What are the mango planting methods and precautions?

The mango fruit is oval and smooth, with a lemon-yellow skin, delicate flesh and a sweet fragrance, and is rich in sugars, vitamins, proteins, carotene and more. It is widely cultivated around the world, and more than a hundred varieties have been bred, with more than 40 varieties already cultivated in China. So, how do you plant mangoes? What precautions are there?

1. How do you plant mangoes?

1. Site selection and land preparation

Choose a site with suitable climatic conditions, deep and fertile soil that does not easily become compacted, does not waterlog, and is close to a water source to establish the orchard. A larger orchard should be divided into plots according to the terrain and topography, with shelterbelts, drainage and irrigation systems, roads and other facilities planned out.

2. Planting preparation

(1) Planting density

This should be determined according to climate, soil fertility and variety. Current planting densities in various places are 5 m × 4 m (33 trees/mu), 5 m × 3 m (44 trees/mu) or 4 m × 3 m (55 trees/mu). To increase early returns, begin by planting at 4 × 3 m, and after 3-5 years of harvest the trees can be thinned further to 6 m × 4 m.

(2) Preparation of planting holes

Dig the holes 2-3 months before planting, 80 cm wide and 70 cm deep, and apply 20-30 kg of decomposed pig manure, cow manure or farmyard manure and 0.5-1 kg of superphosphate per hole, mixing the fertilizer with the topsoil and returning it to the hole.

3. Planting

Planting in June-August is preferable, but it should also be determined according to the actual conditions of the soil, region and variety. Generally, planting can be done in September-October in the southwest and south, and in March-May in non-arid areas. The best time to plant is on a cloudy day or before rain. When planting, make sure the root system is spread out, and the depth should be such that the root crown is level with the soil surface. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the roots and add mulch.

4. Field management

Fertilization: For young trees, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer, with an appropriate amount of potassium fertilizer. Start topdressing when 1-2 flushes of shoots emerge after planting, applying topdressing once each in March, May, July and September, and in June-August apply additional organic fertilizer together with green manuring and expanding the holes. For bearing trees, fertilization is mainly nitrogen and potassium fertilizer, with the amount of potassium no less than that of nitrogen, plus phosphorus, calcium and magnesium fertilizer.

Irrigation: When fertilizing and pruning mango trees after harvest, if hot and dry weather occurs, irrigate appropriately, irrigating until thoroughly soaked, and generally stop irrigation after mid-November. The irrigation method and amount of water should be determined according to the condition of the trees in the orchard. Generally, the method of irrigating in the fertilizing furrows is used, and the amount of water should be just enough to keep the soil moist.

Pruning: For the shaping and pruning of young trees, begin pinching out or cutting back when the seedlings are 80-100 cm tall after planting, and train the main trunk to send out branches; when the secondary main branches extend 60-70 cm, pinch off their tips.

5. Pest and disease control

During mango tree cultivation, attention should be paid to preventing and controlling invasions by pests and diseases such as the mango shoot borer, the white wax cicada, longhorn beetles, fruit flies, anthracnose, powdery mildew and gummosis, and control should be carried out in advance.

2. What precautions are there for planting mangoes?

1. Temperature

Mangoes like warmth and cannot tolerate cold or frost. The optimum growth temperature is 25-30°C; below 20°C growth is slow, and below 10°C the leaves and flower clusters stop growing, and nearly ripe fruit suffers cold damage.

2. Light

Mango is a light-loving fruit tree. Sufficient light can promote flower bud differentiation, flowering and fruit set, and improve fruit quality and appearance. Usually, individual trees on the sunny side of the canopy or in open environments flower more and have a higher fruit-setting rate; mangoes with too many branches and leaves, a dense canopy and insufficient light flower and fruit less, and the fruit's appearance and quality are both poor. Through shaping and pruning, the light conditions within the orchard and the tree can be improved to increase yield and extend the peak production period.

3. Water

Mangoes grow well in areas with an annual rainfall of 700-2000 mm. In South China, the uneven distribution of annual rainfall often affects growth and development. If the air is too dry during the flowering period and early fruiting stage, it easily causes flower and fruit drop; too much rain leads to flower rot and poor pollination and fertilization; excessively concentrated summer rainfall often induces serious fruit diseases; and the autumn drought after harvest mostly affects the sprouting and growth of the autumn shoot mother branches.

4. Soil

Mangoes are not demanding about soil, and can be cultivated in areas below 600 m above sea level. However, loam or sandy loam with deep soil layers, a groundwater level below 3 m, good drainage and slight acidity is best.