Mango (Mangifera indica) belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is a stony tropical fruit. Although native to South Asia, mangoes have been distributed worldwide, particularly in tropical regions. Mangoes exhibit variations in shape, size, taste, skin color, and flesh color, depending on the variety.
The Kenyan mango industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, both in terms of size and geographical distribution of commercial and homestead plantings. Mango is a crucial fruit crop in tropical and subtropical lowlands, serving as a vital cash crop for Kenya, catering to both local and export markets.
Mango farming can provide a source of income for producing countries and contribute to household food security. The primary function of mangoes is to provide nutrition to households while also offering economic development opportunities.
Mangoes are consumed worldwide in significant quantities, either as fresh fruit or in processed forms such as fruit juice, dried fruit, chutney, pickles, and jam. The local population is increasingly fond of mango fruit. Nevertheless, only a few consumers and potential growers have familiarity with the characteristics of the many different mango cultivars grown and available in the country.
Health Benefits Associated With Mangoes
Heart Health
Mangoes are also useful in sustaining your cardiovascular system. They are a major source of magnesium and potassium, both of which are linked to low blood pressure and a steady pulse.
In addition, mangoes are responsible for a compound known as mangiferin, which, according to initial studies, could reduce inflammation of the heart.
Digestive Health
Mangoes can help stabilize the digestive tract. They have both amylase compounds and dietary fiber that can help you avoid constipation. Amylase compounds can help dissolve other foods in the stomach by breaking down harsh starches. Meanwhile, fiber in mangos may be more effective at alleviating constipation than the equivalent fiber supplements.
Cancer prevention
Research has revealed that fruits and vegetables containing carotenoids, including mangoes, can help reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to a 2013 study.
Better sleep
Mango contains vitamin B6, “which is responsible for the production of serotonin, a chemical that helps people sleep and regulates their mood,” says Laura M. Ali, RDN, a culinary registered dietitian based in Pittsburgh.
Three-quarters of a cup of mango farming typically provides 8 percent of your daily B6 needs.
Good for the sight
While enumerating the main benefits of eating and mango farming, we need to inform you that mangoes are good for your vision. Being rich in beta-carotene, mangoes manifest the production of eyesight.
Reduced high cholesterol levels
Mangoes contain friendly Vitamin A. In addition, mangos are rich in essential antioxidants, which are good for health.
Similarly, eating mangoes every day helps to reduce your cholesterol levels. This occurs because of the high content of pectin fiber in mangos, which contributes to regular LDL or bad cholesterol.
Varieties of Mangoes
Glenn
Among the various varieties of mango, Glenn is an excellent choice. It is sweet, silky, whereby its peachy flavor, along with its exotic odor, make it popular among mango lovers. Glenn mangoes are oval to oblong in shape and a little red or pink in color.
Madame Francique
Also known as the “Dessert Mango,” is named thus owing to its great use in desserts. This variety features varying colors from light green to orange to slightly yellow. Madame Francique is known for its rich, sweet, and spicy taste, which is rare and tangy but exceptionally brilliant.
Ataulfo
With its vibrant yellow color and sweet and creamy flavor, is every mango lover’s absolute favorite. Ataulfo has smooth, firm flesh with no fibers, making it easier to use in salads or just consume on its own. This kind of mango is small and oval in shape.
Valencia Pride
A child variety originating from Haden mangos, also finds its roots in Florida. The first reported Valencia Pride fruit was produced in 1941. This variety is large and has a skin covered with a large red blush, while some yellow hues also find their way around it. Valencia Pride is a fibreless variety and has a smooth, melting, juicy texture along with a mouthwatering odor, which makes it a premium choice.
Keitt
Is enjoyed both when fully ripe and green and also as pickles when not fully grown. Keitt mangos have a sweet and fruity flavor with firm, juicy flesh having only a limited amount of fiber.
Ecological Requirements for Growing Mangoes
Altitude
Mango does well at elevations from sea level (0 m a.s.l) to medium altitude (1600 m a.s.l).
Temperature
Mangoes perform better at an average annual temperature of 15-30ºC, with an optimal temperature range of 24-30ºC.
Rainfall
Annual precipitation from 850 to 1000 mm is enough for a successful crop. A distinct dry or cool season stimulates blooming. Rain during flowering significantly reduces fruit intake. Once the mango tree is well established, it tolerates drought, particularly when the tap roots have reached the water table.
Soil
Mango trees are well suited to many soil types but prefer deep soils (at least 3 m) which are fertile, loamy, and well-drained for good growth. The best soil pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.5 [https://leafplanttech.com/ecological-requirements-of-mango-growing/#:~:text=Mango%20trees%20are%20well%20adapted,is%20between%205.5%20and%207.5].
Mango Breeding
The two main mango propagation options are seed and grafting. The best breeding method depends on the cultivars needed and the growing conditions.
Seed Propagation
This method is only recommended for polyembryonic mango species such as Kensington Pride. Polyembryonic seeds produce multiple buds, one of which emerges from a fertilized egg. Fertilized seedlings are slow growing and must be disposed of. The remaining seedlings are clones of the mother tree. However, any seed may be used to grow seedlings for transplant. The seedling will become the rootstocks. Collect the second fruit and use it to propagate rootstock.
Propagation of mangoes by grafting
In commercial mango production, grafting is the most widely used method of propagation. The advantage of this method lies in the early maturity of the tree and the accurate knowledge of the variety that the plant will bear. This is the most reliable way to retain the desirable characteristics of mother plants and excellent fruit qualities.
Grafting involves using the scion of the plant and linking it to one’s own genus. One tip to be considered to attain better production is that the young scion must come from a tree proven to bear good quality fruits, and the rootstock to be used should be healthy, vigorous, and disease free. The scion will bear fruits and not the stock where the scion is connected. Different grafting styles exist, including corner, side, T-graft, and whipped graft.
Land Preparation and Planting
These are crucial steps in growing healthy mango trees. A suitable climate for mango trees ranges from humid tropical to semi-arid subtropical regions, provided there is a dry period of at least 3 to 4 months and sufficient light for flower induction.
The spacing between mango trees varies depending on the variety and the growing environment. In dry zones, where vegetative growth is limited, the spacing ranges from 10 m x 10 m.
In wet and rich soils, the preferred spacing is 12 m x 12 m due to abundant vegetative growth. Planting holes should be dug before the rainy season to allow water collection and enhance seedling survival.
The recommended dimensions for the holes are 1 meter in depth, width, and length (1m x 1m x 1m) taking into account the canopy of the mango tree and the soil fertility of the area.
Irrigation
The irrigation requirements for mango trees are contingent upon a range of factors, including soil type, prevailing climatic conditions, rainfall patterns, distribution, and tree age.
The necessity for irrigation during monsoon months is contingent upon the duration of drought. In the initial year, when the plants have a shallow root system, watering should occur every 2-3 days during the dry season.
For trees between 2-5 years of age, irrigation should occur every 4-5 days, while for 5-8-year-old plants, the irrigation interval can be extended to 10-15 days during the dry season.
When the trees are in full bearing stage, 2-3 irrigations are typically administered after the fruit set, leading to increased fruit set, decreased fruit drop, and improved fruit size and quality. It is recommended to avoid frequent irrigation 2-3 months prior to the flowering season. Mango plants should be irrigated in basins around them to conserve water, while intercrops should be irrigated independently based on their specific requirements.
Pruning and Training
Pruning and training your fruit tree is essential in order to ensure that it grows to its desired height and form.
During the first year, it is important to prune the tree to guide it into the desired shape. Once the tree is around 1m from the ground, it is advisable to cap the seedling in order to encourage the growth of side branches.
Pruning is a regular activity, preferably after fruit harvest, in order to maintain it properly. The ideal height for the tree should be around 3.5m and you should prune all the branches up to knee level (about 0.5m). Remove all dead branches in order to allow sunlight to penetrate through to the ground beneath the tree. Also, prune grafted trees to ensure they flower and bear fruit.
Pruning and training your fruit tree is essential in order to properly maintain the tree and ensure that it reaches its desired height and form. It is important to regularly prune the tree, up to knee level, and remove all dead branches in order to maximize sunlight penetration. Prune grafted trees to encourage flowering and fruit formation. Pruning is essential in order to grow healthy, high-yielding fruit trees.
Fertilizer requirements for mangoes
Manures and fertilizers may be applied in September or October. Fertilizers are applied 45 to 90 cm away from the trunk up to the peripheral leaf drip.
Maturity and Harvesting
1. Fruits generally require 95 to 115 days to mature after flowering.
2. Building of shoulders and a slight depression near the stalk end indicates the maturity of the fruit.
3. Colour of the fruit changes from dark green to pale green.
4. Red blush develops on the fruit’s shoulders.
5. One or two or three ripe fruits fall from the plant naturally, indicating the maturity of the other fruit on the tree.
6. The fruits with a specific gravity range of 1.00 to 1.02 are mature.
7. Harvesting should be by hand as much as possible. You twist the fruit sharply sidewise or upward.
8. You trim the pedicel short enough to keep it from puncturing other fruits. Mango harvester harvests fruit borne on high branches.
9. Single trees should produce 200 to 500 fruits per year, depending on the varieties. Most varieties produce biennially, and a poor harvest may follow a good one. Varieties with an annual bearing tendency are good to pick.
Pests and Diseases
There are a number of insect pests damaging the mango tree but the most abundant and destructive are mango hoppers, mealy bugs, stem borer, fruit flies, and mango nut weevils which play a major role in bringing down the fruit quality and yield.
What are the common diseases of mango?
- Powdery mildew.
- Anthracnose.
- Dieback.
- Phoma blight.
- Bacterial canker.
- Red rust.
- Sooty mould.
- Mango malformation.
Mango farming is an activity that contributes to the growth of the Kenyan economy through local consumption and export. Mango is a highly perishable commodity and lack of proper storage lead to a lot of wastage during production seasons. Government should help farmers with proper storage facilities that can enhance longevity in storage.
References
https://www.google.com/amp/s/wikifarmer.com/mango-tree-propagation/%3famp=1
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