Mango Farming

Plantation and Cultivation

Mango farming is the cultivation of mango trees for their fruit. Mango is one of the most widely grown and popular tropical fruits in the world, and is an important crop for many countries in the tropics and subtropics. Here are some steps involved in mango farming:

Climate

Mango can be grown under both tropical and sub-tropical climate from sea level to 1400 m altitude, provided there is no high humidity, rain or frost during the flowering period. The mango is naturally adapted to tropical lowlands between 25N and 25S of the Equator and up to elevations of 3,000 ft (915 m).

Places with good rainfall and dry summer are ideal for mango cultivation. It is grown as a dooryard tree at slightly cooler altitudes but is apt to suffer cold damage. The best climate for mango has rainfall of 30 to 100 in (75-250 cm) in the four summer months (April to July) followed by 8 months of dry season. It is better to avoid areas with winds and cyclones which may cause flower and fruit shedding and breaking of branches.

Harvesting

Mangos normally reach maturity in 4 to 5 months from flowering. Fruits of "smudged" trees ripen several months before those of untreated trees. The fruits will be larger and heavier even though harvested 2 weeks before untreated fruits.

Blooming and Pollination

Mango trees less than 10 years old may flower and fruit regularly every year. Thereafter, most mangos tend toward alternate, or biennial, bearing. In most of India, flowering occurs in December and January; in northern India, in January and February or as late as March. Mango flowers are visited by fruit bats, flies, wasps, wild bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, ants and various bugs seeking the nectar and some transfer the pollen but a certain amount of self-pollination also occurs.

Culture

About 6 weeks before transplanting either a seedling or a grafted tree, the taproot should be cut back to about 12 in (30 cm). Inasmuch as mango trees vary in lateral dimensions, spacing depends on the habit of the cultivar and the type of soil, and may vary from 34 to 60 ft (10.5-18 m) between trees. Closer planting will ultimately reduce the crop. The young trees should be placed in prepared and enriched holes at least 2 ft (60 cm) deep and wide, and 3/4 of the top should be cut off.

Propagation

Mango trees grow readily from seed. Germination rate and vigor of seedlings are highest when seeds are taken from fruits that are fully ripe, not still firm. Seeds of polyembryonic mangos are most convenient for local and international distribution of desirable varieties. However, in order to reproduce and share the superior monoembryonic selections, vegetative propagation is necessary. Inarching and approach- grafting are traditional in India. Tongue-, saddle-, and root-grafting (stooling) are also common Indian practices.

Dwarfing

Reduction in the size of mango trees would be a most desirable goal for the commercial and private planter. In India, double-grafting has been found to dwarf mango trees and induce early fruiting.

Soil preparation

The mango tree is not too particular as to soil type, providing it has good drainage. Rich, deep loam certainly contributes to maximum growth, but if the soil is too rich and moist and too well fertilized, the tree will respond vegetative but will be deficient in flowering and fruiting. The mango performs very well in sand, gravel, and even oolitic limestone.

Pest and disease control

Regular monitoring and control of pests and diseases is essential to ensure the health of your mango trees. Consult with a local agricultural extension office for guidance on the best methods for controlling pests and diseases in your area.
By following these steps, you can grow healthy mango trees that will produce high-quality fruit. However, it is important to keep in mind that mango farming can be a long-term investment, as it can take several years for mango trees to start producing fruit.

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