Mango Definition:

• Mangoes are the edible, fleshy fruits of a perennial plant, developed after the fertilization of a flower.

IMPORTANCE OF MANGO PRODUCTION:

1. a) Nutritional Importance:

• Mangoes are rich in vitamins (A, B, C, E, etc.) and minerals (Mg, Zn, Ca, Fe, K, P).
• They help boost immunity.

1. b) Socio-Economic Importance:

• Mangoes can be sold both locally and for export, providing income.

1. c) Raw Materials:

• Mangoes serve as raw materials for agro-based industries producing juices and other products.

1. d) Employment:

• Mango production provides livelihoods and job opportunities.

MANGO VARIETIES:

• Dodo (Maboloma)
• Keitt
• Tommy Atkins
• Sensation
• Haden
• Irwin
• Apple
• Zill
• Kent
• Van Dyke

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A SITE FOR MANGO PRODUCTION:

1. Soil Type:
   • Sandy loam is ideal.
   • pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5.
2. Altitude:
   • Mangoes grow best at 1200 meters above sea level.
3. Temperature:
   • Ideal range: 24-25°C.
   • Avoid areas prone to frost.
4. Water Supply:
   • Rainfall requirement: 600mm – 1500mm.
   • A dry period is needed for flowering, while heat is necessary for fruit ripening.

SITE PREPARATION FOR MANGOES:

• Clear Land: Do this during the dry season to control weeds.
• Dig Planting Holes:
  • Dimensions: 60cm x 60cm x 100cm.
  • Prepare holes early enough for soil to weather.
• Soil Management:
  • Separate topsoil and subsoil.
• Spacing:
  • Space holes 5m x 8m to 14m x 14m apart.

WEED CONTROL IN MANGO ORCHARD:

1. Mechanical Methods:
   • Digging, mulching, and slashing.
2. Chemical Methods:
   • Use herbicides.

MANGO PESTS:

1. Fruit Flies:
   • Fruit flies pierce mangoes, causing them to rot.
   • Control: Collect and burn fallen fruits, eradicate non-economic host plants, and regularly use poison baits.
2. Mango Scales:
   • These sap-sucking pests affect tree growth, cause branches to die, and lead to fruit drop.
   • Control: Spray insecticides and use biological agents like beetles and lacewings.
3. Mango Weevils:
   • These pests burrow into the fruit, causing dark spots and damaging the seed.
   • Control: Collect and bury fallen fruits, spray regularly with long-acting insecticides.

MANGO DISEASES:

1. Mango Anthracnose:
   • A fungal disease that affects flowers, causing them to die before fruits form.
   • Control: Use tolerant varieties, remove dead branches, and spray fungicides.
2. Powdery Mildew:
   • A fungal disease that causes white growth on leaves, flowers, and young fruits, especially in dry weather.
   • Control: Plant mildew-intolerant varieties and spray with sulfur.

TRANSPLANTING MANGO SEEDLINGS:

• Transplant when seedlings are 6-8 cm long.
• Water the seedlings before transplanting.
• Transplant at the beginning of the rainy season.
• Avoid damaging shoots and buds.
• Use a sharp knife to cut and remove the polythene around the seedling.
• Prune back circular roots to stimulate new root growth.
• Plant seedlings at the center of the hole, to the root collar, and press the soil firmly.
• Apply mulch, preferably inorganic, and water regularly.

This unit covers essential aspects of mango production, focusing on site selection, pest control, and disease management to ensure a successful and productive mango orchard.