Scientific Classification
- Botanical Name: Mangifera indica
- Family: Anacardiaceae
- Chromosome Number: 2n = 40
Major Mango Growing States in India
Key mango-producing states include Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Leading Mango Varieties
- North India: Dashehari, Langra, Chausa, Bombay Green, Mallika, Amrapali
- South India: Banganapalli, Neelum, Alphonso, Totapuri, Suvarnarekha
Climate Requirements
Mango thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It requires dry conditions during flowering and fruit development, as rainfall during this time can lead to fruit drop and disease.
Soil Preferences
Well-drained soils like sandy loam, alluvial, or laterite with pH between 5.5 and 7.5 are ideal. Avoid waterlogged areas and alkaline or saline soils.
Propagation Methods
While mango can be grown from seeds, commercial cultivation uses vegetative propagation techniques like veneer grafting, epicotyl grafting, and softwood grafting. Grafting is generally done between July and September.
Planting Guidelines
- Spacing: Regular planting – 10m × 10m; High-density planting – 5m × 5m or 2.5m × 2.5m for dwarf varieties
- Planting Season: Best during July to August in rainfed regions and February to March under irrigation
- Pit Size: 1m × 1m × 1m filled with topsoil, FYM (Farm Yard Manure), and neem cake
Irrigation Management
Young plants need watering every 5–10 days during dry seasons. Mature trees benefit from irrigation during flowering and fruit development. Avoid watering during fruit maturity to prevent quality loss.
Nutrient Management (Per Tree Per Year)
- 1–3 Years: 100g N, 50g P, 100g K
- 4–6 Years: 200g N, 100g P, 200g K
- 7–9 Years: 400g N, 200g P, 400g K
- 10+ Years: 750g N, 250g P, 750g K + 50kg FYM
Training and Pruning
Maintain a single stem up to 1 meter in height. Remove side shoots and crossed branches. Pruning is essential to encourage air circulation and fruiting.
Flowering and Fruiting
- Panicle emergence starts from December to February
- Full bloom occurs from January to March
- Harvesting begins from April to July, depending on variety and region
Harvesting Stage
- Fruits are ready for harvest 90–120 days after flowering
- Early indicators include a change in fruit shoulder color and the sinking of the fruit stalk
Storage and Shelf Life
Mangoes are perishable and should be stored at 13°C with 85–90% RH to maintain freshness. Controlled atmosphere storage and cold chain logistics extend shelf life for exports.
Yield Potential
- Young trees (8–10 years): 50–75 fruits per tree
- Mature trees (15+ years): 200–300 fruits per tree
Common Physiological Disorders
- Malformation: Caused by Fusarium spp. and hormonal imbalance; use NAA (200 ppm) and pruning
- Fruit Drop: Linked to hormonal deficiency and pests; use 2,4-D or NAA (20 ppm)
- Black Tip: Caused by brick kiln smoke; treat with borax spray
- Spongy Tissue: Mostly in Alphonso; avoid overripe harvesting and expose fruits to air post-harvest
Important Notes
- Alternate Bearing: Common in varieties like Dashehari and Langra; can be managed with pruning and hormonal sprays
- Ripening: Naturally using ethylene or commercially using ethylene gas or ethrel (1000 ppm)