पोस्ट विवरण
Cultivation of Mangosteen
The mangosteen is a slow-growing tropical tree with branches that form a pyramid-like crown. It's an exotic evergreen tree, globally appreciated for its sweet and tangy taste and the beautiful purple color of its juicy fruits. In India, it's successfully cultivated in the coastal regions of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Mangosteen fruit contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and scientists are also exploring its use in treating several types of cancers.
How to Cultivate Mangosteen?
Soil
- The ideal soil for proper growth of mangosteen plants is sandy loam, rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for soil is 5.5 to 6.5, while for good fruit yield, a pH of 6 to 8 is preferred.
Climate
- Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that requires a moderate climate. It thrives in high humidity and temperatures between 22 to 35 degrees Celsius. Mangosteen can also be grown well in the shade, so placing it in areas with indirect or filtered sunlight is best. Typically, the plants need about 13 hours of sunlight each day. A warm and humid climate is most suitable for this fruit. The plant does not require excessive water, heat, or cold.
Sowing Time
- Mangosteen is typically cultivated during the monsoon season, with the best months being June to July.
Field Preparation
- Remove Residuals: Clear the field of old crop residues.
- Deep Plowing: Perform deep plowing 2-3 times using a plow or cultivator.
- Soil Loosening: Loosen the soil by plowing 1-2 times with a rotavator.
- Leveling: Level the field to prevent waterlogging during rains.
- Pit Preparation: Prepare pits in rows, 1 meter wide and 2 feet deep, with a distance of 5-6 meters between rows. The pit size should be 3x3x3 feet.
- Fertilization: Add organic and chemical fertilizers to the pits.
- Irrigation: After adding the fertilizer, irrigate the field thoroughly.
- Timing: Prepare the pits one month before transplanting the plants.
Planting
- Mangosteen trees can be propagated through seeds, grafting, or budding.
- Sowing mangosteen seeds is an easy and inexpensive method, but seeds should be sown immediately after extraction as they deteriorate quickly.
- Maintain a spacing of 20 x 20 feet between plants.
- The pit size should be 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm, and fill the pits with soil mixed with organic matter.
- It is better to purchase a plant from a nursery.
- A new tree may take 2 years to reach a height of 12 inches.
- In India, mangosteen trees bear fruit from July to October and April to June.
Fertilizer and Nutrient Management
- For mangosteen trees that are 1 to 3 years old, use 110 grams of urea, 45 grams of D.A.P or 90 grams of M.O.P, and 20-25 kilograms of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM). This helps in the growth and development of the trees.
- Spraying micronutrients on the leaves can also be beneficial.
- When planting saplings, fill the pits with 15 kg of well-decomposed farmyard manure and 100 grams of NPK fertilizer. Increase the amount of fertilizer as the plant grows.
- When the tree is fully grown at 15 years, apply 30 kg of organic manure, 3 kg of super phosphate fertilizer, 2 kg of urea, and 2 kg of potash once or twice a year.
- Apply 500 grams of urea per plant before flowering and another 500 grams after flowering. After fruiting, apply 25 kg of farmyard manure, 830 grams of M.O.P., and 550 grams of urea per tree.
Irrigation Management
- Mangosteen trees require regular and sufficient water, especially during dry seasons.
- Water them at regular intervals to maintain soil moisture.
- Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and prevents weed growth.
- Only use fresh water; saline water can affect the tree's growth.
- Fully grown trees need 10 liters of water annually.
- Irrigate once every 10 to 15 days in winter; water every 5 to 6 days in summer.
- Sandy loam soil requires more water; irrigate twice a week in summer.
- During the rainy season, irrigate only if rainfall is insufficient.
Weed Management
- Pruning is essential for proper tree size, better air circulation, and easier harvesting.
- Prune trees every year during the dormant season.
- Train young trees with a central leader system to ensure a strong structure.
- Use natural methods for weed control.
- Perform light weeding 20 to 25 days after planting.
- For fully developed plants, 3 to 4 weeding sessions per year are sufficient.
Pests and Diseases
- Mangosteen trees are highly susceptible to various pests and diseases, including fruit flies, scale pests, and anthracnose. Effective pest and disease management requires regular monitoring and timely use of appropriate insecticides and fungicides. Integrated pest management practices should be followed.
Harvesting and Yield
- In India, mangosteen fruits are ready in two seasons: the first from July to October and the second from April to June. It can take 7-9 years for the trees to start bearing fruit after planting. When the color of the fruits starts changing, they are ready for harvesting. A tree can yield between 500 to 600 fruits.
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q: What is Mangosteen called in India?
A: Mangosteen has a sweet and tangy taste, often described as a mix of lychee, peach, strawberry, and pineapple flavors. In India, it is known by different names: "Mangostan" in Hindi, "Kaattampi" in Malayalam, "Kokum" in Marathi, "Hannu" in Kannada, and "Kao" in Bengali.
Q: Can we grow Mangosteen in India?
A: Yes, Mangosteen can be grown in India. It is primarily cultivated in the southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. However, careful attention to soil quality, irrigation, and pest management is necessary for successful cultivation.
Q: How many years does it take for a Mangosteen tree to produce fruit?
A: A Mangosteen tree can take about 7-10 years to start fruiting, and it may take up to 15 years to reach its full fruit-bearing potential. The time it takes for a tree to fruit depends on factors such as the tree’s age, growing conditions, and management practices.
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