Mango Fruit Protection Bags

Mangos are a favorite tropical and subtropical fruit crop, grown in all regions of the world. Mango fruits are very nutritious and are widely used in foods and beverages, including dried mangoes and mango juice. In the United States, there are more than 100 mango cultivars, ranging from a dark green to a reddish brown in color and with various flavors. In addition to being delicious, mangoes have many health benefits and can help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

During the winter through spring, mango trees flower. The fruiting season starts about 3-5 months after the tree begins flowering, depending on the cultivar and growing environment. Some varieties are self-fertile, while others require a pollinating partner to produce fruit. Most of the commercial mangoes in the US are from grafted trees that grow in fields or on high-rise structures.

To get a good crop of mangoes, the tree must be well-established and healthy. It is important to fertilize the mango plant throughout the growing season, starting right after blossoming. A balanced fertilizer blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will help the mango tree to develop and produce healthy, large-sized fruits. Overfertilization with nitrogen can result in reduced fruit quality, so the fertilizer should be applied sparingly.

After harvesting, the fruit should be handled and stored properly to prevent disease and to maintain the shelf life of the mango. The best storage temperature for a mango is 32-35 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity of 60-70%. It is also recommended to use a humidifier in the storage room to keep the air moist.

One of the most common problems with mangoes is mold and rot, particularly anthracnose fungus (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). The anthracnose fungus attacks flowers, young fruits, leaves, twigs, and mature fruits, causing fruit spotting, streaking, and brown speckling. The fungus is encouraged by heavy dews and rains and can be prevented by spraying the trees with a fungicide during bloom and before fruit set.

In addition to controlling the anthracnose fungus, a mango grower must also monitor soil and water conditions to prevent the disease from spreading. To do this, the grower should avoid over-watering the trees during the growing season. Insufficient moisture can lead to the emergence of anthracnose symptoms, such as leaf spotting and fruit rot, while excessive irrigation water can cause leaf wilting, stunted growth, and lower-quality mangoes.

Another way to control anthracnose is to grow disease-resistant varieties, such as 'Francis' and 'Haden'. These mangoes have a sweet, fruity flavor and are ready to be harvested in May and June. 'Keitt' is another popular cultivar that produces sweet, soft, and fibrous mangoes. The 'Keitt' tree has two harvest windows: the first window of March-April and the second window of August-September.