Introduction to Mango Cultivation
- Mango (Mangifera indica) is known as the 'king of fruits' in India.
- India accounts for about 56% of global mango production.
- Major producing states: Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat.
- Mango contributes nearly 39.5% of India's total fruit production.
Soil and Climate Requirements
Soil:
- Grows in alluvial to lateritic soils; avoid poorly drained black cotton soils.
- Prefers slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5–7.5); poor growth above pH 7.5.
- Good drainage is essential for healthy growth.
Climate:
- Tropical to subtropical; can be grown up to 1,100 m above sea level.
- Optimal temperature: 24–27°C; higher temperatures improve fruit quality.
- Requires 25–250 cm annual rainfall; avoid high humidity and frost during flowering.
Major Mango Varieties in India
- Over 1,000 varieties exist; about 20 are commercially important.
- Popular varieties: Alphonso, Banganapalli, Bombay Green, Chausa, Dashehari, Fazli, Gulab Khas, Himsagar, Kesar, Kishenbhog, Langra, Mankurad, Neelum, Pairi, Totapuri.
- Varietal preference varies by state and region.
- North Indian varieties often alternate-bearers; South Indian varieties are generally regular-bearers.
Important Mango Hybrids and Clonal Selections
| Hybrid | Parentage | Key Features |
|---|
| Mallika | Neelum × Dashehari | Regular-bearer, high TSS, good colour, uniform fruits |
| Amrapali | Dashehari × Neelum | Dwarf, regular-bearer, cluster-bearing, good keeping quality |
| Ratna | Neelum × Alphonso | Regular-bearer, free from spongy tissue and fibre |
| Sindhu | Ratna × Alphonso | Regular-bearer, thin stone |
| Arka Puneet | Alphonso × Banganapalli | Regular-bearer, attractive skin, good keeping quality |
Propagation Methods
- Mango is highly heterozygous and cross-pollinated.
- Polyembryonic varieties (mainly in South India) can be grown from seed; monoembryonic (North India) require vegetative propagation.
- Common propagation methods: inarching, veneer grafting, side grafting, epicotyl/stone grafting.
- Rootstock seedlings are raised from fresh seeds (sown within 4–5 weeks of extraction).
Planting Systems and Spacing
- Planting systems: square, rectangular, and hexagonal; square and rectangular are most common.
- Spacing depends on variety vigor and cropping system; typically 10–12 m for traditional planting.
- Pits of 1 m × 1 m × 1 m are prepared and filled with well-rotted farmyard manure.
- Planting is best done during the rainy season (June–September).
High-Density Planting in Mango
- High-density planting increases yield per unit area.
- Amrapali is suitable for high-density planting (2.5 m × 2.5 m spacing).
- Paclobutrazol (2 ml/tree) induces flowering in off-years.
- Pruning and use of dwarfing rootstocks (e.g., Vellaikolumban) help manage tree size.
Training, Pruning, and Aftercare
- Training is essential in early years to develop a strong framework.
- Proper branch spacing facilitates intercultural operations.
- Pruning is minimal; mainly removal of diseased, dead, or crossing branches.
Nutrient and Water Management
Manuring and Fertilization:
- Apply 73 g N, 18 g P2O5, 68 g K2O per year of age (up to 10 years).
- After 10 years: 730 g N, 180 g P2O5, 680 g K2O per tree/year in two split doses (June–July, Sept–Oct).
- Correct micronutrient deficiencies with foliar sprays: 0.3% zinc sulphate, 0.5% borax, 0.5% manganese sulphate.
Irrigation:
- Young plants (up to 2 years) require regular watering (about 30 L/week).
- Irrigation during pre-flowering and fruit set increases yield.
- Established trees: irrigate at 10-day intervals after fruit set.
Intercropping and Cover Crops
- Intercropping reduces weed growth and nutrient loss.
- Suitable intercrops: blackgram, wheat, brinjal, onion.
- Cover crops like sunhemp, cowpea, and pea help prevent soil erosion.
Harvesting and Postharvest Management
- Harvest mangoes with pedicel to reduce injury and fungal infection.
- Average yield: 8 tonnes/ha; 1,000–2,000 fruits/tree during bearing age.
- Sort and grade fruits by size; use proper packaging (perforated cardboard boxes preferred).
- Store mature green mangoes at 5–16°C; avoid chilling injury.
- Postharvest treatments: waxing, hot-water treatment, individual wrapping, hydro-cooling extend shelf life.
Summary and Key Points
- Mango thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils and warm, humid climates.
- Choose suitable varieties and hybrids for region and market demand.
- Adopt high-density planting and proper nutrient management for higher productivity.
- Intercropping and postharvest care improve sustainability and fruit quality.