Copyright 2005 For more information, please write or call: Agricultural Knowledge Management Division AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

ATI Bldg., Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City Trunkline: (63-2) 929-8541 to 49 Fax Number: (63-2) 926-4623 Website: www.ati.da.gov.ph

The ideal growing conditions for mango are distinct wet and dry seasons with at least four to five months of dry period. A mango grower should consider the following soil suitability requirements and climatic conditions: Soil characteristics: - sandy loam, relatively rich in organic matter - good drainage (very important) - pH 6.0-7.0 - flat to slightly rolling terrain Climatic condition - distinct wet and dry season (4 to 5 months dry period) - temperature of 21 to 30 C - no strong winds Elevation - should not be higher than 600 meters above sea level. - 400 meters ideal for growing mango After area selection, the mango grower is advised to plant the recommended mango varieties/strains: GUIMARAS SELECTION: GES 73, 77, 84, 85, Talaban, Fresco, Tanaleon and Guimaras Super. BATAAN: Lamao No. 1 ILOCOS: MMSU Gold ZAMBALES: Sweet Elena

ango grows anywhere in the country. However, profitable production, ideal soil and climate should be considered.

For backyard planting, underbrushing or cutting of young trees (bushes, volunteer plants) is required to clear the area. This will facilitate lay-out and minimize shading of newly-planted trees. For orchard planting, underbrushing, plowing and harrowing are required to attain good soil tilth. These activities should be done before the onset of rainy days, in preparation for field lay-out. Planting of windbreaks such as mahogany and acacia, along boundaries is also recommended. These trees will also serve as circumferential fence for the orchard. If irrigation facilities have to be installed, these should be part of the plan for site development. Faucets may be strategically placed within the orchard while primary and secondary waterlines could be installed for ready access. An orchard shed, together with a working area and storeroom may be constructed in a section of the orchard that is highly accessible to transportation facilities.

These materials can be availed from nurseries accredited by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
Cultural Management Practices of Mango
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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Quincux System Square System

In the square system, trees are planted in the corners of the square. This system is widely practiced because it is easy to lay-out. It also facilitates many cultural management practices such as pruning, bagging, etc. In adopting the square system, one has to follow these procedures: Make a wooden triangular frame measuring 3x4x5 meters. Set this frame in one corner of the field. This will serve as reference point. With nylon strings, extend both arms of the triangle and fix the ends using bamboo poles. The lay-out can be done using another string with marked distance of planting. Place bamboo stick on the appropriate distance. Move the marked string to over the entire area. In the quincunx system, plants are laid out in the four corners and at the center of a square to maximize space. In general, it can accommodate about two times more plants than the square system. The earlier designs (square, triangular and quincux) are appropriate for flat and slightly rolling areas.

Contour System
On the slopes of hilly land in which the threat of erosion is more likely to happen, plants are laid out on contour lines, established against the slope. This system of planting reduces the slope length and the slope angle, thus, allowing rainwater to be withheld by the soil for sometime; allowing it to percolate and prevent runoff. The root system of the main crop further keeps the soil intact and holds the soil particles together. Laying out hilly lands is done using an A-frame starting from the upper to the lower slope.

Triangular System
The triangular system is simply done by laying out the plants in the corners of an equilateral triangle. It accommodate 15% more plants that the square system.
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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Some guidelines in the use of contour system:

Start laying-out from the top of the hill by establishing a baseline from the steepest slope. Each point in the reference line should be break-chained so that one can get the accurate slope distance with the changing slope downhill. Always start the determination of each contour line from the baseline. Drive the first stake at the desired point. Place one leg of the A-frame beside the first stake. Then, adjust the other leg on the ground such that the weighted string passes the midpoint mark on the crossbar. Drive another stake at this point. Move the A-frame to the next spot such that one leg touches the second stake at the side of its base. Repeat the above steps until the whole area has been laid out. Make corrections or adjustments to the layout to take care of strange spots like gullies and rocks on the ground. This is made when contour lines go astray, or when they become too close to cause the overlapping of hills between contour lines, or too far to leave a larger area unused. All reference lines, especially the layout made in the flatbeds, should be placed at a certain distance from the border. If the borders are lined up with tree windbreaks, the distance between the windbreak and the plant should be equal to the average of their respective planting distance.
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high density planting

The distance of planting in mango is influenced by fertility of soil, wherein fast growth is attained. Fertile soil and wider spacing are recommended for fast growing varieties. These conditions will also benefit farmers who want to plant intercrops in between rows of trees. In general, mangoes need full sunlight for productive growth. Thus, close spacing that can result to competition of light, food and water must be avoided. For Carabao mango, spacing not less than 10x10 m, (100 trees per hectare) can be tolerated. However, the ideal distance of 12x12m or 14x14m is recommended for grafted trees. On the other hand, wider spacing of 20x20m and above is recommended for seeded trees. High density planting, as experienced by most mango growers, resulted to low productivity of trees due to competition. Also, it caused problems associated with pests. Unless the tree structure is modified to accommodate small or dwarf trees, high density planting should be avoided.

contour lay-out

Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Plant during the start of the rainy season. Planting late may be done if irrigation facilities are available. Plants are set in holes, deep and wide enough to accommodate the mass of soil in the roots of the planting material (usually twice the size of the container.) This is recommended in areas with fertile, deep and friable soils. However, in areas with clayey, rocky, or poor (either acidic or basic) soils, big holes with a diameter and depth of 0.5 x 0.5 x0.5m are appropriate. Provided the soil is fertile, the top fertile soil should be separated from the subsoil and should be returned first. Otherwise, this is not done because poor soil will be replaced by compost. Remove carefully the plastic container from the roots of the planting materials and see to it that the mass of soil remains intact with the roots. Mix the topsoil with 1 kg compost and place at the bottom of the hole. Set the plant into the hole. Press the topsoil with compost around the plant with feet or hands to compact. Tie each plant to a support bamboo pole or stick) to avoid lodging.

There is a need to take care of newly planted trees; otherwise, high percentage mortality can occur, particularly during dry season. The establishment period is about four to five years and it is important for the trees to attain maximum canopy size, through proper management before these can be induced to flower.
young mango tree

The whole area can be secured by a barbed wire (two strands, fixed on wooden or concrete posts). Individual fencing of trees can also be done using wooden sticks or bamboo poles. Wind breaks, if planted close to each other, can also serve as fences.

Mulching is needed to conserve moisture. It also serves as a source of organic matter. No prescribed amount of mulch is used but more is better. To prepare mulch, place field waste or residues around the base of the trunk, few inches away from the stem to prevent pest problems. Commonly used mulching materials are rice straws, rice hulls, sugarcane bagasse, chopped weeds and banana stalks.
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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Fertilizer management for Carabao mango. Table 1: Fertilizer Management for Carabao Mango
Age of Tree Rate/Tree/Year

Mangoes do not need extensive fertilization because they can survive in poor and unfertile soil. However, fertilization is necessary to stimulate early growth and rapid development of young trees. Fertilizer usage depends on climate and environmental conditions, variation in farming practices, soil and tissue analyses and results of field fertilizer experiments. Use of organic fertilizer is advised due to its macronutrients, affordability and availability. Table 1 presents the amount and frequency of fertilizer needed at planting and during the nonbearing years. (Please see Table 1 in the next page)

Fertilizer Grade Chicken manure (old) 14-14-14

Application Method Incorporate with surface soil then fill up the hole. Place the fertilizer about 8 cm below the roots and 12 cm to the side of the seedling Apply in four to six holes around the base of the plant. Cover the fertilizer with soil. Mix thoroughly and apply in two equal doses in four to six holes within the tree canopy. Time At planting

At planting and up to three years of age

5 kg

100-150 g

At planting or at the start of the rainy season

100-150 g

14-14-14

Before the end of rainy season

Nonbearing young trees

300-500 g

14-14-14

Bearing trees up to 15 years of age

5 kg

14-14-14

canal constructed around the tree

On relatively flat area, ring weed the canopy area then broadcast fertilizer about 2-3 m away from the base or within the tree canopy. Cover the fertilizer with soil by harrowing or plowing. On slightly hilly or rolling land, apply in six to eight holes, 2-3 m away from the base. Cover the fertilizer with soil. -do-

First application is made at the start of the rainy season; the second, before the end of the rainy season. -do-

Bearing tree, 15 years of age or older

5 kg plus 1 kg for every year after 15 years

14-14-14

-do-

Cultural Management Practices of Mango

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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Field establishment of young trees require 4 to 5 years. To make use of the spaces in between trees, intercropping is recommended. The types of intercrops depend upon the suitability of the commodity and their demand in the area. Intercrops like leguminous vegetables, melons, squash, sweet potato and short maturing fruit crops (papaya and pineapple) are recommended. Intercrops should be managed separately and should not compete with the main crop (mango).

Weeds compete for water and nourishment of young trees. During dry season, weeds can be fire hazard and will cause the burning of trees. the For orchard plantation, weed control can be done through inter-row cultivation, using a tractor or plow driven by a cow. For backyard plantation, ring cultivation can suffice weed control. In weeding, the following radius from the base of trunk needs to be considered: Age of Tree (Years) 1-3 4-10 10-15 Radius (cm) 20-45 50-90 100-200

Underbrush the remaining spaces manually. Use of mower or rotary grass cutter can also be done. Also, herbicide should be used with caution since mango trees are sensitive to the chemical.

Desirable climatic requirement is five months of continuous dry season that will coincide with mango flowering. However, there is a need to irrigate young and newly established trees, especially during the dry season. The volume of water required per week is 20 to 40 liters, just enough to saturate the soil within the root system. Flooding method can be used to apply water.
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It is not necessary to prune young trees unless insects and diseases are present, if this happens, remove only the affected parts. In formative pruning, grafts which are about one meter tall, cut terminal portions to encourage lateral branching. Also, maintain three to four strong branches; allow them to grow before doing the second cut. This is a special pruning with the objective of producing dwarf trees.
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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Young trees will flower after a few years from planting. However, it is advisable to cut these flowers so as not to compete with the growth of young trees.

It is advisable to do minimal pruning prior to flower induction to remove unnecessary, crowded, overlapping branches and those which are affected by pests. Only the inside branches should be pruned to allow the penetration of light as well as circulation of air inside the canopy. This condition is inimical for the growth of pests. Some farmers do the open center pruning to enhance light penetration. This is recommended for big trees.

With good cultural management, trees can form the maximum canopy and are ready for induction after five years from planting. These cultural management for bearing trees will help mango growers produce more fruits of better quality.

Soil fertilizer when applied after pruning will encourage the growth of vegetative shoots, a very important requirement for flower induction. The amount and frequency of fertilizer is given in Table 1 for bearing trees. (see Table 1) For less than 30 years old grafted trees, apply fertilizer at about 1.0 to 1.5 meter radius from the trunk in a small canal constructed around the tree that is 30 cm deep. For large trees, make a canal perpendicular to the canopy spread and apply fertilizer. Developing flowers and fruits require foliar spray at 12-16, 21-25 at bud elongation and 30-35 days after flower induction to encourage development, enhance fruit set and fruit development.

Pruning is usually done after harvest to prepare the tree for production, improve fruit quality and attain desired size and shape of crown, eliminate undesirable branches and achieve dwarfing effect to enable the trees to be resistant to lodging. To avoid infection after pruning, treat the cut portion with any paint or used diesel oil.

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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Flowering of mango trees usually takes place from October to May. Growth and flowering occur in phases. Shoot or leaf flush is frequent in the juvenile stage of trees and in areas with short dry season. It is less frequent in mature trees and in areas with long dry season. The frequency of flushes depends on cultivars; the Carabao mango for instance have longer intervals while the Indian mango is a regular bearer, even without induction. The Carabao mango undergoes an alternate bearing habit with flowers and fruits in the first year (on season) and little or no flowers in the next year (off season). There is a need to correct this fruiting behavior, otherwise, production becomes irregular and markets will be affected. Carabao mango is ready for flower induction when leaves are 7 to 9 months old, crispy, dark green and buds are plump and prominent.

The process is repeated one to two months later. Mature trees with brittle, dark green leaves from the current flush or coppery-bronze colored from the older flush are usually preferred as well as those with prominent and well-developed terminal and axillary buds. This method, however, is laborious and ecology-damaging. Areas around the mango orchard are not only stripped of vegetation but are polluted with combustion by-products.

2. Chemical Induction
As long as shoots are physiologically matured, potassium nitrate (KNO3) spraying can induce flowering anytime of the year. It is now known that KNO3 only acts as inducing agent and lets go what is inside the shoot. Hence, if shoots are not physiologically matured, leaves, instead of flowers, come out.

chemical spraying

Types of Flower Induction 1. Smudging

Smudging is a common practice which involves building a smoky fire below the tree canopy, allowing the smoke to pass through the foliage. It is done continuously for several days but is stopped when flowers do not appear within two weeks.

KNO3 is however restricted because it can be an ingredient for explosive. This holds true for other salts of nitrates, particularly calcium nitrate, which is now being used. Nitrate base in water solution offers as an alternative. (i.e. UAN and ANS) In the absence of or failure to attain nitrate, the commercially formulated flower inducers (in powder or liquid form) may be used: Boom, Flower Set, Mangotone, Miracleblum and others. The success of flower induction depends on age of tree, age of shoot, month of induction, concentration of spray mixture and yield of the tree in the previous season.
Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Cultural Management Practices of Mango

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Older trees respond more readily to flower induction than younger ones. Flushes during the first quarter of the year may respond after seven to nine months, while the last quarter will do so in five to six months.

For liquid formulation: Mix one liter of the formulated product in two to three kerosene cans of water (40-60 liters) early in the season. For large-scale operations, use power sprayer. For small scale spraying, knapsack or home made, manually operated sprayer may be used. Induced trees start to flower in 7 to 14 days. Rains of short duration immediately after spraying do not affect the effectiveness of the inducer as long as the leaves are dry when the spraying was done. However, if continuous rain lasts for one or more days immediately after induction, follow-up spray with reduced concentration. If induced trees do not flower due to pest infestation or strong winds, postpone induction for the next season. About 50% to 60% of trees in the orchard will have fair number of flowers. The trees that do not flower will be more responsive in the next season. The percent flowering per tree also varies. This is its maximum capacity, thus, should not be forced to produce more flowers.

Trees during the wet months (July to November) need stronger concentration (2%) while the trees may respond to lower concentration (1%) during December to May. Trees with high load of fruits in the preceding season may not respond satisfactorily to induction in the following year. For economical reasons, it is recommended to choose carefully trees for induction. Use the following concentrations as a guide in flower induction. Season Early (July to November); choose only old trees Form of Inducer Crystalline (agricultural grade) Concentration of Inducer 2% (2 kg/100 liters water) (2 small tin cans/ kerosene can of water) 1-1.5% (1-1.5 kg/100 liters water) (1-1.5 tin can/ kerosene can of water)

In September, only trees with 10 to 12 or older shoots may respond to induction. In October, only old trees with seven to nine months or older shoots may respond to induction. In December or later, even young trees of five to six monthold shoots may respond to induction. Central Visayas and all Mindanao regions produce off season fruits to avoid the glut in supply in March to May. Paclobutrazol, a plant growth regulator, is used for this purpose.

Late (December-May)

Crystalline (agricultural grade)

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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

Sixty days after flower induction is the best time to bag mango fruits, since at this stage, the fruit is established on the tree. The bag should be big enough to allow room for fruit development. Its bottom portion should be closed to prevent the mango seed borers from laying its eggs on the apex of the fruit. Bagging, using sturdy materials, protects the fruits from rain and strong winds. Also, it does not only promote fruit quality but also protects fruits from diseases like stem-end rot, scab and sooty mold. It minimizes incidence of fruit fly, mango seed borer or cecid fly. This practice also helps avoid latex burns during harvest, fruit rejects are reduced.

REFERENCES:
ATI-Cabagan. Management Practices of Fruit Bearing Carabao Mango. Cabagan: The Mango Technical Committee, 2003. Extension Communication Division. Mango Production Guide. Tugegarao: Agricultural Training Institute, 2001. Golez, Hernani. Technology Updates on Major Fruits: Mango. (A Paper presented during the 3rd Mindanao Fruit Industry Conference) Davao City: November 2003. Golez, Hernani. Updates on the Cultural Management of Mango. Jordan, Guimaras, BPI-National Mango Research and Development Center. The Philippines Recommends for Mango. Los Banos Laguna: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation, Inc. (PARRFI), 1994. Pictures from Dr. Hernani G. Golez. Bureau of Plant Industry - National Mango Research and Development Center.

Bagging materials
Several bagging materials are used in the field. However, imported newspaper or waxy magazine are recommended for both wet and dry seasons, while ordinary newspapers may be used during dry season. Bagged fruits have higher recovery rates and are more marketable, as compared to non-bagged fruits.

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Cultural Management Practices of Mango

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Kristina Mae R. Ombao Pauline Anne P. Escalante
Managing Editors and Desktop Publishing Artists

REFERENCES:
ATI-Cabagan. Management Practices of Fruit Bearing Carabao Mango. Cabagan: The Mango Technical Committee, 2003. Extension Communication Division. Mango Production Guide. Tugegarao: Agricultural Training Institute, 2001. Golez, Hernani. Technology Updates on Major Fruits: Mango. (A Paper presented during the 3rd Mindanao Fruit Industry Conference) Davao City: November 2003. Golez, Hernani. Updates on the Cultural Management of Mango. Jordan, Guimaras, BPI-National Mango Research and Development Center. The Philippines Recommends for Mango. Los Banos Laguna: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation, Inc. (PARRFI), 1994. Pictures from Dr. Hernani G. Golez. Bureau of Plant Industry - National Mango Research and Development Center.

Antonieta J. Arceo
Editor

Hernani G. Golez, Ph.D.

Subject Matter Specialist

Roberto T. Masbang Editha S. Vinuya

Editorial Consultants

Asterio P. Saliot, MNSA Alberto B. Maningding, MNSA

Advisers