Mango Orchards Research Articles

Baseline light distribution in ‘Kensington Pride’ mango (Mangifera indicaL.) tree canopies in North Queensland

Future mango orchards systems will have canopies optimally designed for tree size, density, light and crop load relationships. Poor distribution of light within mango canopies is one of the reasons for current low orchard efficiency. Light (radiation), plays an important role in driving the photosynthesis, the developmental tree morphology, crop load and fruit quality. This study established a baseline for light transmission through the canopy (distribution) in four different ages of ‘Kensington Pride’ trees in Queensland commercial mango orchards. Light distribution patterns were established by measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (µmol m s) distribution in three dimensional matrix inside the canopy, at seven equally separated transects across the canopy from north to south and 4 sectors (west, middle-west, middle-east and east) on each transect at 5 heights above the ground. Mean light transmission within the canopy increased with tree age and canopy volume, and was related to pruning and training method. Highest light transmission was recorded 73.91 µmol m s at 75% of tree height. Light transmission was 60.90 µmol m s at 50% tree height, 58.23 µmol m s at 25% tree height and 62.81 µmol m s on the ground. In the horizontal plains, light distribution was lower in the middle parts of the canopy compared to the edges. There was a significant (p<0.05) relationship between light transmission and tree height, indicating large variation in light distribution within the canopy, with many leaves in shade where photosynthesis efficiency may be low. Some of the outer canopy may be receiving too much light and possible photo-inhibition as indicted by sun burn on leaves and fruit. This baseline understanding of light distribution will assist research in to improved light distribution in mango canopies and in the development of high density mango orchard systems.

Tropical Fruits as an Opportunity for Sustainable Development in Rural Areas: The Case of Mango in Small-Sized Sicilian Farms

Over the last decades, in many rural areas in Southern Europe, farmers have abandoned agricultural activity, especially on small-sized farms, leading to an exodus from rural areas towards urbanized ones. In this context, in the early 1980s, some Sicilian farmers introduced mango on their small-sized farms, as certain areas of Sicily are well suited to tropical and subtropical crops, but also to meet increasing consumer interest for these fruits, as they are perceived as functional foods. This paper aimed to evaluate the economic sustainability of mango and to determine whether its introduction could be considered as an alternative to traditional crops. In particular, an economic-financial analysis of mango orchards on small-sized Sicilian farms was performed by adopting a discounted cash flow approach. In order to provide as comprehensive information as possible, mango was compared with two traditional crops that have always played an important socio-economic role in Southern Italy: wine grape and orange. Results showed a clear economic convenience for mango orchards, denoting an annual gross margin of 14,617.03 €/ha, on average 20 times higher than orange orchards and just less than 40 times higher in respect to vineyards. The higher profitability of mango was also confirmed without considering public grants for the planting phase, and by varying current sales prices and costs. However, it should be considered that the cultivation of mango could represent an opportunity for sustainable development only for certain Sicilian areas, as it is closely related to favorable pedo-climatic conditions.

An alternative inoculation technique of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on mango for early anthracnose tolerance screening

The importance of having a technique that allows an efficient expression of symptoms of anthracnose is based on the early differentiation of cultivars and the optimization of genetic, material and financial resources. The objective of this research was to generate an alternative inoculation technique for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on mango for early anthracnose tolerance screening. On this technique was optimized some of the most relevant components such as isolate virulence, conidial density, the inoculum deposition on leaves and using of surfactants. The study was carried in Iguala, Mexico, during the production cycles 2015-2016. C. gloeosporioides was biologically and culturally characterized. Gro and Sin monosporic strains were isolated from leaves, flowers, fruits and branches with anthracnose symptoms from commercial mango orchards located in Guerrero and Sinaloa states, Mexico. These strains show mycelial growth at 2.2 and 2.1 cm of diameter per day, spore density of 4.3x106, 3.9x106 conidia/ml, germination of 27 and 26%, virulence, with incubation period 4.5 and 4.1 days after inoculation, incidence of 90 and 92% and severity of 3.2 and 3.5 cm of diameter. The highest incidence and severity values with the lowest incubation period, was obtained using Gro isolate (1x105 conidia/ml) and polyoxyethylene-20-sorbitan monolaurate as spreader-sticker inoculated on the abaxial surface on detached young leaves, 15-20 days old, with a soft brush and incubated under dark condition. This inoculation technique allowed the optimal expression of C. gloeosporioides virulence in mango leaves and could be incorporated as a tool in the early differentiation of tolerance and susceptibility among cultivars.

Design and development of a tractor mounted hydraulic operated ladder

A tractor-mounted hydraulic operated ladder was designed and developed to reduce the harvesting/pruning cost, increase the harvesting/pruning efficiency and enhance the overall productivity of mango orchards. The design and drawing of hydraulic ladder was made and theoretical analysis of the tractor mounted hydraulic operated ladder was carried out by finite element method, using solid works software for finding the stress and stability of the hydraulic ladder and stress under static load for the hydraulic ladder. It was observed that the variations in the resultant forces are minimum for different heights (6, 8 10 m), different angle of rotation from 0-180° at an interval of 45 and different varying loads 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg, respectively. It is considered to be in a state of stability when no sign of overturning is evident with the hydraulic ladder in operation. The maximum stress observed in the hydraulic ladder for, 8 m and 10 m height with different loads and different angle of rotation is 96.64 N/mm 2 which is less than the yielding stress which is 220.59 N/mm 2 . The developed system is attached to the rear of a minimum 45 hp agricultural tractor. System’s power source is the tractor hydraulic system. The hydraulic ladder has the capability to lift a service worker and the required tools to the crown zone as high as 10 meters. The hydraulic ladder consists of a stabilizing system (four cylinders) on both side of the trailer for supporting, stability and safety for the operators at the time of operation.

Extracción y requerimiento de macronutrimentos en mango ‘Ataulfo’ (Mangifera indica L.) con manejo de poda anual y bianual

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; La determinación del requerimiento nutrimental en mango ‘Ataulfo’ es esencial para el manejo integral de su fertilización. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la extracción y requerimiento de macronutrimentos a partir de la concentración de N, P, K, Ca y Mg en biomasa podada y en frutos producidos en el cultivo de mango ‘Ataulfo’ en huertos manejados con poda anual y bianual. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron poda anual y poda bianual. La poda anual se realizó en agosto de 2007, 2008 y de 2009 mientras que la poda bianual se realizó en agosto de 2007 y agosto de 2009. Los resultados indican que la biomasa podada difirió significativamente entre tratamientos. Los árboles podados anualmente produjeron 18.2 kg de materia seca mientras que los que se podaron bianualmente acumularon 31.87 kg. Para calcular la demanda de macronutrimentos en función del rendimiento, se proponen los siguientes factores en kg de nutrimento por tonelada de fruta cosechada: N, 4.19; P, 0.79; K, 7.19; Ca, 3.67; y Mg, 0.93.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Tree Age Affects Postharvest Attributes and Mineral Content in Amrapali Mango (Mangifera indica) Fruits

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of tree age on postharvest attributes and mineral content of Amrapali mango fruits. Effect of 3 different tree ages (6, 18 and 30 years) on functional components, including the antioxidant activity (AOX), total phenols, total carotenoids, ascorbic acid and minerals like Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B along with total sugars, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA), respiration rate, polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activities in Amrapali cultivar were studied. With tree ageing total phenols, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity decreased whereas total carotenoids increased. Ca diminished and K elevated with the tree age progression while, B, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn showed an indefinite pattern. Total soluble solids and total sugars were recorded higher in 18 year old tree fruits. Fruit respiration rate, polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase activities showed an upward trend with tree ageing. The study indicates that fruit produced from middle age group mango orchard (18 year old) suits to the requirement of consumers as well as industry.

EFFECT OF PRUNNING PATTERN AND SOIL MULCHING ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF KEITT MANGO IN NEW RECLAIMED LANDS

The present study was carried out during 2014 and 2015 seasons on adult Kitt Mango Trees to evaluate 4 levels of pruning pattern (removing one-third, one-half, all branch or without pruning) and 4 types of soil mulching (white plastic, black plastic, rice straw or without soil mulching) on vegetative growth, leaf mineral content ,flowering and yield. Average shoot length, shoot thickness and average number of shoot / tree of Kitt mangos greatly affected with both pruning pattern and soil mulching, especially with removing of one-third of branch and covering soil with white plastic sheet. However leaf N, P and K contents were improved with both one-third and one-half pruning of branches of Kitt mango trees where both white and black plastic of mulch soil were similar in their effect on leaf NPK content. There were an evident increase in fruit set %, total yield (kg/tree) and marketable yield % with one-third and one-half pruning of branch and also with white and black plastic of soil mulching. The increase of marketable yield% due to these treatments could be attributed to the increase of vegetative canopy of leaves which led to prevent sun burn of fruits and to minimize heat solar effect from the soil and protect the fruits in lower parts of the trees. Fruit chemical constituents including TSS%, acidity and L-ascorbic acid slightly affected with different treatments but one-third and one-half prunning of branch as well as with white and black plastic of soil mulch could be recommended as a good horticulture treatments in Kitt mango orchards

Draft genome of the fungicidal biological control agent Burkholderia anthina strain XXVI.

Burkholderia anthina XXVI is a rhizosphere bacterium isolated from a mango orchard in Mexico. This strain has a significant biological control activity against the causal agent of mango anthracnose, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, likely through the production of siderophores and other secondary metabolites. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of B. anthina XXVI (approximately 7.7Mb; and G + C content of 67.0%), with the aim of gaining insight into the genomic basis of antifungal modes of action, ecological success as a biological control agent, and full biosynthetic potential.

An Investigation on the Optimum Composition of Suitable Co-composting Material for the Enhancement of the Soil Organic Carbon in Mango Orchards of Pollachi, Tamil Nadu

An Investigation on the Optimum Composition of Suitable Co-composting Material for the Enhancement of the Soil Organic Carbon in Mango Orchards of Pollachi, Tamil Nadu

Assessment of Fruit Fly Trapping System in Mango Orchards in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Assessment of Fruit Fly Trapping System in Mango Orchards in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Infestation of fruit fly, &lt;i&gt;Bactrocera&lt;/i&gt; (Diptera: Tephritidae) on mango (&lt;i&gt;Mangifera indica&lt;/i&gt; L.) in peninsular Malaysia

A survey was carried out in mango orchards in Peninsular Malaysia with aimed to determine the infestation levels of fruit fly Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) on mango (Mangifera indica L.) through damaged fruit collection. Two fruit fly species emerged from the collected fruits: Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Bactrocera carambolae (Drew &amp; Hancock). Bactrocera dorsalis was recorded the most abundant species (91%) compared to B. carambolae (9%). The highest fruit infestation was observed in Bumbong Lima (93.49±2.25 pupae/kg), followed by Bukit Changgang (36.08±8.35 pupae/kg) and Pulau Gadong (26.78 ±4.86 pupae/kg) whilst Jitra showed the lowest fruit infestation (10.79±3.34 pupae/kg).Keywords: Bactrocera; infestation; mango

Identification and Characterization of Colletotrichum Species Associated with Mango Anthracnose in Guangxi, China.

Mango (Mangifera indica) is widely grown across southern China, especially in the provinces of Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Taiwan. Guangxi itself has over 86,667 ha of mango production. The purpose of this study was to identify Colletotrichum species associated with mango in different parts of Guangxi and examine their pathogenicity on leaves and fruits of mango in vitro. Diseased leaves were collected from 25 mango orchards in different areas of Guangxi province. Sixty-five isolates were obtained from mango leaves with anthracnose symptoms, and these were further characterized based on morphology and DNA sequencing. Twenty-nine isolates from different areas were selected for sequencing and analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, partial actin, β-tubulin, and chitin synthase genomic regions. The most common fungal isolates were these three species: Colletotrichum asianum, C. fructicola, and C. siamense. C. asianum was the most common and widely distributed in Guangxi (51.7%), followed by C. fructicola (37.9%) and C. siamense (10.2%), both found in Tiandong, Tianyang, and Wuming counties. There was no evidence of geographical specialization of the different species. Pathogenicity assays showed that all isolates were pathogenic to mango leaves and fruit (cultivar Tainong). No relationship was found between origin of isolates and their virulence. This is the first description of C. asianum, C. fructicola, and C. siamense as causal agents of mango leaf anthracnose from Guangxi province, China.

Species composition and distribution of thrips (Thysanoptera) in mango orchards of China

Abstract Mango is an important tropical fruit, and thrips are important pests that have threatened mango yield and quality in recent years. It is important to determine the dominant species and distribution of thrips in mango for effective thrips control. In the present study, the species of thrips in mango flowers in the five main mango-producing provinces of China, and the species of thrips in different phenological stages of mango in Hainan Province were investigated. Thrips species on weeds in mango agroecosystems were also determined. The results indicated that in total there are 41 species of thrips in mango orchards in the five main mango-producing provinces of China, belonging to 21 genera, five subfamilies and three families. These are 31 species in 13 genera of Thripidae, nine species in seven genera of Phlaeothripidae, and one species in one genus of Aeolothripidae. The major species of thrips differed across the main mango production areas. Thus, 26, 17, 23, 12 and 7 species of thrips were collected in mango orchards in Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Sichuan and Fujian, respectively. Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), an important invasive pest in China, was only discovered in mango orchards in Yunnan and Sichuan. Thrips species and population dynamics are closely related to the phenological stage of mango. In Hainan, the dominant thrips species during the shoot period and young fruit stage was Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood. In the flowering period, the thrips population increased significantly and species composition became complicated in the field, with Thrips hawaiiensis and F. intonsa being the dominant species. Frankliniella intonsa and T. hawaiiensis were the dominant species on weeds in the mango ecosystem, which was consistent with them being dominant thrips species on mango. It is speculated that in mango ecosystems, weeds provide refuge to thrips and removing weeds benefits thrips control in mango orchards during the flowering period.

Acreage estimation of mango orchards using hyperspectral satellite data

Horticultural crop plays a unique role in India's economy, therefore reliable and timely estimates of area under horticulture crops are of vital importance. Present methods of crop acreage estimation rely heavily on sample survey approach which is time consuming for a diversified and large country like India. Modern space technology with advance tools of Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS may be an alternative option for estimating areaunder horticultural crops. The advantage of using satellite data is that it provides both synoptic view and the economies of scale, since data over large areas could be gathered quickly from such platforms. This study has been undertaken to estimate the acreage under mango and to map existing orchards of Mango using hyperspectralsatellite data. The study was conducted for Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. The hyperion hyperspectral satellitedata was evaluated to estimate the area under all mango orchards. These estimates were compared with actual area under mango orchards measured using Global Positioning System (GPS) and the total area under mangowas predicted as 961.88 ha which was 92% close to ground data 889.65 ha. The results indicated the scope of hyperspectral remote sensing in acreage estimation of fruit crops.

Distribución geográfica y estimación de daños de la escama blanca del mango Aulacaspis Tubercularis Newstead, Chiapas, México

La Escama Blanca del Mango (EBM), Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), es una plaga emergente que afecta el follaje y valor comercial de frutos de mango. La distribución geográfica y estimación de daños de plagas exóticas, son componentes que sirven en la toma de decisiones para la aplicación de métodos de control. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la distribución geográfica y estimación de daños de la EBM en distintas localidades y municipios productores de mango del estado de Chiapas. Se hicieron muestreos durante dos años (2013-2014) en huertos de mango de distintas localidades y municipios para estimar las poblaciones de EBM en follaje y frutos. Durante los dos años, se detectaron poblaciones de EBM en casi todas las localidades. En el primer año de muestreos (2013), las localidades con mayor abundancia de EMB en follaje fueron Finca Colombia, La Norteña, Rancho Cinco Hermanos, Rancho El Carmen y otras, mientras que en los muestreos en frutos fue entronque a Puerto Madero. En el segundo año de muestreos (2014), el huerto con mayor abundancia de EBM en follaje fue El Guamuchal y en frutos fue el área entre entronque Puerto Arista a Paredón. Los municipios con más abundancia de EBM en follaje durante los dos años de muestreos fueron Mapastepec, Escuintla, Tuzantán, Mazatán, Acapetahua y Huehuetán, mientras que en frutos fueron Mazatán, Tuxtla Chico y Tuzantán. Finalmente, durante los dos años de muestreos, el cultivar de mango con mayor abundancia de EBM en follaje fue Manililla, y en frutos fueron Oro y Criollo.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Calidad postcosecha en mango ‘kent’ con fertilización normal y alta

&#x0D; La fertilización es importante para obtener una producción con calidad de fruto. Este estudio se realizó durante el periodo del 2010 al 2014 en dos huertos de mango ‘Kent’ con condiciones diferentes de suelo en Nayarit, cuyo objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la fertilización de sitio específico sobre la producción y calidad de frutos a cosecha y hasta madurez de consumo. Se evaluaron tres niveles de fertilización: 1) Dosis Normal (para un rendimiento de 20 t·ha-1), 2) Dosis Alta (dosis normal + 50 %) y 3) Sin fertilización (control). Se seleccionaron cinco árboles por tratamiento, marcando 20 panículas por árbol y cosechando 60 frutos en madurez fisiológica. Se determinó la producción (kg·árbol-1), tamaño de fruto, apariencia externa, color de cáscara y pulpa, firmeza y sólidos solubles totales. Después de cosecha los frutos se almacenaron bajo simulación de mercadeo (22 ± 2 °C; 70 ± 10 % HR), muestreando cada tercer día hasta madurez de consumo. Se encontró que la producción de la dosis alta y normal fue superior al control sin fertilización. Se presentaron diferencias por localidad, años y dosis de fertilización sobre la calidad y vida de anaquel de los frutos, en pérdida de peso, color de cáscara y pulpa, firmeza y sólidos solubles totales durante el proceso de maduración a consumo. La dosis normal presentó mejor efecto en alargar la vida de anaquel reflejándose en firmeza y color de pulpa. Las otras variables no presentaron diferencias entre dosis alta y normal, pero fueron superiores al control.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Distribución temporal y espacial de la escama blanca del mango en Sinaloa, México

Se realizó un estudio en la zona productora de mango del Sur del Sinaloa, México, con el objetivo de determinar la distribución temporal y espacial de la escama blanca del mango Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (EBM). Para obtener la fluctuación poblacional de la escama, se examinó su presencia durante dos años (2012-14) en los tres principales cultivares de Sinaloa: Ataulfo, Kent y Keitt. La distribución geográfica se obtuvo mediante el muestreo de huertos de mango en los municipios de Rosario y Escuinapa, Sin. Durante los dos años se muestrearon 221 lotes comerciales de los cultivares Ataulfo, Haden, Keitt, Kent, Manila y Tommy Atkins. Respecto a la fluctuación poblacional, las densidades de población de la escama variaron entre fechas de muestreo realizadas durante el año y entre los cultivares evaluados. La población de A. tubercularis registró tres etapas de desarrollo: Durante y después el periodo de lluvias (julio-octubre) la población fue la más baja. Escasa prevalencia durante temperaturas bajas (noviembre-febrero) y con las poblaciones más altas durante el periodo de temperaturas altas y/o sin lluvias (marzo- julio). Con relación a la distribución espacial, la escama blanca del mango se registró en el 90% de la zona productora del sur de Sinaloa, en la localidad El Capomal municipio de Escuinapa, Sinaloa; ‘Manila’ fue el cultivar mayormente infestado.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Characterization of mirid assemblages (Heteroptera, Miridae) in mango orchards in Reunion Island and implementation of identification and recognition tools

Introduction – Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is the second most important tropical fruit produced worldwide. In Reunion Island, serious losses are the result of damage caused by Orthops palus (Taylor, 1947) (Heteroptera, Miridae). This bug sucks the sap of mango inflorescences, causing them to dry out. However, little is known about this pest and the other mirid species present in mango orchards. The aim of the present study was to characterize the mirid species assemblages in mango orchards in Reunion Island and to design tools for the taxonomic identification and for the recognition of these species in the field. Materials and methods – Surveys were conducted in 14 mango orchards (var. Jose and Cogshall) between 2012 and 2014. Observations were made in the canopy and in ground cover. The individuals collected were identified to species level. Results and discussion – Thirteen species were inventoried of the 1695 individuals collected and identified. Orthops palus was the dominant species on mango (more than 80% of the individuals collected) and the only species present in significant numbers on inflorescences. In addition, three mirid identification and recognition tools were implemented: a taxonomic identification key to species level; Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of 12 of 13 catalogued species, published on GenBank and available for molecular identification of species; a flyer for mirid recognition in the field designed for farmers. Conclusion – These results and tools help assess mirid diversity in mango orchards and to develop agroecological management of O. palus populations. (Resume d'auteur)

Biocontrol of Fusarium mangiferae responsible for mango malformation using bacterial isolates

Abstract Fusarium species are known to be responsible for mango malformation, a serious pre-harvest disease causing major yield and financial losses to the industry worldwide. This study confirmed the identity and pathogenicity of the species associated with the disease in the northern provinces of South Africa. Thirty-five fungal isolates were obtained from infected orchards, of which 32 were identified as the malformation pathogen Fusarium mangiferae . Seventy-seven bacterial isolates, obtained from mango orchards as well as unrelated environments, were screened for their antifungal properties and the modes of action of the best isolates against Fusarium were established. The study demonstrated that only five bacterial isolates ( Alcagenes faecalis ) were able to significantly inhibit the growth of the pathogen. The modes of action of the bacteria were a combination of competition for space and secondary metabolites produced by the bacteria, which included volatiles, phenolic compounds and siderophores. An in vivo trial was performed to determine if exposure to the pathogen and antagonist could induce resistance by increasing secondary metabolites and specifically mangiferin. Chemometric analysis of the data obtained from the in vivo trial revealed that the total soluble secondary metabolite concentrations after application of the selected biocontrol agents or pathogen inoculation, were lower when compared to the control group.

Development of sooty moulds in mango orchards in relation to weather parameters and major sucking pests

Development of sooty moulds in mango orchards in relation to weather parameters and major sucking pests