Mango plants, much like other fruit-bearing trees, can suffer from various diseases and pests. One of the most common problems that mango growers face is flowers dropping or failing to develop into fruits. Flower dropping can occur at any stage of the plant’s growth, and it can significantly affect fruit production. If not addressed, it can lead to low yields or ultimate plant death.
There are several factors that can cause flowers to drop or fail to develop into fruits. The first is inadequate pollination. Mango plants require cross-pollination, meaning that flowers need to be pollinated by bees or other insects to produce fruits. If there are no or few pollinators around, the flowers may drop or produce fewer fruits.
Another factor that can cause mango flowers to drop is environmental stress. This can be caused by extreme temperatures, humidity, or lack of water. Extreme temperatures, especially high temperatures, can affect the formation and development of fruits. If the flowers are exposed to excessive heat, they may drop off, and the fruits may not develop.
Overwatering and poor drainage can also contribute to fruit loss in mango trees. When plants are overwatered, the roots may rot, and the plant may not absorb essential nutrients. This lack of nutrients can affect flower formation, pollination, and fruit development.
Fungal diseases are also a significant contributor to flower dropping in mango trees. Some of the common fungal diseases that affect mango plants include powdery mildew and anthracnose. These diseases can attack flowers, leaves, and fruits, leading to severe drop-offs and low-quality yields.
To prevent and address flower dropping in mango plants, it is essential to properly care for them. Mango trees require adequate sunlight, water, nutrients, and proper pruning to encourage growth. Adequate pollination can be achieved by introducing honeybees or other pollinators to the orchard. Mango growers can also use fungicides and other treatments to prevent fungal diseases from attacking flowers, fruits, and leaves.
In summary, mango plants affected by flower dropping require careful attention and management. Disease prevention, proper irrigation, pruning, and pollination support are essential for maximizing fruit yield. Addressing these factors will ensure healthy, productive, and profitable mango orchards.