Mango Production Research Articles

Edge-based wireless imaging system for continuous monitoring of insect pests in a remote outdoor mango orchard

Mango production is a prominent tropical fruit industry worldwide. However, outdoor mango cultivation is susceptible to crop damage caused by insect pests and harsh environmental conditions. Integrated pest management (IPM) has emerged as a proposed solution to this problem. IPM utilizes data-driven and environmentally-friendly methods to suppress insect pest populations. Nevertheless, the collection of insect pest population data remains a laborious process, necessitating automation. This paper presents an image-based monitoring system to automatically record insect pest populations and environmental conditions in mango orchards. The system comprises solar-powered sensor nodes capable of periodically acquiring and analyzing sticky paper trap images. A modular deep learning-based algorithm was developed to detect and classify insect pests into seven classes, including major insect pests of mango such as thrips, mango leafhopper, and oriental fruit fly, with an average classification F1-score of 0.96. Unlike other insect counting algorithms, the algorithm reliably classifies insect pests according to different taxonomic levels even in non-laboratory environments. The monitoring system was tested and deployed in a remote mango orchard for over two years. The collected spatiotemporal information was analyzed to demonstrate the benefits of using the proposed system and recommend new IPM strategies. Temporal data analysis revealed a significant decrease in the count of selected insect pests after using the system, enabling identification of insect hotspots through statistical methods. This work presents a breakthrough in hardware and software solutions for developing smarter insect pest monitoring systems, leading to better IPM strategies.

PERCEPTION OF THE MANGO GROWERS ABOUT REJUVENATION TECHNOLOGY

The decline of mango productivity has been attributed to various factors. The most of the problems are due to faulty management i.e. unsuitable site and climate, cultivation of intercrops, inadequate nutrition, improper planting, undesirable planting materials, incidence of insect, pest and disease and other biotic and abiotic stress. Rejuvenation of mango trees makes them more manageable and facilitates the adoption of appropriate package of practices, resulting in improved vigor and yield. This involves adopting suitable pruning methods, providing adequate nutrients and plant protection management, developing an appropriate canopy, and implementing other holistic management operations. To conduct a study on mango rejuvenation, a multistage, purposive, and random sampling technique was employed. The study was carried out in Gir Somnath district of the Saurashtra region, with Talala, Kodinar, Una, and Sutrapada selected purposively as the four talukas, and three villages randomly selected from each of these talukas, resulting in a total of 12 villages being selected for the study. Ten mango growers were then randomly selected from each of these villages as respondents, totaling 120 mango growers. The respondents were interviewed using a specially designed schedule, and the results showed that the majority (53.33 percent) of the respondents had a medium level of perception about the recommended mango rejuvenation technology, followed by 27.50 percent of respondents who had a high level of perception about the recommended mango rejuvenation technology, while 19.17 percent had a low level of perception about the recommended mango rejuvenation technology. It is essential to adopt and promote scientific practices that can enhance mango productivity and rejuvenation to address these issues.

Understanding the complexity of the Indonesian fresh mango industry in delivering quality to markets: A systems thinking approach

In response to anticipated export demand growth and the expansion of the modern domestic market, the Indonesian mango industry faces both opportunities and challenges in elevating the production of high-quality mangoes. This industry’s complexity, characterised by various actors with wide-ranging interests, poses a key challenge. We implemented a systems thinking approach in this study to comprehend this complex Indonesian mango value chain and identify deep-rooted issues that could obstruct high-quality mango production. Our research employed participatory group model building with primary actors and stakeholders, which disclosed that conventional agricultural management practices, inadequate postharvest handling, and a lack of coordinated quality standards are key drivers of low-quality mango production. By utilising system archetypes—interpretive tools capturing complex food system behaviour—we demonstrate that adopting clear market orientation through mutual contractual arrangements and fostering collaboration among key actors can significantly influence high-quality mango production. This study provides a nuanced understanding of the underlying factors affecting system behaviour over time, a component often overlooked in traditional value chain analysis. As a result, policy formulation can better address the root causes of Indonesia’s low production of high-quality mangoes.

Plant growth regulator on micro-sprinkler for mango `Palmer’ floral induction in Brazilian Semiarid

Application of the plant growth regulator paclobutrazol (PBZ) to aid mango floral induction has been widely performed by mango producers. However, its application has been done manually, resulting in low uniformity of application and losses with labor. The objective of this study was to adjust the PBZ dose to be applied via micro-sprinkler system for floral induction, indicating an efficient management of ‘Palmer’ mango in the Brazilian semiarid. The experiment was conducted at Saúde Farm, located in Petrolina-PE, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with five doses of PBZ, applied via irrigation system (T1 - 0.56; T2 - 1.12; T3 -1.68; T4 - 2.24; and T5 - 2.80 g a.i. linear m-1 canopy) and a conventionally applied dose (T0 - 2.80 g a.i. linear m-1 of canopy, manually applied broadcast), with four replicates. The variables analyzed were: photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf temperature, number and length of panicles, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, yield, pulp firmness, titratable acidity and total soluble solids in the fruits. At the conventionally applied dose (2.8 g a.i. linear m-1 of canopy), PBZ application via micro-sprinkler irrigation system proved to be the most efficient way to reduce photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration. PBZ applied via micro-sprinkler irrigation system at a dose of 0.56 g a.i. linear m-1 of canopy promotes greater number of panicles and yield in ‘Palmer’ mango.

Improving Quality of Mango Fruits in North Lombok, Indonesia Through the Improvement of Agribusiness System

Background: Mango is one of the most important horticultural crops in the world, and North Lombok. The quality of mango fruits appears to be one of determining factors in mango business worldwide, demanding mango producers and other related stakeholders to pay attention. This paper aims at describing agribusiness systems of mango in North Lombok, Indonesia and followed by recommending strategies for improving the quality of mango fruits along the way of all agribusiness sub systems from input, farm, processing, marketing and supporting service. Methods: This study took place in North Lombok Regency, the Province of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, during April 2017 to December 2018. Primary data were collected through interviewing respondents of mango growers, traders and key informants of mango agribusiness. These primary data were complemented with data from secondary sources. Data analysis was framed in agribusiness system. Result: The study revealed that there were several weaknesses in each sub-system of agribusiness and weak connections amongst the subsystems. Therefore, there needs improvement in each subsystem of agribusiness to become strong and supports each other. The sub system of supporting services appears to have more determining role than other sub systems in improving the system of agribusiness, further in improving the quality of mango fruits, the performance of the mango business for benefits of the mango entrepreneurs and the economy of the region. Contributions of this study include in knowledge of agribusiness integration for successful program and in economy of the mango entrepreneurs and of the region.

LAND SUITABILITY EVALUATION FOR EFFECTIVE LAND USE PLANNING, SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE CROP PRODUCTION IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

A 500-ha land of the commercial farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State was evaluated for production of maize, soybean, mango and coconut using a parametric Rabia equation method. Semi-detailed soil survey using 100 m x 100 m rigid grid method preceded the evaluation. Three mapping units designated as UCF-1 and UCF-2 and UCF-3 were delineated. In each unit, two representative profile pits were dug, described and soil samples collected following the USDA guidelines. The samples were analysed for some physical and chemical properties using standard laboratory analytical procedures. Soil reaction (pH 5.9 to 6.5) was favourable for the uptake of most nutrients, which were low to moderate. All the mapping units had potential suitability indices (PSI) of greater than 50 %, when evaluated for maize and soybean which made them moderately suitable for their production, except UCF-3 with PSI of 35 % making it marginally suitable for maize. Mapping units UCF – 1 and UCF – 2 with PSI greater than 57 % after being evaluated for mango are moderately suitable for its production. The PSI of all the mapping units was less than 50 % after evaluating them for coconut production making them only marginally for its production.

Inside-out strategic coupling for smallholder market integration – Mango production in Malawi as a test case

Starting from the observation that value chain research has informed much of agricultural development interventions in recent decades, this paper identifies five key challenges to current agricultural development policies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): access to finance, infrastructure, land tenure, local linkages and knowledge transfer. Based on this review, it is argued that recent theoretical advances in the global production network (GPN) approach can help to achieve a more holistic view of agricultural development policies than the more linear value chain research. In particular, three key concepts from the GPN approach are highlighted: mobilisation of regional assets, strategic coupling and territorial embeddedness. These key concepts are used to propose a framework called ‘insight-out strategic coupling for smallholder integration’, which builds on the concept of strategic coupling in GPN research and applies it as a development tool to agricultural production. Using an in-depth case study approach, the usefulness of this framework is tested by examining the experience of Malawi Mangoes, a company established to promote smallholder exports. Malawi Mangoes was initially funded by private equity, but despite a number of challenges along the way, was soon able to attract development funding and integrate smallholders from surrounding villages throughout-grower schemes. Analysis of the case shows both the usefulness of the framework and the lost potential in implementing agricultural development policy. The authors conclude that the framework is useful for linking current debates on agricultural development interventions, but that the findings of critical GPN research need to be taken into account when developing agricultural development interventions in order to respect the ‘do no harm’ principle.

TOXICITY OF COMMONLY USED CHEMICAL INSECTICIDES ON MANGO HOPPER

Mango production in Bangladesh is enormously affected by the infestation of hopper which punctures and sucks sap from tender shoots, inflorescences, and leaves of mango tree, causing non-setting of fruits and dropping of immature fruits. Control of mango hopper in recent days is solely done by synthetic insecticides. This study was conducted in the laboratory during January to October 2022 to know the toxicity of four commonly used insecticides, namely Desis 2.5 EC (Deltamethrin), Ripcord 10 EC (Cypermethrin), Relothrin 10 EC (Cypermethrin), and Sumithion 50 EC (Fenitrothion) on mango hopper. The doses of Desis 2.5 EC, Ripcord 10 EC and Relothrin 10 EC were prepared as 1200, 1000, 750, 500 and 100 ppm, and Sumithion 50 EC solutions were 2500, 2200, 1500, 1000 and 500 ppm. Results showed that the tested insecticides with their recommended doses revealed 51.4±2.5 to 70.6±1.8% mortality of hopper at 4 hours after treatment where Desis 2.5 EC showed the highest mean mortality of the insect. Desis 2.5 EC also showed the lowest LC50 and LC95 values (426.0 and 4331.4 ppm, respectively at 4 hours after treatment) signifying its higher effectiveness compared to other tested insecticides.

Prediction of Fruit Production in India: An Econometric Approach

Abstract Forecasting is valuable to countries because it enables them to make informed business decisions and develop data-driven strategies. Fruit production offers promising economic opportunities to reduce rural poverty and unemployment in developing countries and is a crucial component of farm diversification strategies. After vegetables, fruits are the most affordable source of essential vitamins and minerals for human health. India's fruit production strategies should be developed based on accurate predictions and the best forecasting models. This study focused on the forecasting behavior of production of apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, guavas, and pineapples in India using data from 1961 to 2015 (modelling set) and 2016–2020 (predicting set). Two unit root tests were used, the Ng–Perron (2001) test, and the Dickey–Fuller test with bootstrapping critical values depending on the Park (2003) technique. The results show that all variables are stationary at first differences. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing (ETS) models were used and compared based on goodness of fit. The results indicated that the ETS model was the best in all the cases, as the predictions using ETS had the smallest errors and deviations between forecasting and actual values. This result was confirmed using three tests: Diebold–Mariano, Giacomini–White, and Clark–West. According to the best models, forecasts for production during 2021–2027 were obtained. In terms of production, an increase is expected for apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, mangosteens, guavas, and pineapples in India during this period. The current outcomes of the forecasts could enable policymakers to create an enabling environment for farmers, exporters, and other stakeholders, leading to stable markets and enhanced economic growth. Policymakers can use the insights from forecasting to design strategies that ensure a diverse and nutritious fruit supply for the population. This can include initiatives like promoting small-scale farming, improving postharvest storage and processing facilities, and establishing effective distribution networks to reach vulnerable communities.

First Report of Bacterial Necrosis Caused by Pantoea vagans in Mango in China.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important tropical fruits in China. Bacterial black spot is one of the primary factors limiting mango production and thus leads to huge economic losses (Bie et al. 2022). In June 2020, necrotic symptoms similar to bacterial black spot was observed with incidence 30% to 65% on mango cultivar Yuwen, Jinhuang, Tainong and Guifei in Baise, Guangxi, China. Typically, the lesions began as chlorotic spots that coalesced into an irregular shape, becoming black and slightly raised, with a yellow halo. Thirteen diseased samples collected from five orchards were cut into approximately 5-mm pieces, sterilized for 10 s with 75% ethanol, soaked with 2% NaClO for 1 min, and rinsed in sterilized water three times. The samples were then homogenized and a 10-fold serial dilution was made before plating onto Lysogeny broth (LB) agar. After incubation at 28°C for 3 days, one representative colony that was beige to yellow in color, round, convex and smooth with entire margins from each orchard was selected for further study. Genomic DNA was extracted to amplify the 16S rRNA gene (Lane et al. 1991). The resulting 16S rRNA sequences were compared in GenBank using BLASTn and shared at least 99% identity with Pantoea spp.. Furthermore, six housekeeping genes fusA, gyrB, leuS, pyrG, rplB and rpoB partial sequences of five isolates were amplified and sequenced (Delétoile et al. 2009). The sequences were deposited in GenBank (16S rRNA: OL413424 to OL413246, OP225727-OP225728; leuS: OL441796, OL441798 to OL441801; fusA, gyrB, leuS, pyrG, rplB and rpoB: OP272638-OP272662). The five bacterial isolates were classified as P. vagans based on the phylogenetic tree of the concatenated sequences and sequences derived from different Pantoea reference isolates inferred by maximum-likelihood using MegaX software (Kumar et al. 2018). Biochemical tests showed the isolates were Gram-negative, oxidase negative, and hydrogen oxidase positive, and could use D-glucose, D-fructose, L-rhamnose, D-galactose and D-mannitose as a carbon resource (Bradbury, 1986). Pathogenicity tests were performed on mango cv. Yuwen. The representative isolate was inoculated by infiltration with sterile needleless syringes on healthy leaves and spraying onto slightly scratched leaves with bacterial suspensions (OD600=0.1) respectively (Kutschera, et al. 2019). A Xanthomonas citri pv. mangiferaeindicae (Xcm) suspension and sterilized water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Inoculated plants were kept with 90 ± 5% relative humidity and 28 ± 1°C in the greenhouse for 1 week. Black to brown necrotic symptoms were observed on all leaves inoculated by infiltration except the negative control. These were observed in plants inoculated by spraying only after 2 weeks. Bacteria re-isolated from diseased tissues were consistent with the inoculated isolates and identified as P. vagans, fulfilling Koch's postulates. To date, P. vagans have been isolated from eucalyptus with bacterial blight and dieback, and maize with brown stalk rot (Brady et al. 2009). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of P. vagans causing bacterial necrosis on mango in China. It was also found that some of the diseased samples were coinfected with P. vagans and Xcm in our investigation. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the infection mechanisms of this pathogen.

MAJOR PEST OF MANGO AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICE AT FARMER LEVEL IN SAPTARI, NEPAL

Traditionally used methods to control insect pests are locally accepted, cost-effective, and sustainable to reduce resistance and foster long-term benefits. A household study was carried out in Surunga municipality in three wards of Saptari, Nepal namely Madhupatti, Sripur, and Haripur, Saptari to analyze the principal mango pest and farmer management practices. The moderate climate and edaphic characteristics of the Terai region are favorable for mango production in the district. Grafting was utilized to raise 93.3% of the total plant population in the respondent’s orchards, according to the data. The number of female family members involved in mango cultivation (88) was higher than the number of male family members (81). Gummosis, followed by Sooty Mould and Anthracnose, was the most common and devastating disease in the study area. Mango Hopper was determined to be the most common and harmful insect, followed by Fruit fly and Leaf Webber. With a mean of 15.6533% of the total predicted yield loss. In the study area, local management measures against diseases and pests were used less frequently. Also, 72% of the respondents didn’t use chemical insecticides/fungicides for the control of diseases and pests, and relevant organizations working in the area have failed to reach the majority of farmers in the research area.

Productos alternativos con efecto insecticida en el control de Aulacaspis tubercularis; Newstead,1906 (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) en el cultivo de mango

The predominant microclimates of the coast and the inter-Andean valleys of Peru have favored the production and export of mango (Mangifera indica L.) to more than 30 countries in the years 2020 - 2021. In this process, phytosanitary support was of vital importance, however, the species Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, 1906 (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a pest that affects the resulting crop, increasing costs due to cleaning the fruits for marketing. Control with insecticides contaminates the environment; hence the objective of the study was to evaluate alternative products with insecticidal effect and low environmental impact. The use of mineral oil (7.5 mL.L-1), azadirachtin (3.2 %, 5 mL.L-1), commercial powder detergent (20 g.L-1) and potassium soap (10 mL.L-1) in the field and laboratory. In the field, 9 trees were sprayed per treatment, every seven days at an interval of 15 days and in the laboratory the individuals per bottle. The four evaluated products had a significant impact on the colonies in the field (95.31 %, 88.89 %, 77.38 % and 68.04 %, respectively) in the first three moments of application. In the laboratory, commercial detergent and 3.2 % azadirachtin exerted high mortality (100 %) on the third day post-application, followed by 100 % mineral oil on the fourth day. The four products evaluated are recommended for the management of A. tubercularis.

La cadena productiva del mango. Factor clave para el desarrollo local en la zona oriente del Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca

Objective: To identify the productive chain of mango in the eastern zone of the Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca. Methodology: Exploratory and descriptive in nature with a mixed approach. Through a documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with producers, as well as producer organizations, packinghouse administrators and the representatives of municipal governments in the area. Results: Four links are identified in the mango production chain: primary production, storage-packaging, processing, and commercialization. In the first, an increase in cultivated land with inputs acquired mainly in the area. Second, a competitive position of the packers with international market is observed. Third, a still incipient processing industry is presented, with a single fruit dehydration company. Fourth, a growing national and international market is notable. Limitations: The study began a few weeks after the end of the harvest period, which prevented observing the economic dynamics that were generated in the area. Conclusions: In the eastern area of the Istmo de Tehuantepec, small producers are required to have greater ownership of the production chain with the intention of achieving fairer income. At the same time, it is necessary to encourage the transformation of the mango, both industrially and by hand in the different links of the production chain. Finally, within the production area, the elements of the production chain that are still outside geographically must be integrated.

Monitoring of Chemical Hazards: Pesticide Residue, Heavy Metals and Mycotoxin Detection during Production of Mango and Guava Pulp Production Line

Monitoring of Chemical Hazards: Pesticide Residue, Heavy Metals and Mycotoxin Detection during Production of Mango and Guava Pulp Production Line

A Combination of Data Augmentation Techniques for Mango Leaf Diseases Classification

Mango is one of the most traded fruits in the world. Therefore, mango production suffers from several pests and diseases which reduce the production and quality of mangoes and their price in the local and international markets. Several solutions for automatic diagnosis of these pests and diseases have been proposed by researchers in the last decade. These solutions are based on Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. In recent years, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have achieved impressive results in image classification and are considered as the leading methods for image classification. However, one of the most significant issues facing mango pests and diseases classification solutions is the lack of availability of large and labeled datasets. Data augmentation is one of solutions that has been successfully reported in the literature. This paper deals with data augmentation techniques namely blur, contrast, flip, noise, zoom and affine transformation to know, on the one hand, the impact of each technique on the performance of a ResNet50 CNN using an initial small dataset, on the other hand, the combination between them which gives the best performance to the DL network. Results show that the best combination classifying mango leaf diseases is ‘Contrast & Flip & Affine transformation’ which gives to the model a training accuracy of 98.54% and testing accuracy of 97.80% with an f1_score > 0.9.

Mapping Brazilian Expansion Risk Levels of Mango Weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae Fabricius) Based on MaxEnt.

The mango weevil, Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) (Curculionidae), pest present in Brazil and is restricted to some municipalities in the Rio de Janeiro State. This curculionid attacks the mango crop exclusively and puts mango production globally at risk, especially those destined for export. Using ecological modeling tools, this study is the first to map the potential risk of S. mangiferae in Brazil. We aimed to identify the potential distribution of this pest in Brazilian states, drawing up thematic maps of regions that present suitable and unsuitable climatic conditions for the establishment of the pest using the MaxEnt ecological niche model. The average annual temperature, the annual precipitation, the average daytime temperature range, and the annual temperature range were the variables that contributed most to the selected model. The MaxEnt model predicted highly suitable areas for S. mangiferae throughout the Brazilian coast, especially on the northeast coast. The region responsible for more than 50% of mango production in Brazil, the São Francisco Valley, was classified by the model with suitability for the pest; it can impacts exportations due to the imposition of phytosanitary barriers. This information can be used in strategies to prevent the introduction and establishment of this pest in new areas and monitor programs in areas with recent occurrence. In addition, the model results can be used in future research plans on S. mangiferae in worldwide modeling studies and climate change scenarios.

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides novel insights into molecular response of salt-tolerant and sensitive polyembryonic mango genotypes to salinity stress at seedling stage.

Increased soil salinity in the recent years has adversely affected the productivity of mango globally. Extending the cultivation of mango in salt affected regions warrants the use of salinity tolerant/resistant rootstocks. However, the lack of sufficient genomic and transcriptomic information impedes comprehensive research at the molecular level. We employed RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis to gain insight into molecular response to salt stress by using two polyembryonic mango genotypes with contrasting response to salt stress viz., salt tolerant Turpentine and salt susceptible Mylepelian. RNA sequencing by Novaseq6000 resulted in a total of 2795088, 17535948, 7813704 and 5544894 clean reads in Mylepelian treated (MT), Mylepelian control (MC), Turpentine treated (TT) and Turpentine control (TC) respectively. In total, 7169 unigenes annotated against all the five public databases, including NR, NT, PFAM, KOG, Swissport, KEGG and GO. Further, maximum number of differentially expressed genes were found between MT and MC (2106) followed by MT vs TT (1158) and TT and TC (587). The differentially expressed genes under different treatment levels included transcription factors (bZIP, NAC, bHLH), genes involved in Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), ABA biosynthesis, Photosynthesis etc. Expression of few of these genes was experimentally validated through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and contrasting expression pattern of Auxin Response Factor 2 (ARF2), Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) and CDPK genes were observed between Turpentine and Mylepelian. The results of this study will be useful in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying salt tolerance in mango which can serve as valuable baseline information to generate new targets in mango breeding for salt tolerance.

AN ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS FORTHE IMPACT OF CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF MANGO CROPS IN EGYPT BY USING PANEL DATA MODELS

Horizontal agricultural expansion is one of the most important pillars of the national economy in Egypt, so the country makes strenuous efforts to make optimal use of agricultural resources, and despite these efforts, the climate prevents it.Recently, global warming has increased and climate change is expected to worsen the frequency, intensity, and impacts of some types of extreme weather events that affected mango productivity during the last years, which led to a decrease in productivity by about 37%, with a value of financial losses amounting to 4.8 billion pounds in 2021.Therefore, the research aims to estimate the impact of extreme weather on mango productivity during the last three years (2021-2019) at four studied governorates representing 75% of the total area of mango in Egypt. The Fixed Effect Cross of Panel Data Model was adopted as the appropriate model, to illustrate the impact of the phenomena on the productivity of mangoes. The results show that there is a statistical significance and a negative effect for both the minimum and maximum temperatures, as productivity decreases by about 1.05%, and 1.79% with an increase in each of the minimum and maximum temperatures by 1%, respectively. The negative impact has been shown on the governorates of Buhaira and Ismailia. Also, the individual effect was studied for each month,it was found that there was a statistically significant negative effect of the minimum and maximum temperatures for the months of flowering and fruiting.

Convective drying of mango stone for use as biomass

Mango stone is an interesting biomass by-product with a considerable net calorific value. Mango production has significantly risen in the last few years, meaning that mango waste has increased as well. However, mango stone has a moisture content of about 60% (wet basis) and it is very important to dry the samples for using them in electrical and thermal energy production. In this paper, the main parameters involved in the mass transfer during drying are determined. Drying was carried out in a convective dryer through a set of experiments based on five drying air temperatures (100 °C, 125 °C, 150 °C, 175 °C and 200 °C) and three air velocities (1 m/s, 2 m/s and 3 m/s). Drying times ranged between 2 and 23 h. The drying rate was calculated from the Gaussian model whose values ranged from 1.5·10−6 to 6.3·10−4 s−1. Effective diffusivity was obtained as an overall parameter in the mass diffusion for each test. These values were found between 0.71·10−9 and 13.6·10−9 m2/s. The activation energy was calculated from the Arrhenius law for each test, made at different air velocities. These values were 36.7, 32.2 and 32.1 kJ/mol for 1, 2 and 3 m/s, respectively. This study provides information for future works on design, optimization and numerical simulation models in convective dryers for standard mango stone pieces according to industrial drying conditions.

Trend and Forecasting of Area, Production and Productivity of Mango Crop in Karnataka, India

The current study was carried out to analyze the trend and forecast in area, production and productivity of mango crop in Karnataka. It was determined by using the secondary data of area, production and productivity of mango for the period of 18 years (2000-01 to 2017-18) was collected from Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Karnataka. To estimate the trend and its forecast for the next 5 years, up to 2022-23, linear, quadratic, exponential, logistic and Gompertz models were fitted and the best-fitted model was selected based on lowest MAPE. Result revealed that exponential model was best-fitted for area and production of mango, and the logistic model was found to be the best-fitted model for the mango productivity. The result also explored that the area, production and productivity of mango crop have an upward trend in Karnataka state in above study period. Based on this trend to forecast area, production and productivity of mango crop for the period from 2018-19 to 2022-23.