ORGANIC MANGO PRODUCTION IN MEXICO: STATUS OF ORCHARD MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Eight percent of total planted area in Mexico is in the process to change from conventional to organic system mainly in the Pacific Coast under tropical dry and wet conditions. Mango cultivars in organic systems are ‘Tommy Atkins’, ‘Kent’, ‘Ataulfo’ which are demanded by market and early or late season of harvest. Cultivars are grafted on local polyembrionic rootstock well adapted to different soil types, they remain vigorous but tolerance to soil diseases has not been proved yet. Information of better combinations of rootstocks and cultivars appropriated for organic production and adapted to variable soil conditions, is needed. Plant densities range 100 to 200 trees ha-1, but are rapidly changing to higher tree densities. Either, tillage practices or cover crops are used to avoid herbicides to control weeds in between tree rows. Pruning of trees is a very important activity applied by growers to control tree size, avoid pest and diseases and promote better light conditions in internal canopy to improve fruit color. Many diseases affect tree foliage, flowering and fruits and are properly controlled using permitted products listed by IFOAM. However organic and more efficient alternatives are needed in order to control the wide diversity of diseases in the field. In addition to field applications, anthracnose damage on fruits is controlled by means of postharvest hot water treatments. Fruit flies are important pests, but they are kept under control with integrated management program applied to different regions according to population levels. Several organic products are used to fertilize orchards, but beneficial impact on fruit production and quality remain to be thoroughly clarified.