Origin and Common Names
Mangifera pinnata L.f., also known as the Indian mango or wild mango, is a plant species that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is found in countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Due to its widespread distribution, this plant has many common names, including 'Bakul', 'Malo', 'Mavu', 'Mavvu', 'Ma-muang-paa', and 'Ciku'.
General Appearance
Mangifera pinnata is a large evergreen tree that can reach up to 40 meters in height. The bark is dark brown and rough with deep vertical fissures. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and can grow up to 35 cm in length and 10 cm in width. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and fragrant, typically measuring 5-10 mm in diameter. The fruit is an oval or oblong drupe, typically 6-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The color varies from green to yellow or orange-red and contains a single seed.
Uses
Mangifera pinnata has many traditional uses, and almost every part of the plant has a practical application. The fruit is edible and widely consumed as a food. The leaves, bark, and seeds have medicinal properties and have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The tree's bark is also used to extract tannin for dyeing and tanning leather. The wood is sturdy and used for construction and furniture. The tree's resin is used in incense production, and the plant is also an ornamental tree grown for its attractive appearance and fragrant flowers.
Light Requirements
The plant species Mangifera pinnata L.f. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It is not recommended to grow it in areas with shading or partial shade. Therefore, it is important to choose a planting location that will provide at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature for the growth of Mangifera pinnata L.f. is between 21°C and 29°C, with a minimum temperature of 16°C. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. In areas with cool temperatures, the plant should be protected from the cold weather or grown in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
The plant species Mangifera pinnata L.f. prefers well-draining, moist and fertile soil for optimal growth. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Sandy loam and clay loam soils are ideal for this species. Additionally, the soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Mangifera pinnata L.f., commonly known as mango, grows best in warm and humid climates. It requires well-drained soils and full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant can be propagated through seeds or grafting. Seedling propagation is suitable for large-scale plantations while grafting is ideal for smaller scale cultivation and produces fruits of better quality. Seedlings should be transplanted into the field after one year, while grafted seedlings can be transplanted after six months.
Watering Needs
Watering is crucial during the initial growth stages of Mangifera pinnata. Young trees require regular watering until they are established in the field. Once the plant is established, irrigation can be done occasionally during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering can increase the incidence of root rot diseases, while underwatering can cause a reduction in yield and quality.
Fertilization
Mango trees require regular fertilization to produce healthy and high yielding trees. Soil testing should be done before planting to determine the proper chemical composition of the soil. Fertilizers, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, should be applied at the appropriate amounts and times. Organic manure can also be used to supplement the soil nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to enhance the growth and yields of mango trees. Dead or diseased branches should be pruned out of the tree to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning also helps to control the height and shape of the tree, making it easier for pest control measures. The best time for pruning is during the dormant season to avoid affecting the growth of the tree.
Propagation of Mangifera pinnata L.f.
Mangifera pinnata L.f., also known as Indian mango or mangrove mango, is commonly propagated through seedlings, air layering, and grafting. The following are the detailed methods of propagating this plant:
Seedlings
Propagation through seedlings is the most common and easiest method. The seeds are obtained from mature fruits, and they should be washed and dried before planting. The seeds are then planted in nursery bags filled with a mixture of sand and soil. The bags are watered regularly, and the seedlings are transplanted into polythene bags when they reach a height of 15-20 cm. The seedlings are then ready to be transplanted into the field after six to eight months.
Air layering
Air layering is a more advanced method of propagation, which is used to reduce the time that the plant takes to bear fruits. In this method, a branch is selected and the bark is removed to expose the cambium layer. The exposed area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss, and a plastic bag is tied around it. After a few months, roots will emerge, and the new plant can then be cut from the mother plant and planted in a polythene bag.
Grafting
Grafting is mainly used for propagating superior cultivars. The method involves taking a healthy and disease-free seedling and attaching it to a branch of a mature tree. The branch is then covered with moist sphagnum moss, and a plastic bag is tied around it. The new plant will develop roots within a month, and it can then be transplanted into a polythene bag. This method is commonly used to reduce the time that a plant takes to reach maturity and to ensure that the fruit quality is maintained.
Disease and Pest Management for Mangifera pinnata L.f.
Mangifera pinnata L.f., also known as the "Madras Mango" or "Bacha Mango," is a fruit tree that is native to southeastern Asia. As with any plant, it is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can negatively impact its growth and production. Here are some common issues that may arise with the Mangifera pinnata L.f. tree, along with strategies for managing and preventing them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Mangifera pinnata L.f. is anthracnose, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This disease can cause leaf spots, blossom blight, and fruit rot, and can result in reduced fruit quality and yield. To manage anthracnose, regular pruning to increase air circulation and reduce humidity around the plant, as well as application of copper-based fungicides, can be effective.
Another disease that Mangifera pinnata L.f. may experience is powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, humid conditions. This disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems and can impair photosynthesis. To manage powdery mildew, pruning to increase airflow and reduce humidity, regular soil moisture management, and application of fungicides may be necessary.
Common Pests
Mangifera pinnata L.f. may also be subject to attacks by a variety of pests, including fruit flies, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can cause fruit damage and reduced fruit quality and yield. To manage these pests, regular crop monitoring and pruning of affected branches or fruits, as well as use of insecticide sprays or baits, may be effective.
The mango fruit borer is another common pest that can cause significant damage to Mangifera pinnata L.f. This insect lays its eggs on the fruit which hatch and bore into the fruit's flesh, rendering it inedible. To manage the mango fruit borer, use of pheromone traps, insecticide sprays, and destroying affected fruits can be effective.
Prevention and Management
In addition to specific pest and disease management strategies, there are several general practices that can help prevent and manage issues with Mangifera pinnata L.f. Regular pruning to increase airflow and reduce humidity, proper soil moisture management, and use of disease-resistant cultivars can all help reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations. Additionally, proper sanitation practices, such as removing any fallen fruit or leaves from around the plant, can help prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Overall, effective management of pest and disease issues with Mangifera pinnata L.f. requires diligent monitoring, identification of specific issues, and implementation of appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
