Mangoes, known as the “king of fruits,” are cherished for their sweet taste and nutritional value. However, growing healthy mango trees can be challenging due to various pests, diseases, and environmental issues. Identifying and addressing these problems early is crucial for maintaining good fruit quality and yield.
Problem: One of the most common issues is premature fruit drop, where mangoes fall before they mature.
1. Mango Fruit Drop
Causes:
- Poor pollination
- Water stress
- Nutrient deficiency (especially boron and potassium)
- Pest or disease attacks
Solutions:
- Ensure regular and deep watering during fruit development.
- Apply balanced fertilizers with micronutrients like boron.
- Use growth regulators such as NAA (Naphthaleneacetic acid) to reduce fruit drop.
- Manage pests and diseases through integrated pest management (IPM).
2. Anthracnose Disease
Problem: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes black spots on leaves, flowers, and fruits, leading to reduced yield.
Causes:
- High humidity and rainfall
- Fungal spores spread through wind and rain
Solutions:
- Prune trees to improve air circulation.
- Apply fungicides such as copper oxychloride during the flowering stage.
- Remove and burn infected plant parts.
3. Mango Hopper Infestation
Problem: Mango hoppers are small insects that suck sap from flowers and young shoots, reducing fruit setting.
Solutions:
- Spray neem oil or insecticides like imidacloprid during the flowering season.
- Encourage natural predators such as spiders and ladybugs.
- Avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers that attract hoppers.
4. Powdery Mildew
Problem: A white powdery fungus appears on flowers and young fruits, often leading to fruit abortion.
Solutions:
- Apply sulfur-based fungicides early in the season.
- Use resistant mango varieties where possible.
- Ensure adequate spacing between trees for airflow.
5. Lack of Flowering
Problem: Some mango trees fail to flower or produce very few flowers.
Causes:
- Too much nitrogen fertilizer
- Lack of pruning
- Young trees or an unsuitable climate
Solutions:
- Reduce nitrogen and increase potassium in fertilizer.
- Prune the tree after harvest to stimulate flowering.
- Use flowering-inducing sprays like paclobutrazol (with expert guidance).
Conclusion
Mango cultivation requires proper care and timely management to overcome common problems. By using good agricultural practices, appropriate inputs, and sustainable pest and disease control methods, farmers and gardeners can ensure healthy trees and bountiful harvests.
