Mango

Mango is one of the most important fruits in the tropics, with its industry expanding in size and geographical location. It is grown in various counties in Kenya and is consumed as fresh fruit or processed into juices and jams. Here is an in-depth guide on mango production, focusing on varieties, planting, maintenance, pests, diseases, and nutrition.

1. Varieties 

Various mango varieties are cultivated, each with differences in shape, color, taste, fiber content, seed size, and resistance to pests and diseases. The main varieties include: – Apple, Ngowe, Kent, Keitt, Tommy Atkins, Vandyke.

2. Planting 

Mangoes thrive in deep soils with a spacing of 8-10 meters and a depth of between 1 cubic meter to 0.5 cubic meters. When preparing the planting hole, mix the topsoil with a debe of manure and a compound fertilizer, preferably NPK, mixed with HUMIPOWER/BLACK EARTH (a soil conditioner) at a rate of 1 kg per 50 kg of fertilizer. 

3. Maintenance 

i. Pruning 

Pruning is essential for maintaining shape, size, and canopy management. There are two main types of pruning: 

– Formative Pruning: Done in the first year to ensure the correct shape.

– Structural Pruning: Follows harvesting to improve yield and quality. 

After pruning, spray with CUPROCAFFARO/FUNGURAN/GREENCOP at 50g in 20L of water to manage bacterial diseases.

4. Pests 

To attain high yields of pest-free and high-quality mango fruits, control insect pests at all growth stages, including flushing, flowering, pinhead, early fruit development, and maturity.

i. Mango Fruit Fly 

– Description: Causes more than 50% loss of mango fruits. Females lay eggs on the fruit’s surface, with maggots penetrating and destroying the fruit, leading to rotting and fruit fall. – Control:  

 – LEXUS 247 SC at 10ml in 20L of water 

 – RELAY 150SC at 5ml in 20L of water (long residue effect) 

– KINGCODE ELITE 50 EC/RAPID 120EC at 10mls/20L of water (Superior double-molecule insecticide) 

ii. Mango Seed Weevil 

– Description: Spread by transporting infested fruits, damaging export quality. – Control:  

 – EMERALD 200 SL at 10ml in 20L of water.

iii. Scales and Mealybugs 

– Description: Visible honeydew/sooty mold leads to ants’ invasion, reducing fruit quality. – Control:  

 – EMERALD 200 SL at 10ml in 20L of water 

 – LEXUS 247 SC/ENGEO 247 SC at 10ml in 20L of water 

iv. Gall Midge 

– Description: Symptoms include galls on leaves, affecting photosynthetic ability.

– Control: 

 – LEXUS 247 SC/ENGEO 247 SC at 10ml in 20L of water 

5. Mango Diseases 

Mango production faces several challenges, with fungal infections being a significant concern. Key diseases include powdery mildew, anthracnose, and rust, affecting trees during various growth stages.

i. Powdery Mildew 

– Description: Fungal infection attacking leaves, buds, flowers, and young fruits. – Control:  

 – ABSOLUTE STAR 400 SC/TOKEN 325 SC at 10ml in 20L of water 

 – PEARL 500 SC/GOLDAZIM 500 SC/CHARIOT 500 SC in 20L of water 

ii. Mango Anthracnose 

– Description: Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides var minor, favored by wet or humid weather. 

– Control:  

 – ABSOLUTE STAR 400 SC/TOKEN 325 SC at 10ml in 20L of water 

 – TRINITY GOLD 452 WP at 50g in 20L of water.

6. Mango Nutrition 

Flowering fruits, including mangoes, require proper nutrition to ensure quality yields. Proper flowering, fruit retention, and quality are influenced by several nutrients. 

i. Boron Deficiency 

– Symptoms: Flower and fruit abortion, cracking of fruit, leathery leaves, and brown areas in the fruit pulp. 

– Solution:  

 – BOROZINC at 50ml in 20L of water 

 – CALMABON at 50ml in 20L of water before flowering and during fruit development ii. Zinc Deficiencies

– Symptoms: Little leaf symptom, small leaves, general dwarfness, and chlorotic foliage. – Solution:  

 – ZINC GOLD at 20ml in 20L of water 

 – BOROZINC at 50ml in 20L of water at all growth stages 

iii. Root Development/Immunity Booster