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MAGNIFERA INDICA L. - Mango |
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CULTURE |
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Location: The mango grows to a good
size and casts a dense shade, but the roots are not destructive.
It requires full sun and perfect air drainage in winter. It does
best at the top or middle level of a slope. A windbreak should
be provided in exposed areas. The trees may also need staking.
In the desert it needs the shade of other trees; or plant on the
north side of the house. In the garden or near the coast, plant
against a south wall, or in an area surrounded by paving, to provide
maximum heat. In the greenhouse, full light and free air movement
are important to avoid disease.
Soil: Mangos will grow in almost any well-drained soil whether
sandy, loam or clay, but avoid heavy, wet soils. A pH between
5.5 and 7.5 is preferred. They are somewhat tolerant of alkalinity.
For good growth, mangos needs a deep soil to accommodate their
extensive root systems.
Irrigation: Irrigation should start
when the weather warms: February in the desert, April at the coast.
Continue every one to two weeks, more often in light soils, nearly
continuously in the desert, until the fruit is harvested. Irrigation
may be discontinued when rains are sufficient to maintain soil
moisture. In the greenhouse keep watered until the fruit is harvested,
then reduce to the minimum required to avoid wilting. Watering
is then increased after one to two months to initiate a new bloom
and growth cycle.
Fertilization: Mango trees require
regular applications of nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy
growth flushes and flower production. Chelated micronutrients,
especially iron, are also often necessary. A feeding program similar
to one used for citrus is satisfactory, but do not fertilize after
midsummer. Organic fertilizers perform best, since the trees are
subject to fertilizer burn. Young trees are particularly sensitive
to over-fertilizing, but respond well to fish emulsion. Sandy
soils require more fertilizer than loam or clay.
Pruning: Healthy trees require little
pruning, although pruning to stimulate new growth promotes uniform
annual bearing. Removing some flower clusters during a heavy bloom
year may also alleviate alternate bearing. Mangos may be pruned
to control size in late winter or early spring without a loss
of fruit. Sap and debris can cause severe dermatitis, similar
to poison oak. It is best to avoid burning prunings or litter.
Frost Protection: During the first
two years, the trees should be given some protection such as an
overhead cover during any frost threat. Once the tree is 3 to
4 feet high, overhead protection is difficult but still worthwhile,
especially if an unusual cold snap is predicted. Frost damage
can also be avoided by erecting an overhead lath shelter, orchard
heating, placing lights under the canopy, or using foam or straw
trunk wraps. Do not prune dead parts until all frost danger is
past.
Propagation: Seedlings are a gamble.
Supermarket fruits may have been treated to sterilize, or chilled
too long to remain viable. These seeds are normally discolored
gray. To grow mangos from seed, remove the husk and plant the
seed (before it dries out) with the hump at soil level. The seeds
normally germinate in two to four weeks, and do best with bottom
heat. Multiple polyembryonic seedlings should be carefully separated
as soon as they have sprouted so not to loose the cotyledons.
Seedling mangos will bloom and bear in three to six years.
Some success at grafting can be obtained in April and September,
but better luck is more likely during May through August. Small
plants with a diameter of a pencil graft well with the common
whip graft. On larger trees the crown groove bark graft allows
several scions to be put on at once. Fully grown trees may be
topworked by crown or groove bark graft, or prune hard and whip
graft sprouts later. Plastic bagging with a few drops of moisture
improves the graft's chances of being successful.
Graft in the second year, using cleft, side or tongue (splice)
graft in midsummer. Scion and stock should be swelling for a new
flush of growth. Grafts are most successful if the leaves are
allowed to remain below the graft, but remove suckers. Use pencil-sized
scions of hard wood with three or four nodes. Cover with loose
punctured white paper bag for shade.
If top working, do not dehorn the entire tree at one time; leave
at least two fully leafed branches intact. Marcottage is feasible
in humid climates or greenhouses, but results in few plants. Although
budding is rare in California; it can be done by using a shield
bud in an inverted T, at the moment the tree begins a new growth
flush. Cuttings are rarely successful, although experiments have
shown that rooting may be improved by treating with ethylene,
which destroys the root-inhibiting hormone in the cambium.
The Mango is a suitable and productive tree for growing in a
container or greenhouse. Start with established plants of named
cultivars. Select the finest Indian cultivars, which are most
rewarding for the effort involved. A large tub is required, with
casters for easy moving. In the greenhouse, the atmosphere should
be kept dry as possible to avoid anthracnose. Place a fan nearby
to move the air around trees and use ventilators. The plants should
be hosed down in the morning on a weekly basis to control mites.
A regular spraying of appropriate pesticides for anthracnose and
mealybug may also be needed.
The location of the intended planting will dictate the choice
of cultivars. Seedlings selected under California conditions have
provided cultivars suitable for coastal counties. Florida cultivars
are generally more suitable in the desert and Central Valley.
Pests and diseases: Scale, mealybugs
and mites are frequent pests in the greenhouse and orchard. In
the greenhouse, thrips often turn leaves rusty brown. Malathion
is the conventional spray for insect pests; sulfur works on mites.
Gophers are attracted to the roots. The flower panicles, young
fruit and leaves are subject to powdery mildew (Oidium mangiferae),
especially in rainy weather or frequent fog. A spray of powdered
kelp at bud break will often control it. Sodium bicarbonate and
fungicide sprays are also effective. Trees planted in pavement
openings seldom develop mildew.
Bacterial spot (Colletotrichum oleosporides) distorts and turns
developing leaves black and disfigures developing fruit. Infection
may spread to fresh young growth. Anthracnose can be controlled
with bimonthly applications of copper spray or captan as a growth
flush begins, and until the flowers open. Resume spraying when
the fruits begin to form. Mango trees are very sensitive to root
loss that can occur from digging, transplanting or gopher damage.
"Soft nose," a physical disorder of shriveling at the
fruit apex, seems associated with excessive nitrogen in soil.
Exposed fruits sunburn in high temperatures.
Harvest: Mango fruit matures in
100 to 150 days after flowering. The fruit will have the best
flavor if allowed to ripen on the tree, although winter-maturing
fruits must be ripened indoors in coastal California. Ripening
fruit turns the characteristic color of the variety and begins
to soften to the touch, much like a peach. Commercial marketability
requires 13% dissolved solids (sugars). When the first fruit shows
color on tree, all of that size fruit or larger may be removed;
repeat when remaining fruit colors. Do not store below 50 degrees
F.The fruit ripens best if placed stem end down in trays at room
temperature and covered with a dampened cloth to avoid shriveling.
Mangos ripen in June from January bloom in interior California,
and October from April bloom on the coast. Less time is required
to mature greenhouse fruit.
Commercial Potential: The mango
is the apple (or peach) of the tropics, and one of the most commonly
eaten fruits in tropical countries around the world. The fruit
is grown commercially on a small scale in Florida. In California
a large planting in the Coachella Valley has now reached production
stage. The quality of the fruit is generally comparable to Florida
mangos, but has other advantages., i.e. the lack of fruit fly
and seed weevil populations. Mexico, and to a lesser extent Central
America, is a major supplier to U.S. markets today.
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CULTIVARS |
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Aloha
Origin San Diego, Jerry Staedeli, 1971. From Hawaiian seed. Tree
spreading, light bearer, according to rootstock affinity. Fruit
large (14-18 oz.), dull yellow covered with red. Early (Oct-Nov).
Susceptible to anthracnose. For coast.
Brooks
Origin Miami, 1916. Seedling of Sandersha. Tree somewhat dwarf.
Fruit medium to large (10-20 oz.), kidney-shaped, green with yellow
shoulder, rather fibrous. Very late. Resistant to anthracnose.
For greenhouse and containers.
Cambodiana
Origin Miami, 1910. Seedling of Saigon. Philippine type. Fruit
small to medium, elongated ovate, yellow-green, juicy, flavor
acid. Early. For greenhouse.
Carabao
Origin Philippines. Philippine type. Fruit medium (10 oz.), elongated,
kidney-shaped, light green blushed yellow. Seed very large, flesh
stringy, acid, juicy. Early midseason. For greenhouse.
Carrie
Origin Delray Beach, Florida, 1940. Seedling of Sophie Fry. Tree
dwarf. Fruit varies from small to 12 oz., regular ovate, green-yellow,
fiberless, flavor high. Early. For foothills, interior and greenhouse.
Cooper (syn. Cooper No. 1 or 3)
Origin Hollywood, Floyd Cooper, 1948. Tree spreading, dense. Fruit
large (16-20 oz.), long, green. Flesh high quality. Late. For
foothills.
Costa Rica
Origin East Los Angeles, Gilbert Guyenne, 1980. >From seed
from Costa Rica. Fruit small to 10 oz., elongated, flat, pale
green, juicy. Very early. For coast and foothills.
Doubikin
Origin Kelmscott, West Africa, Arnold Doubikin, 1965. Two sibling
seedlings of Kensington pass under this name. Tree dwarf, rounded,
slow growing, fruits in two years from seed. Polyembryonic. Fruit
round, large (12-16 oz.), midseason. For coast, foothills, greenhouse.
Earlygold
Origin Pine Island, Florida, 1943. Tree upright. Fruit medium
to 12 oz., obliquely round, orange with red blush, fiberless,
seed often abortive. Very early. Resistant to anthracnose. For
coast.
Edgehill
Origin Vista, Calif., Paul Thomson, 1920s. Indian type. Tree upright,
hardy, vigorous. Monoembryonic. Blooms early. Produces small to
medium (8-12 oz.), almost fiberless fruit, green with red blush.
Resists mildew, subject to soft nose. Midseason (Nov-Dec). For
foothills.
Edward
Origin Miami, Edward Simmons, 1948. Hybrid of Haden X Carabao.
Intermediate between Indian and Philippine forms. Tree dense,
compact. Fruit medium to large, elongated ovate, apex often oblique,
yellow green with red blush. Seed very small, easily removed.
Flavor excellent. Early. For interior.
Fascell
Origin Miami, 1936. Seedling of Brooks. Pat. #451. Tree open,
slow. Fruit medium to large, elongated flattened, yellow with
pink blush, flesh acid. Early. For coast and inland.
Gouveia
Origin Honolulu, Ruth Gouveia, 1946. Tree upright, open, Fruit
medium to large,(10-20 oz.), long ovate, green becoming bright
red. Sweet, juicy, no fiber. Late, uneven ripening. For coast
and inland.
Haden
Origin Coconut Grove, Capt. Haden, 1910. seedling of Mulgoba.
Indian type. Tree spreading. Fruit large (to 24 oz.), regular
ovate, yellow almost covered with red, flavor mild, little fiber.
Early. Susceptible to anthracnose and alternate bearing, traits
imparted to its progeny. For interior and greenhouse.
Irwin
Origin Miami, F.D. Irwin, 1945. Seedling of Lippens. Florida's
leading local market cultivar. Tree very small. Fruit medium,
12-16 oz., elongated, ovate regular in form, orange yellow with
deep blush, flesh bland, fiberless. Mid-season. For foothills,
interior, greenhouse.
Julie
Origin Trinidad. Tree dwarf, slow growing. Fruit small (6-10 oz.),
flat oblong, obliquely almost two-nosed, orange, rather fibrous,
juicy, sweet. Late. For containers, greenhouse.
Keitt
Origin Homestead, 1945. Probably seedling of Mulgoba. Fruit large
(20-26 oz.), ovate with slightly oblique apex, green, flesh rich,
fiber only around seed. Resists mildew. Late. For interior. Florida
fruiting July Aug., sometimes to Sept.
Kensington Pride (syns. Pride of Bowen, Bowen Special)
Origin Bowen, Queensland, 1960s. Generally propagated as seedling
strain. Polyembryonic. Tree rounded, vigorous. Fruit medium to
large, almost round with pink blush. Flavor sweet. Standard Australian
mango cv. Fruit tends to drop at small size. Midseason. For foothills.
Kent
Origin Coconut Grove, 1944. Seedling of Brooks. Tree upright.
Fruit large (20-26 oz.), regular ovate, greenish yellow with red
shoulder, flesh rich, fiberless. Late midseason. For interior.
MacPherson
Origin Encinitas, L.L. Bucklew, 1944. Tree dense, low branching.
Fruit small (6-8 oz.), yellow-green with red blush, flesh fairly
good. Midseason. For coast.
Manila
Origin Mexico, a seedling race common in Veracruz state. A seedling
strain from Hawaii. Philippine type. Tree dwarf, dense. Fruit
small to 10 oz., shaped long, flat, yellow, flavor sharp. Subject
to anthracnose. Early (Oct-Dec), late picked fruit best. For coast
and foothills.
Mulgoba
Origin Bombay; distinct from ancient cv. Mulgoa. Fruit medium,
16 oz., greenhouse.
Ott
Origin La Habra heights, William Ott, 1948. Seedling of Saigon.
Tree dwarf. Fruit medium, to six inches, orange-yellow with pink
blush. Season very early.
Pina (syn. Pineapple)
Origin Mexico, a seedling strain. Philippine type. Tree upright.
Fruit small to 12 oz., shape ovoid, orange yellow. Flavor suggests
pineapple. Early midseason (Nov-Dec). For foothills.
Pirie (syn. Paheri)
Origin India, ancient. Tree broad, spreading. Fruit small (8-10
oz.), almost round, apex oblique, yellow with red blush. Juicy,
fiberless, rich flavor. Alternate bearing; blooms every 18 months.
Early midseason. For greenhouse.
Reliable
Origin San Diego, Calif., Jerry Staedeli, 1966. Seedling of Sensation.
Tree broad, dense, slow. Fruit size varies from 10-20 oz., shape
oblong, yellow blushed red. Rarely misses a crop. Subject to anthracnose,
soft nose. Long ripening season (Oct-Feb). For coast and foothills.
Sensation
Origin Miami, 1941. Tree broad, rounded. Fruit small, round with
oblique apex, yellow with red blush, fibers few. Late. For interior.
T1
Origin Vista, Paul Thomson, 1969. Seedling of Edgehill. Tree low,
spreading. Vigor dependent upon rootstock. Fruit medium to large,
6-8 inches, shape broad oval, green with red blush, fiberless.
Subject to anthracnose, resists mildew, soft nose. Late midseason
(Dec-Jan), very late on coast (Jan-Feb). For coast, foothills,
interior, containers.
Thomson (syn. Thomson Large Seedling)
Origin Vista, Paul Thomson, 1966. Manila seedling, polyembryonic.
Tree spreading, vigor dependent upon rootstock. Fruit small to
medium, (6-12 oz.), yellow, shape flat, to eight inches. Resists
mildew. High fiber under chemical fertilizer regime. Season early,
long (September-November), ripens well indoors if picked prematurely.
For coast.
Tommy Atkins
Originated from a seed planted in the 1920s at Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. Commercially grown for export in Florida. Tree full,
dense. Fruit medium to large, 16 oz. with thick skin, regular
ovate, orange-yellow covered with red and heavy purple bloom.
Firm, juicy, medium fiber, fair to good quality. Flavor poor when
over fertilized and irrigated. Resists anthracnose. Early, ripens
well if picked immature. For interior.
Villasenor
Origin Los Angeles, 1950s, Sr. Villasenor. Tree dwarf, spreading,
responds to strong rootstock. Fruit medium, to 12 oz., shape ovate,
color greenish yellow, pink blush, flavor mild. Late midseason
(Dec Jan). For coast, foothills.
Winters (syn, M20222, Southland)
Origin Miami, USDA, 1959. Seedling of Ono, Philippine type, polyembryonic.
Tree broad, production variable. Fruit medium, to 14 oz., smaller
in desert, shape half-round, yellow blushed red. Subject to anthracnose,
resists soft nose. Parthenocarpic fruit will reach full size.
Season midseason (Nov-Dec), ripens well if picked immature. For
coast, foothills, interior.
Zill
Origin Lake Worth, 1930. Seedling of Haden. Tree very spreading,
open. Fruit small, 8-12 oz., almost round, apex oblique, yellow
with blush, little fiber. Ripens early. For greenhouse.
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