlarge to form extensive dead areas. The ripe fruits develop sunken prominent and dark brown to black decay spots. We can control it by applying Carbendazim and Bavistin 0.1% during flowering to prevent blossom infection. Dip treatment of fruits in Bavistin in hot water at 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for 10 to 12 minutes but not more than 15 minutes. Powdery mildew: It is a white superficial powdery structure on the leaves and branches in flowering stage of mangoes. It affects leaves which drop prematurely. We can control by three spraying of fungicides at 15 days’ interval. Wettable sulphur 0.2% g of Sulfex per 1 litre water or Tridemorph 0.1% in one litre of water and Dinocap 0.1% in one litre of water.
Pests that attack mangoes include mango hopper where nymphs and adults suck the sap of inflorescence. Withering or shedding of flowering of buds and flowers can be seen and also a honey bee structure on the leaves and mould developing. We can manage this by using two rounds of Acehate 75 sp @ 1 g per litre or Phosalone 35 EC. Mealy bug is another pest where we find drying of leaves and inflorescence are seen. Presence of pinkish nymphs and adult bugs on the fruits and stalks is seen. We can prevent it by banding the trees with 20 cm wide alkathelene or polyethene by December 50 cm above the ground level and just below the junction of branching and stem, bind it with jute thread and apply a little mud of fruit tree grease on the lower edge of he band. Mealy bugs are also known to bribe ants with sugary secretion, and ants help in spreading the mealy bugs. We can also include ladybugs as natural enemies.
Physical disorder: Due to nutrient deficiency malformation happens. Thick vegetative bunchy top shoots compact mass in sterile flower is malformation which causes infestation of virus, fungus, mites. The main causes are nutrient deficiency, C to N ratio, carbohydrates, and amino acids. We can apply fungicides like Captan, Bavistin, remove the affected parts and paste with Bordeaux. Biennial bearing in mango is another concern with one yield in a year and no yield in another. Climatic changes like rain, humidity, and low temperature are the reasons. Proper upkeep and maintenance of orchards, timely pruning, and de-blossoming with NAA applications are the measures. Black tip is seen due to pollution, smoke, carbon di oxide, and carbon monoxide. Spraying with Borax at 0.6% on fruit set at 10 to 15 days interval will help. When clustering of fruits not forming together and falling down due to adverse weather conditions during February and March leads to this. Often we find mangoes spongy inside due to high temperature. Mulching also helps apart from harvesting fruits at 3/4th maturity stage. Calcium deficiency causes breakdown of flesh towards apex is another problem. we can prevent it by plucking at 3/4th maturity.
What are the key factors to consider when selecting suitable mango variety for cultivation? How do you prepare the soil for mango cultivation, and what are the ideal soil conditions?
We have to check climatic conditions, area we grow the mango trees. We have to inspect the field, check for water availability, and humidity conditions to grow the suitable variety. Black soil is the ideal one for mango cultivation. We can prepare the soil by applying FYM in pits and grow them organically. Planting distance is 1 to 2 metres. We have to make a ring around the tree at a distance of 1 to 2 metres and fill them with water. Frequent watering is needed in the maturity period. For one plant 40 litres of water is needed.
What are the nutrients needed for healthy mango trees, and how to apply it? What are the post-harvest handling and storage techniques to be used to prevent spoilage? Any specific clime and environmental considerations for successful mango production?
NPK is the main nutrient needed. Proper trimming and pruning and exposure to sunlight is needed. We should not let the fruits ripen fully and pluck when 3/4th ripened. It should have less humidity and dry area. Temperature should be within 20 to 25 degrees. In summer mangoes grow well, there are early, mid, and later varieties. We cannot grow mangoes in excessive rain or cold climate. Less humidity is needed.
How can we market mangoes and earn profits in mango industry? Please tell us about yourself and your interest in this field.
We can make a chain with a local market, sell to people around us, and if we are big producers, government agencies can be contacted. Portals of IARI can be contacted for assistance. There are government plants where we can get access to storage and processing. After joining Engineering course, due to a traumatic phase in life, I found out my love for nature which included agriculture. Hence I opted for agriculture and pursued B.Sc. Hons in Agriculture. I request the agriculture students to take the sector positively. This sector can revolutionise everything in India. We need a better approach as many people think you will be doing farming only. We study so many subjects in the course. If we take the course seriously, we need not import anything from other countries. India has versatile climate conditions, and we have to think from the business aspect which is applicable for farmers too. We have to think of developing products in organic way. We can change the whole market. We need a perception for agriculture, and people should not see us as just farmers. They should know that we are the reasons why we all survive.
Mr. Piyush Kumar
Email : piyushsharma3001@gmail.com
Phone : 9973040798
The botanical name of mango is Mangifera indica and belongs to family Anacardiaceae. it is a drupe kind of fruit, falling after getting ripe. India is the highest producer of the mangoes with the cultivated land area of 2325000 hectares and production of 20822000 MT as per the agriculture statistics at Glance 2021.
Soil and climate: Mango can be grown on a wide variety of soils, right from the topmost location to the lowest part. In areas with temperate climate like Jammu and Kashmir and very hot areas like Rajasthan mangoes cannot be grown. It cannot be grown in high humidity, rainfall or frost, as during flowering season there are chances of disease attack. The ideal temperature for mango cultivation is 24 to 27 degree Celsius, and during the developmental stage high temperature is required.
Important cultivars: Some important cultivars are totapuri, banganapalli, dasheri, and alphonso. Dasheri is mainly grown in Uttar Pradesh apart from malgoa, vanraj, langda, and keshar. Malda mango is mainly grown in West Bengal. There are varieties according to time frame, such as early varieties such as Bombay, Bombay Green, Himsagar, Kesar, and Suvernarekha that grow in February and March with less time for fruiting. The mid-season starts from May and June, and varieties such as alphonso, mankurad, bangalora, vanraj, banganapalli, dashaheri, langar, kishen bhog, and zardalu etc. The late varieties start coming up in July and August, and the varieties include Fazli, Fernandin, Mulgoa, Neelum, and Chausa. There are certain hybrid varieties grown in IARI and FRS, and these include Vengurla, Mallika parented by Neelum and Dashehari. These are regular bearers, with great colour, high TSS, uniform size, and moderate keeping quality. Another such variety is Amarapali from IARI, Delhi, and these are dwarf, regular bearers, with cluster bearing small sized fruits and good keeping quality. Ratna Sindhu and Arka Puneet are other such hybrid varieties.
Propagation: We use three grafting methods to propagate mango trees – veneer grafting, approach grafting, and soft wood grafting. In veneer grafting and soft wood grafting, we can use any other plants, but in case of approach grafting, we have to use the same plant. We have to take a small part, put in a grown stem, and attach for a period of time, spray good growth regulators, and they will start growing. In approach grafting, we remove the upper tissue part of the tree, attach, and bind with ropes and tapes as used in agriculture. After a certain healing period, they get united and start growing. In soft wood grafting, we use young stem and put another mango’s stem in a triangular cutting, and then we let them grow. These are quick methods, and if we use seeds, it takes 5 to 6 years, but using the quick methods, we get early yield and used in commercial propagation.
We can use square, quincunx, or triangular systems. Square planting is when we put 4 trees in the same distance length and breadth. In Quincunx method, we place a fifth tree in the centre of the square. Triangular method has 3 trees. When we use pits, they should be of 90 x 90 x 90 cms at a spacing of 8 to 10 metres. They should be filled with fertilisers, well composed FYM organic manure. Planting is done during rainy season, and grafting point should be kept at least 6 inches above soil. They are susceptible to water logging conditions and certain diseases also in the earlier phase.
Irrigation and fertiliser: In the early stages, water should be applied after planting when rains are not available. When trees are in fruit bearing mode, irrigation should be done at 10 to 15 days’ interval for fruits to mature. Mango starts bearing fruits from November, December, and January. It is better to apply organic manure for better nutrition, and it should be applied in small trenches dug from about 1.2 metres away from the trunk up to the drip line. We have to have the distance as the roots are elongated. For the trees 1 to 3 years old, we have to apply FYM 20 kg, Nitrogen 100 g, Phosphorous 50 g, and Potash 200 g per plant. We should never put fertilisers just below the tree, we should make a small trench, and put the fertilisers there and cover with soil so that it reaches the roots. For trees 4 to 6 years old we have to apply 40 kg FYM, and for 7 to 9 years old plant 80 kg, and for trees 10 years old, 130 kg of FYM, and NPK will also increase proportionately.
Trimming and pruning: 75 cm of main stem from the main branch should be allowed and not more than that. There is a chance of breakage due to small crotch angle and heavy top. After resting period of 15 to 20 days of harvesting, we have to start pruning. We have to prune all diseased and broken branches and twigs. We can apply 0.3% copper oxychloride or paste the cut ends with 10% Bordeaux paste. We have to collect the pruned parts and destroy by burning as this will lead to formation of insects.
Fruit dropping is the most natural phenomenon and high in mango especially during the first 4 weeks soon after flower opening, fertilisation, and grain stage of fruits. This occurs as an adjustment to resources available in the plant for the development of fruits. This can be minimised by regular irrigation during fruit development with optimum doses of nutrient, effective control of pests and diseases, and hormone sprays.
Harvesting: Harvesting at the right stage is important which can be ascertained with colour development, shoulder development on the upper surface, and falling of one or two fruits from the plant which is known as Tapka in common language. Specific gravity of 1 to 1.02 is dependable. Mango takes 90 to 120 days for the fruits to mature. Harvesting is done using poles to prevent damage to the fruits in commercial method. We should know that after flowering season, we can get fruits only from 1% of flowers. The rest of the flowers drop. Our productivity will increase by 200 to 300% if we can prevent this 99% of dropping of flowers. Average yield is 8 tons pre hectare which may vary according to variety, locality, and climatic conditions, and factors like humidity etc.
Uses and packing: Mangoes are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help in controlling blood pressure, heart diseases, and many more diseases. They are good to stop bleeding, strengthen heart and brain, make complexion fair, and skin soft and shining. The dietary fibre present in mangoes has a protective effect against degenerative diseases and against certain types of cancer. Mangoes are usually packed in bamboo baskets (for commercial purpose) using straw as the padding material for cushion effect to prevent damage. Wooden and cardboard boxes are also used with padding materials and wrapping fruits individually to maintain the quality of fruits.
Diseases: Anthracnose is a disease that attacks mangoes with black spots on leaves and fruits, and lesions on leaves start as small angular brown to black spots and enlarge to form extensive dead areas. The ripe fruits develop sunken prominent and dark brown to black decay spots. We can control it by applying Carbendazim and Bavistin 0.1% during flowering to prevent blossom infection. Dip treatment of fruits in Bavistin in hot water at 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for 10 to 12 minutes but not more than 15 minutes. Powdery mildew: It is a white superficial powdery structure on the leaves and branches in flowering stage of mangoes. It affects leaves which drop prematurely. We can control by three spraying of fungicides at 15 days’ interval. Wettable sulphur 0.2% g of Sulfex per 1 litre water or Tridemorph 0.1% in one litre of water and Dinocap 0.1% in one litre of water.
Pests that attack mangoes include mango hopper where nymphs and adults suck the sap of inflorescence. Withering or shedding of flowering of buds and flowers can be seen and also a honey bee structure on the leaves and mould developing. We can manage this by using two rounds of Acehate 75 sp @ 1 g per litre or Phosalone 35 EC. Mealy bug is another pest where we find drying of leaves and inflorescence are seen. Presence of pinkish nymphs and adult bugs on the fruits and stalks is seen. We can prevent it by banding the trees with 20 cm wide alkathelene or polyethene by December 50 cm above the ground level and just below the junction of branching and stem, bind it with jute thread and apply a little mud of fruit tree grease on the lower edge of he band. Mealy bugs are also known to bribe ants with sugary secretion, and ants help in spreading the mealy bugs. We can also include ladybugs as natural enemies.
Physical disorder: Due to nutrient deficiency malformation happens. Thick vegetative bunchy top shoots compact mass in sterile flower is malformation which causes infestation of virus, fungus, mites. The main causes are nutrient deficiency, C to N ratio, carbohydrates, and amino acids. We can apply fungicides like Captan, Bavistin, remove the affected parts and paste with Bordeaux. Biennial bearing in mango is another concern with one yield in a year and no yield in another. Climatic changes like rain, humidity, and low temperature are the reasons. Proper upkeep and maintenance of orchards, timely pruning, and de-blossoming with NAA applications are the measures. Black tip is seen due to pollution, smoke, carbon di oxide, and carbon monoxide. Spraying with Borax at 0.6% on fruit set at 10 to 15 days interval will help. When clustering of fruits not forming together and falling down due to adverse weather conditions during February and March leads to this. Often we find mangoes spongy inside due to high temperature. Mulching also helps apart from harvesting fruits at 3/4th maturity stage. Calcium deficiency causes breakdown of flesh towards apex is another problem. we can prevent it by plucking at 3/4th maturity.
What are the key factors to consider when selecting suitable mango variety for cultivation? How do you prepare the soil for mango cultivation, and what are the ideal soil conditions?
We have to check climatic conditions, area we grow the mango trees. We have to inspect the field, check for water availability, and humidity conditions to grow the suitable variety. Black soil is the ideal one for mango cultivation. We can prepare the soil by applying FYM in pits and grow them organically. Planting distance is 1 to 2 metres. We have to make a ring around the tree at a distance of 1 to 2 metres and fill them with water. Frequent watering is needed in the maturity period. For one plant 40 litres of water is needed.
What are the nutrients needed for healthy mango trees, and how to apply it? What are the post-harvest handling and storage techniques to be used to prevent spoilage? Any specific clime and environmental considerations for successful mango production?
NPK is the main nutrient needed. Proper trimming and pruning and exposure to sunlight is needed. We should not let the fruits ripen fully and pluck when 3/4th ripened. It should have less humidity and dry area. Temperature should be within 20 to 25 degrees. In summer mangoes grow well, there are early, mid, and later varieties. We cannot grow mangoes in excessive rain or cold climate. Less humidity is needed.
How can we market mangoes and earn profits in mango industry? Please tell us about yourself and your interest in this field.
We can make a chain with a local market, sell to people around us, and if we are big producers, government agencies can be contacted. Portals of IARI can be contacted for assistance. There are government plants where we can get access to storage and processing. After joining Engineering course, due to a traumatic phase in life, I found out my love for nature which included agriculture. Hence I opted for agriculture and pursued B.Sc. Hons in Agriculture. I request the agriculture students to take the sector positively. This sector can revolutionise everything in India. We need a better approach as many people think you will be doing farming only. We study so many subjects in the course. If we take the course seriously, we need not import anything from other countries. India has versatile climate conditions, and we have to think from the business aspect which is applicable for farmers too. We have to think of developing products in organic way. We can change the whole market. We need a perception for agriculture, and people should not see us as just farmers. They should know that we are the reasons why we all survive.
Mr. Piyush Kumar
Email : piyushsharma3001@gmail.com
Phone : 9973040798