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MANGO
Mangifera indica L.
Anacardiaceae
Common Names: Mango, Mangot, Manga, Mangou.
Related species: Bindjai (Mangifera caesia), Horse Mango ( M. foetida),
Kuweni mango (M. odorata).
Distant affinity: Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Gandaria (Bouea
gandaria), Pistachio (Pistacia vera), Marula (Sclerocarya birrea),
Ambarella (Spondias cytherea), Yellow Mombin (Spondias mombin), Red
Mombin (Spondias purpurea), Imbu (Spondias tuberosa).
Origin: The mango is native to southern Asia, especially Burma and
eastern India. It spread early on to Malaya, eastern Asia and eastern
Africa. Mangos were introduced to California (Santa Barbara) in 1880.
Forms: The mango exists in two races, one from India and the other from
the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The Indian race is intolerant of
humidity, has flushes of bright red new growth that are subject to
mildew, and bears monoembryonic fruit of high color and regular form. The
Philippine race tolerates excess moisture, has pale green or red new
growth and resists mildew. Its polyembryonic fruit is pale green and
elongated kidney-shaped. Philippines types from Mexico have proven to be
the hardiest mangos in California.
Adaptation: Mangos basically require a frost-free climate. Flowers and
small fruit can be killed if temperatures drop below 40°: F, even for
a short period. Young trees may be seriously damaged if the temperature
drops below 30° F, but mature trees may withstand very short periods
of temperatures as low as 25° F. The mango must have warm, dry
weather to set fruit. In southern California the best locations are in
the foothills, away from immediate marine influence. It is worth a trial
in the warmest cove locations in the California Central Valley, but is
more speculative in the coastal counties north of Santa Barbara, where
only the most cold adapted varieties are likely to succeed. Mangos
luxuriate in summer heat and resent cool summer fog. Wet, humid weather
favors anthracnose and poor fruit set. Dwarf cultivars are suitable for
culture in large containers or in a greenhouse.
DESCRIPTION
Growth Habit: Mango trees make handsome landscape specimens and shade
trees. They are erect and fast growing with sufficient heat, and the
canopy can be broad and rounded, or more upright, with a relatively
slender crown. It is ultimately a large tree, to 65 ft., but usually half
that size in California. The tree is long-lived with some specimens known
to be over 300 years old and still fruiting. In deep soil the taproot
descends to a depth of 20 ft, and the profuse, wide-spreading feeder
roots also send down many anchor roots which penetrate for several feet.
Foliage: The leaves are dark green above and pale below, usually red
while young. The midrib is pale and conspicuous and the many horizontal
veins distinct. Full-grown leaves may be 4 - 12.5 in. long and 3/4 - 2
in. wide, and are generally borne in clusters separated by a length of
naked stem bearing no buds. These naked stems mark successive flushes of
growth. Each flush of growth will harden off to a rich green color before
the next flush of growth begins.
Flowers: The yellowish or reddish flowers are borne in inflorescences
which appear at branch terminals, in dense panicles of up to 2000 minute
flowers. These flowers respire a volatile substance, causing allergic and
respiratory problems for some persons. Pollinators are flies, hoverflies,
rarely bees. Few of the flowers in each inflorescence are perfect, so
most do not produce pollen and are incapable of producing fruit. Pollen
cannot be shed in high humidity or rain. Fertilization is also
ineffective when night temperatures are below 55° F. Mangos are
monoecious and self-fertile, so a single tree will produce fruit without
cross pollination. Polyembryonic types may not require pollination at
all. Branches may be ringed to induce flowering, but the results are
mixed.
Fruits: The fruits grow at the end of a long, stringlike stem (the former
panicle), with sometimes two or more fruits to a stem. The fruits are 2
to 9 inches long and may be kidney shaped, ovate or (rarely) round. They
range in size from 8 ounces to around 24 ounces. The flower scar at the
apex is prominent, in some cultivars bulging from the fruit. The leathery
skin is waxy and smooth, and when ripe entirely pale green or yellow
marked with red, according to cultivar. It is inedible and contains a sap
that is irritating to some people. The quality of the fruit is based on
the scarcity of fiber and minimal turpentine taste.
The flesh of a mango is peachlike and juicy, with more or less numerous
fibers radiating from the husk of the single large kidney-shaped seed.
Fibers are more pronounced in fruits grown with hard water and chemical
fertilizers. The flavor is pleasant and rich and high in sugars and acid.
The seed may either have a single embryo, producing one seedling, or
polyembryonic, producing several seedlings that are identical but not
always true to the parent type. It is impossible to distinguish
true-to-type from zygotic seedlings from the same fruit. Some seedlings
produce numerous tiny, parthenocarpic fruits which fail to develop and
abort. Mango trees tend to be alternate bearing.
CULTURE
Location: The mango grows to a good size and casts a dense shade, but the
roots are not destructive. It requires full sun and perfect air drainage
in winter. It does best at the top or middle level of a slope. A
windbreak should be provided in exposed areas. The trees may also need
staking. In the desert it needs the shade of other trees; or plant on the
north side of the house. In the garden or near the coast, plant against a
south wall, or in an area surrounded by paving, to provide maximum heat.
In the greenhouse, full light and free air movement are important to
avoid disease.
Soil: Mangos will grow in almost any well-drained soil whether sandy,
loam or clay, but avoid heavy, wet soils. A pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is
preferred. They are somewhat tolerant of alkalinity. For good growth,
mangos needs a deep soil to accommodate their extensive root systems.
Irrigation: Irrigation should start when the weather warms: February in
the desert, April at the coast. Continue every one to two weeks, more
often in light soils, nearly continuously in the desert, until the fruit
is harvested. Irrigation may be discontinued when rains are sufficient to
maintain soil moisture. In the greenhouse keep watered until the fruit is
harvested, then reduce to the minimum required to avoid wilting. Watering
is then increased after one to two months to initiate a new bloom and
growth cycle.
Fertilization: Mango trees require regular applications of nitrogen
fertilizer to promote healthy growth flushes and flower production.
Chelated micronutrients, especially iron, are also often necessary. A
feeding program similar to one used for citrus is satisfactory, but do
not fertilize after midsummer. Organic fertilizers perform best, since
the trees are subject to fertilizer burn. Young trees are particularly
sensitive to over-fertilizing, but respond well to fish emulsion. Sandy
soils require more fertilizer than loam or clay.
Pruning: Healthy trees require little pruning, although pruning to
stimulate new growth promotes uniform annual bearing. Removing some
flower clusters during a heavy bloom year may also alleviate alternate
bearing. Mangos may be pruned to control size in late winter or early
spring without a loss of fruit. Sap and debris can cause severe
dermatitis, similar to poison oak. It is best to avoid burning prunings
or litter.
Frost Protection: During the first two years, the trees should be given
some protection such as an overhead cover during any frost threat. Once
the tree is 3 to 4 feet high, overhead protection is difficult but still
worthwhile, especially if an unusual cold snap is predicted. Frost damage
can also be avoided by erecting an overhead lath shelter, orchard
heating, placing lights under the canopy, or using foam or straw trunk
wraps. Do not prune dead parts until all frost danger is past.
Propagation:
Seedlings are a gamble. Supermarket fruits may have been treated to
sterilize, or chilled too long to remain viable. These seeds are normally
discolored gray. To grow mangos from seed, remove the husk and plant the
seed (before it dries out) with the hump at soil level. The seeds
normally germinate in two to four weeks, and do best with bottom heat.
Multiple polyembryonic seedlings should be carefully separated as soon as
they have sprouted so not to loose the cotyledons. Seedling mangos will
bloom and bear in three to six years.
Some success at grafting can be obtained in April and September, but
better luck is more likely during May through August. Small plants with a
diameter of a pencil graft well with the common whip graft. On larger
trees the crown groove bark graft allows several scions to be put on at
once. Fully grown trees may be topworked by crown or groove bark graft,
or prune hard and whip graft sprouts later. Plastic bagging with a few
drops of moisture improves the graft's chances of being successful.
Graft in the second year, using cleft, side or tongue (splice) graft in
midsummer. Scion and stock should be swelling for a new flush of growth.
Grafts are most successful if the leaves are allowed to remain below the
graft, but remove suckers. Use pencil-sized scions of hard wood with
three or four nodes. Cover with loose punctured white paper bag for
shade.
If top working, do not dehorn the entire tree at one time; leave at least
two fully leafed branches intact. Marcottage is feasible in humid
climates or greenhouses, but results in few plants. Although budding is
rare in California; it can be done by using a shield bud in an inverted
T, at the moment the tree begins a new growth flush. Cuttings are rarely
successful, although experiments have shown that rooting may be improved
by treating with ethylene, which destroys the root-inhibiting hormone in
the cambium.
The Mango is a suitable and productive tree for growing in a container or
greenhouse. Start with established plants of named cultivars. Select the
finest Indian cultivars, which are most rewarding for the effort
involved. A large tubs is required, with casters for easy moving. In the
greenhouse, the atmosphere should be kept dry as possible to avoid
anthracnose. Place a fan nearby to move the air around trees and use
ventilators. The plants should be hosed down in the morning on a weekly
basis to control mites. A regular spraying of appropriate pesticides for
anthracnose and mealybug may also be needed.
The location of the intended planting will dictate the choice of
cultivars. Seedlings selected under California conditions have provided
cultivars suitable for coastal counties. Florida cultivars are generally
more suitable in the desert and Central Valley.
Pests and Diseases: Scale, mealybugs and mites are frequent pests in the
greenhouse and orchard. In the greenhouse, thrips often turn leaves rusty
brown. Malathion is the conventional spray for insect pests; sulfur works
on mites. Gophers are attracted to the roots. The flower panicles, young
fruit and leaves are subject to powdery mildew (Oidium mangiferae),
especially in rainy weather or frequent fog. A spray of powdered kelp at
bud break will often control it. Sodium bicarbonate and fungicide sprays
are also effective. Trees planted in pavement openings seldom develop
mildew.
Bacterial spot (Colletotrichum oleosporides) distorts and turns
developing leaves black and disfigures developing fruit. Infection may
spread to fresh young growth. Anthracnose can be controlled with
bimonthly applications of copper spray or captan as a growth flush
begins, and until the flowers open. Resume spraying when the fruits begin
to form. Mango trees are very sensitive to root loss that can occur from
digging, transplanting or gopher damage. "Soft nose," a physical disorder
of shriveling at the fruit apex, seems associated with excessive nitrogen
in soil. Exposed fruits sunburn in high temperatures.
Fruit Harvest: Mango fruit matures in 100 to 150 days after flowering.
The fruit will have the best flavor if allowed to ripen on the tree,
although winter-maturing fruits must be ripened indoors in coastal
California. Ripening fruit turns the characteristic color of the variety
and begins to soften to the touch, much like a peach. Commercial
marketability requires 13% dissolved solids (sugars). When the first
fruit shows color on tree, all of that size fruit or larger may be
removed; repeat when remaining fruit colors. Do not store below 50°
F.The fruit ripens best if placed stem end down in trays at room
temperature and covered with a dampened cloth to avoid shriveling. Mangos
ripen in June from January bloom in interior California, and October from
April bloom on the coast. Less time is required to mature greenhouse
fruit.
Commercial potential: The mango is the apple (or peach) of the tropics,
and one of the most commonly eaten fruits in tropical countries around
the world. The fruit is grown commercially on a small scale in Florida.
In California a large planting in the Coachella Valley has now reached
production stage. The quality of the fruit is generally comparable to
Florida mangos, but has other advantages., i.e. the lack of fruit fly and
seed weevil populations. Mexico, and to a lesser extentCentral America,
is a major supplier to U.S. markets today.
CULTIVARS
Aloha
Origin San Diego, Jerry Staedeli, 1971. From Hawaiian seed. Tree
spreading, light bearer, according to rootstock affinity. Fruit large
(14-18 oz.), dull yellow covered with red. Early (Oct-Nov). Susceptible
to anthracnose. For coast.
Brooks
Origin Miami, 1916. Seedling of Sandersha. Tree somewhat dwarf.
Fruit medium to large (10 to 20 oz.), kidney-shaped, green with yellow
shoulder, rather fibrous. Very late. Resistant to anthracnose. For
greenhouse and containers.
Cambodiana
Origin Miami, 1910. Seedling of Saigon. Philippine type. Fruit small
to medium, elongated ovate, yellow-green, juicy, flavor acid. Early. For
greenhouse.
Carabao
Origin Philippines. Philippine type. Fruit medium (10 oz.),
elongated, kidney-shaped, light green blushed yellow. Seed very large,
flesh stringy, acid, juicy. Early midseason. For greenhouse.
Carrie
Origin Delray Beach, Florida, 1940. Seedling of Sophie Fry. Tree
dwarf. Fruit varies from small to 12 oz., regular ovate, green-yellow,
fiberless, flavor high. Early. For foothills, interior and greenhouse.
Cooper (syn. Cooper No. 1 or 3)
Origin Hollywood, Floyd Cooper, 1948. Tree spreading, dense. Fruit
large (16-20 oz.), long, green. Flesh high quality. Late. For foothills.
Costa Rica
Origin East Los Angeles, Gilbert Guyenne, 1980. >From seed from
Costa Rica. Fruit small to 10 oz., elongated, flat, pale green, juicy.
Very early. For coast and foothills.
Doubikin
Origin Kelmscott, West Africa, Arnold Doubikin, 1965. Two sibling
seedlings of Kensington pass under this name. Tree dwarf, rounded, slow
growing, fruits in two years from seed. Polyembryonic. Fruit round, large
(12-16 oz.), midseason. For coast, foothills, greenhouse.
Earlygold
Origin Pine Island, Florida, 1943. Tree upright. Fruit medium to 12
oz., obliquely round, orange with red blush, fiberless, seed often
abortive. Very early. Resistant to anthracnose. For coast.
Edgehill
Origin Vista, Calif., Paul Thomson, 1920s. Indian type. Tree
upright, hardy, vigorous. Monoembryonic. Blooms early. Produces small to
medium (8 to 12 oz.), almost fiberless fruit, green with red blush.
Resists mildew, subject to soft nose. Midseason (Nov-Dec). For foothills.
Edward
Origin Miami, Edward Simmons, 1948. Hybrid of Haden x
Carabao.Intermediate between Indian and Philippine forms. Tree dense,
compact. Fruit medium to large, elongated ovate, apex often oblique,
yellow green with red blush. Seed very small, easily removed. Flavor
excellent. Early. For interior.
Fascell
Origin Miami, 1936. Seedling of Brooks. Pat. #451. Tree open, slow.
Fruit medium to large, elongated flattened, yellow with pink blush, flesh
acid. Early. For coast and inland.
Gouveia
Origin Honolulu, Ruth Gouveia, 1946. Tree upright, open, Fruit
medium to large,(10 to 20 oz.), long ovate, green becoming bright red.
Sweet, juicy, no fiber. Late, uneven ripening. For coast and inland.
Haden
Origin Coconut Grove, Capt. Haden, 1910. seedling of Mulgoba. Indian
type. Tree spreading. Fruit large (to 24 oz.), regular ovate, yellow
almost covered with red, flavor mild, little fiber. Early. Susceptible to
anthracnose and alternate bearing, traits imparted to its progeny. For
interior and greenhouse.
Irwin
Origin Miami, F.D. Irwin, 1945. Seedling of Lippens. Florida's
leading local market cultivar. Tree very small. Fruit medium, 12-16 oz.,
elongated, ovate regular in form, orange yellow with deep blush, flesh
bland, fiberless. Mid-season. For foothills, interior, greenhouse.
Julie
Origin Trinidad. Tree dwarf, slow growing. Fruit small (6-10 oz.),
flat oblong, obliquely almost two-nosed, orange, rather fibrous, juicy,
sweet. Late. For containers, greenhouse.
Keitt
Origin Homestead, 1945. Probably seedling of Mulgoba. Fruit large
(20-26 oz.), ovate with slightly oblique apex, green, flesh rich, fiber
only around seed. Resists mildew. Late. For interior. Florida fruiting
July Aug., sometimes to Sept.
Kensington Pride (syns. Pride of Bowen, Bowen Special)
Origin Bowen, Queensland, 1960s. Generally propagated as seedling
strain. Polyembryonic. Tree rounded, vigorous. Fruit medium to large,
almost round with pink blush. Flavor sweet. Standard Australian mango cv.
Fruit tends to drop at small size. Midseason. For foothills.
Kent
Origin Coconut Grove, 1944. Seedling of Brooks. Tree upright. Fruit
large (20-26 oz.), regular ovate, greenish yellow with red shoulder,
flesh rich, fiberless. Late midseason. For interior.
MacPherson
Origin Encinitas, L.L. Bucklew, 1944. Tree dense, low branching.
Fruit small (6-8 oz.), yellow-green with red blush, flesh fairly good.
Midseason. For coast.
Manila
Origin Mexico, a seedling race common in Veracruz state. A seedling
strain from Hawaii. Philippine type. Tree dwarf, dense. Fruit small to 10
oz., shaped long, flat, yellow, flavor sharp. Subject to anthracnose.
Early (Oct-Dec), late picked fruit best. For coast and foothills.
Mulgoba
Origin Bombay; distinct from ancient cv. Mulgoa. Fruit medium, 16
oz., greenhouse.
Ott
Origin La Habra heights, William Ott, 1948. Seedling of Saigon. Tree
dwarf. Fruit medium, to six inches, orange-yellow with pink blush. Season
very early.
Piña (syn. Pineapple)
Origin Mexico, a seedling strain. Philippine type. Tree upright.
Fruit small to 12 oz., shape ovoid, orange yellow. flavor suggests
pineapple. Early midseason (Nov-Dec). For foothills.
Pirie (syn. Paheri)
Origin India, ancient. Tree broad, spreading. Fruit small (8 10
oz.), almost round, apex oblique, yellow with red blush. Juicy,
fiberless, rich flavor. Alternate bearing; blooms every 18 months. Early
midseason. For greenhouse.
Reliable
Origin San Diego, Calif., Jerry Staedeli, 1966. Seedling of
Sensation. Tree broad, dense, slow. Fruit size varies from 10-20 oz.,
shape oblong, yellow blushed red. Rarely misses a crop. Subject to
anthracnose, soft nose. Long ripening season (Oct-Feb). For coast and
foothills.
Sensation
Origin Miami, 1941. Tree broad, rounded. Fruit small, round with
oblique apex, yellow with red blush, fibers few. Late. For interior.
T1
Origin Vista, Paul Thomson, 1969. Seedling of Edgehill. Tree low,
spreading. Vigor dependent upon rootstock. Fruit medium to large, 6-8
inches, shape broad oval, green with red blush, fiberless. Subject to
anthracnose, resists mildew, soft nose. Late midseason(Dec-Jan), very
late on coast (Jan-Feb). For coast, foothills, interior, containers.
Thomson (syn. Thomson Large Seedling)
Origin Vista, Paul Thomson, 1966. Manila seedling, polyembryonic.
Tree spreading, vigor dependent upon rootstock. Fruit small to medium,
(6-12 oz.), yellow, shape flat, to eight inches. Resists mildew. High
fiber under chemical fertilizer regime. Season early, long
(September-November), ripens well indoors if picked prematurely. For
coast.
Tommy Atkins
Originated from a seed planted in the 1920s at Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. Commercially grown for export in Florida. Tree full, dense.
Fruit medium to large, 16 oz. with thick skin, regular ovate,
orange-yellow covered with red and heavy purple bloom. Firm, juicy,
medium fiber, fair to good quality. Flavor poor when over fertilized and
irrigated. Resists anthracnose. Early, ripens well if picked immature.
For interior.
Villaseñor
Origin Los Angeles, 1950s, Sr. Villaseñor. Tree dwarf, spreading,
responds to strong rootstock. Fruit medium, to 12 oz., shape ovate, color
greenish yellow, pink blush, flavor mild. Late midseason (Dec Jan). For
coast, foothills.
Winters (syn, M20222, Southland)
Origin Miami, USDA, 1959. Seedling of Ono, Philippine type,
polyembryonic. Tree broad, production variable. Fruit medium, to 14 oz.,
smaller in desert, shape half-round, yellow blushed red. Subject to
anthracnose, resists soft nose. Parthenocarpic fruit will reach full
size. Season midseason (Nov-Dec), ripens well if picked immature. For
coast, foothills, interior.
Zill
Origin Lake Worth, 1930. Seedling of Haden. Tree very spreading,
open. Fruit small, 8-12 oz., almost round, apex oblique, yellow with
blush, little fiber. Ripens early. For greenhouse.
FURTHER READING
California Avocado Society Yearbook. 1940. pp. 7.
Collins. The Mango in Puerto Rico. USDA BPI Bulletin 28, 1903.
Gangolly, S. R. et al. The Mango. New Delhi, Indian Council of
Agriculture Research, 1957.
Higgins. The Mango in Hawaii. Honolulu, Hawaii AES Bulletin 12,
1906.
Maxwell, Lewis S. and Betty M. Maxwell. Florida Fruit. Lewis S.
Maxwell, Publisher. 1984. pp. 61-63.
Morton, Julia F. Fruits of Warm Climates. Creative Resources
Systems, Inc. 1987. pp.221-237.
Naik, K. C. and S. R. Gangolly. Monograph on Classification and
Nomenclature of South Indian Mangos. Madras, Supt. of
Government Press, 1950.
Ortho Books. All About Citrus and Subtropical Fruits. Chevron
Chemical Co. 1985. pp. 61-64.
Pope, W. T. Mango Culture in Hawaii. Honolulu, Hawaii AES Bulletin
58, 1929.
Popenoe, F. W. The Mango in Southern California. Journal of Economic
Botany, vol. 1, pp. 153-200.
Popenoe, W. Pollination of the Mango. USDA Bulletin 542, 1917.
Ruehle, G.D and R.B., Ledlin. Mango Growing in Florida. Univ. of
Florida AES Bulletin, 1955.
Samson, J. A. Tropical Fruits. 2nd ed. Longman Scientific and
Technical. 1986. pp. 216-234.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Yearbook, 1901, 1907, 1910.
Yee, W. The Manago in Hawaii. Honolulu, Univ. of Hawaii CES Circular
388, 1958.
See Index of CRFG Publications, 1969 - 1989 and annual indexes of Fruit
Gardener for additional articles on the mango.
© Copyright 1996, California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc.
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