Mango is a tropical fruit that is highly prized because of its sweet and delicious taste. The fruit is susceptible to falling prematurely, leading to huge losses to farmers. Fruit drop is a common problem that affects mango farmers around the world. It occurs during the growth, maturation and post-harvest stages of the mango tree. There are several control measures available to mitigate fruit drop in mango. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective techniques.
1. Use of growth regulators: Growth regulators assist in maintaining the hormonal balance of the plant. This can help to reduce fruit drop by increasing the fruit size and strength, and also promoting fruit retention. Ethylene inhibitors, cytokinins, gibberellins and auxins are some of the growth regulators used to control fruit drop in mango. These growth regulators should be applied at the appropriate time to have the most significant effect.
2. Regular fertilization: Mango trees require adequate nutrients to produce healthy fruits. Proper fertilization, especially with potassium, has been shown to increase the mango’s ability to retain fruits and prevent premature falling. A well-fed and nourished plant is more resistant to pests and diseases, and this can lead to higher yields.
3. Pruning: Regular pruning of mango trees can help prevent fruit drop by improving plant health and allowing light to penetrate the canopy. Pruned plants have balanced growth, which translates into a more productive harvest. Pruning also reduces competition for resources among the mango fruits, and this, in turn, helps to prevent premature fruit drop.
4. Control of pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can damage and weaken mango trees, which contributes to fruit drop. Proper management of pests and diseases is key to maintaining healthy mango trees. Farmers should monitor their trees closely, and use appropriate insecticides, fungicides, and other treatments to keep pests and diseases at bay.
5. Harvest timing: Timing of mango harvest is critical to the fruit’s quality and to prevent fruit drop. Mango fruits that are picked too early or too late are prone to fall prematurely. Ripe Mango fruits should be harvested when fully mature but not overripe to prevent falls. They should be harvested delicately, avoiding any physical damage, and transported immediately to prevent further bruising and mechanical injury.
In conclusion, fruit drop in mango can significantly reduce harvest yield, leading to a significant loss to farmers. An integrated approach that incorporates the use of growth regulators, regular fertilization, pruning, control of pests and diseases, and proper harvest timing can help mitigate the effect of fruit drop. With these control measures in place, a mango farmer can have a consistent and productive harvest, reducing losses and increasing profitability.