Tips to Grow Mango Faster and Better

In the months of February and March, mango trees start flowering. Special attention is required during flowering for better mango production. This is the time when there may be issues of flowers getting damaged or falling off prematurely. By providing the appropriate amount of nutrients to the plants/trees, we can not only prevent the premature falling of flowers but also obtain quality fruits. Regular inspection of mango orchards is necessary during this time to protect the flowers from various pests and diseases. This helps in preventing flower shedding, fruit darkening, flower conversion into clusters, etc. Let's go through some detailed information in this post about the activities carried out after the flowering of mango trees.

Essential Activities for Mango Orchards

Fertilizer Management

• Utilization of Micronutrients: Micronutrient application at the time of flowering on mango trees helps in preventing the shedding of flowers and small fruits. Additionally, the application of micronutrients aids in the removal of damaged flowers from the clusters, thereby assisting in the development of only high-quality flowers. This results in the attainment of high-quality fruits. Mango crops commonly exhibit deficiencies in zinc, copper, and boron. Utilize 5 kg of Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate (ZnSO4) per acre of land for the application of micronutrients.
• Usage of DeHaat Boost Master: Boost Master is a fertilizer made from seaweed that aids in the process of germination and fruit formation. This product assists in the vegetative growth of plants. Additionally, the use of Boost Master enhances root development, improves soil health, and aids in the absorption of nutrients by crops. Its application enhances the process of photosynthesis, resulting in greener foliage. Boost Master also helps increase the resilience of crops against abiotic stress. For optimal results, mix 2-3 ml of Boost Master per liter of water and apply.
• Usage of DeHaat Nutri One NPK 09:27:18: DeHaat Nutri One NPK 09:27:18, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, aids in the formation of fruits in mango plants. Its application is beneficial in preventing the shedding of fruits. In addition to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), it also contains sulphur, boron, and molybdenum. When the fruit is setting in mango plants, apply 5 gm of DeHaat Nutri One NPK 09:27:18 per liter of water.

Diseases Affecting Mango Trees

• Powdery Mildew Disease: White powdery fungal growth appears on mango leaves. Due to this disease, fruit formation in mangoes is hindered. For its control, apply 600 gm of Propineb 70% WP (DeHaat Zinacto) per acre in the field. Additionally, you can also spray 300 ml of Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC (DeHaat Azytop) per acre.
• Mango Flower Cluster Formation: Sometimes, the flowers on mango trees become sterile, resulting in the formation of a solid bunch. To prevent this problem, affected mango branches and shoots should be pruned and separated. Additionally, apply 600 ml of Amino Acid 62% (DeHaat FIXAA) in 300 liters of water per acre in the field.
• Mango Flower Shedding: Sometimes, mango trees shed flowers due to a deficiency of nutrients. To mitigate this problem, mix 15 gm of Calcium and 20 gm of Boron in the soil per plant. For the supply of Calcium and Boron, apply 250 gm of Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate - B-20% (DeHaat Nutri One DOT) per acre in the field. Additionally, you can apply 10 kg of DeHaat Nutri One Calcium Borate per acre in the field.

Pests Affecting Mango Flowers

• Mango Hopper: The most damaging pest affecting mango flowers is the Mango Hopper. If left uncontrolled, this pest can lead to the destruction of the entire crop. The damage caused by this pest includes both the larva and adult stages sucking sap from the leaves, tender shoots, and flowers of the plant. The larva of this pest excretes a type of secretion that causes the leaves to turn yellow and the flowers to wither. These pests suck the sap of the flowers, leaving behind a sticky substance. This sticky substance attracts fungi, which further dries out the flowers. Even if fruits develop, they are so weak that they fall at the slightest breeze. It is essential to apply pesticides to control this pest. For controlling Mango Hoppers, spray 120 gm of Thiamethoxam 25% WG (DeHaat Asear) per acre mixed with 300 liters of water. Additionally, you can use 100 ml of Imidacloprid 200 SL (17.8% w/w) (Bayer Confidor) mixed with 300 liters of water. You can also use 300 milliliters of Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC (Syngenta Karate) mixed with 300 liters of water.
• Mealybugs: To protect mango trees from mealybugs, apply 5 gm of Beauveria bassiana mixed per liter of water by spraying. Additionally, for every acre of land, spraying 225 ml of 1% neem oil EC (IFC Neem 10000) can also help control various pests.

Things to Keep in Mind After Flowering on Mango Trees

• Avoid Spraying Pesticides: After flowering, pesticides should not be sprayed. Spraying pesticides at this time can also harm bees, which can disrupt the pollination process. In case of pest infestation, you can use 1,500 ml of Beauveria bassiana (Anand Agro Care - Brave, Katyayani - Beauveria, Amruth - Almax, and BACF Mycota) organic insecticide mixed in 300 liters of water. Pay special attention to the dosage to protect bees from its harm. Before spraying chemicals, it is advisable to consult agricultural experts.
• Spraying in the Evening: There are certain pests that emerge during the evening hours, and it becomes necessary to spray pesticides to control them. However, farmers face a major problem in that spraying pesticides can also kill bees. In such cases, spraying in the evening can be helpful. During the evening, pollination processes are not active, so bees are less likely to be affected, and the pollination process will not be disrupted.

What kind of problems do you encounter when pests infestation occurs in your mango orchard? Please let us know your answer through comments. If you found the information in this post useful, then like and share it with other farmers. This will help more farmers to benefit from this information and achieve better yields of mangoes. Follow the 'Horticulture' channel now for more such information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the main pest of mangoes?

A: There are several pests that cause damage to mango trees and fruits, including mango hoppers, mealybugs, fruit flies, stem borers, mango nut weevils, etc.

Q: Which is the best fertilizer for mango trees?

A: For mango trees, it is advisable to use well-decomposed cow dung manure or compost along with Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Urea, and Muriate of Potash (MOP). Additionally, the use of micronutrients such as zinc, copper, and boron proves beneficial. The quantity of fertilizers depends on the age of the plants/trees.

Q: What should you do for a good yield of mango?

A: To achieve a good mango yield, stop irrigation before flowering. Irrigation during this period can lead to the development of new shoots and leaves, which can hinder flower formation and reduce fruit set. After flowering, maintain adequate moisture in the orchard until the fruits are mature.