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CULTURAL PRACTICE FOR MANGO (Mangifera indica)

A. Flower Induction

1. If the leaves are already matured and crisp, the tree is ready for flower induction.
To induce the flowering of mangoes, spray the crown preferably hitting the bud
tips with Prime Flower Inducer preparation using the recommended rate or
dosage:

1.1 For very matured leaves: 1 % solution. A 1% solution is achieved

by mixing 1 kg of the Flower Inducer with 100 liters of water.

1.2 For moderately matured leaves: 1.5% solution. A 1.5% solution is

attained by mixing 1.5 kg of the Flower Inducer to 100 liters of water.

2. Normally, inflorescense will occur 15 to 20 days after application. If the

appearance of flower buds are sparse, repeat spraying using the same dosage
mentioned above.

B. Care and Maintenance of the Fruits

1. When the flower buds have emerged and are about 5 to 10 cm long (about 35 to
40 days from flower induction), spray fruit set/ developer at the rate of 0.67%
solution mixed with the appropriate crop protection chemical against hoppers and
other known mango pests. The concentration of the Fruit Set/Developer is
attained by mixing l liter to 160 liters of water. On the other hand, follow
instructions prescribed on the label concerning the crop protection chemicals to
be used.

Note: For effective prevention and/or control of mango hoppers and other pests
use alternately alpha and beta cypermethrins so as not to give chance for the pests
to develop resistance against the crop protection chemical.

2. When the fruits are about 1.5 cm in diameter or about 45 days from flower
induction spray the crown with fruit enlarger mixed with the appropriate crop
protection chemicals, using the same dosages mentioned in Step B-1. Again, it is
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advisable to mix the appropriate insecticide and fungicide with the foliar spray to
save on application cost.

3. When the fruits are about 4.5 cm in diameter or about 70 days from flower
induction, spray the crown again with the mixture mentioned in Step B-2.

4. When the fruits are about 8 cm in diameter or about 90 days from flower
induction, spray the crown with the same preparation as in Step B-3.

Note: If its desired to have the fruits bigger, spray the crown with the same
preparation as in Step B-3 , one more time at 80 days from flower induction.

C. Harvesting of Fruits

1. Harvest the fruits when they are matured green or when the area around the
petiole starts to turn yellow. This will be about 110 days from flower emergence
for the Super Manila or carabao mango variety. Employ enough care in
harvesting the fruits. Do not bruise and avoid the sap to drop or roll on the skin
or rind. There is a special cutter with a net in harvesting the fruits.

2. Classify the fruits according to prescribed sizes and pack them carefully in boxes.

3. Uniform-sized fruits can either be sold in the local fresh market or for export.
Undersized fruits can be sold to manufacturers of mango puree or concentrate.

Note: The export market is very critical on the presence of fruit fly eggs,
bacterial- and fungal-borne diseases. Since fumigation is no longer advisable an
effective and admissible way of eliminating the objectionable contaminants is
vapor heat treatment process. This technology is available upon request.

D. Transplanting Procedures

1. Select good quality cultivars or varieties. The well-known Super Manila

(Carabao var.) is most commonly preferred for propagation. Other equally good
varieties are the stocks from Guimaras, Zambales, Cebu and Bataan. These
varieties are not only sweet but also non-fibrous.
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2. If opted to fruit earlier, within 3 years, plant grafted mangoes. Seedlings from
seeds will normally fruit when they are 5-7 years old depending on the soil type
and native fertility. Of course the life of mangoes from seeds will be longer
compared to their grafted counterpart.

3. Transplant seedlings that are al least one meter high. If grafted seedlings are used
be sure that the joint is already sturdy and tucked in.

4. Dig holes 30-40 cm in diameter and 40-50 cm deep. It is advisable to use a

planting configuration of 10 meters by 10 meters because this will provide
enough space in between the crown of the trees even if they are already more
than 20 years old. Some prefer shorter planting configuration e.g. 8 meters by 8
meters.

5. Put 4-5 kg of organic fertilizer per hole then lay the seedling and carefully
removing the plastic bag so as not to break the potting soil. Exposing the roots
may cause severe stress to the seedling and may even cause its death.

6. Fill up the hole with the soil that was removed and press the same firmly to
stabilize the seedling.

7. Water the seedlings after transplanting and as often as necessary to avoid any
wilting.

8. Side dress with about 100 grams per seedling with complete fertilizer (14-14-14)
at 30 days after transplanting (DAT). This side dressing is done every quarter
during the first three years and then twice a year thereafter using higher rate as
the trees become older.

9. Spray the transplanted seedlings with foliar fertilizer using 0.67% solution by
mixing 100 ml of the foliar fertilizer with 16 liters of water at least once a month.

10. Apply 5-7 kg of organic fertilizer per tree at 180 DAT. It is advisable to apply
the organic fertilizer at least twice a year.