Information, education and

communication materials series no. ___

 References:

ATI-Cabagan. Management of Fruit Bearing Carabao

Mango. Cabagan: The Mango Technical
Committee, 2003.

Extension Communication Division. Mango Production

Guide. Tuguegarao: Agricultural Training
Institute, 2001.

Golez, Hernani. “Technology Updates on Major Fruits:

Mango.” (A paper presented during the 3rd
Technical Editor/Subject Matter Specialist
___________________________________ Mindanao Fruit Industry Conference) Davao
___________________________________ City: November 2003.
___________________________________
Golez, Hernani. “Updates on the Cultural Management
of Mango.” Jordan, Guimaras, Bureau of Plant
Documenters/Graphic Artist
___________________________________ Industry-National Crop Research, Development
___________________________________ and Production Support Center
___________________________________
The Philippines Recommends for Mango. Los Baños,
Laguna: Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Editor
___________________________________ Forestry and Natural Resources Research and
___________________________________ Development (PCARRD) and Philippine
___________________________________ Agriculture and Resources Research
Foundation, Inc. (PARRFI), 1994.
Adviser
___________________________________ Pictures from Dr. Hernani G. Golez. Bureau of Plant
___________________________________ Industry - National Mango Research and Development
___________________________________ Center.
Bagging materials

Several bagging materials are used in the field.

However, imported newspaper or waxy magazine
are recommended for both wet and dry seasons,
while ordinary newspapers may be used during
dry season.

Bagged fruits have higher recovery rates and are

more marketable, as compared to non-bagged
fruits.

M ango grows anywhere in the country.

However, profitable production, ideal soil and
climate should be considered.

The ideal growing conditions for mango are

distinct wet and dry seasons with at least four to
five months of dry period. A mango grower should
consider the following soil suitability requirements
and climatic conditions:

Soil characteristics:
• sandy loam, relatively rich in organic matter
• good drainage (very important)
• pH 6.0-7.0
• flat to slightly rolling terrain

Climatic condition
• distinct wet and dry season
(4 to 5 mos. dry period)
• temperature of 21 to 30 ºC
• no strong winds

Elevation
• should not be higher than 600 meters
above sea level.
• 400 meters ideal for growing mango
24 1
After area selection, the mango grower is advised WRAPPING/BAGGING
to plant the recommended mango varieties/
strains: Sixty days after flower
induction is the best
• GUIMARAS SELECTION: time to bag mango
GES 73, 77, 84, 85, Talaban, Fresco, fruits, since at this
Tanaleon, Guimaras Super, Efondo, stage, the fruit is
and JTA Sweet. established on the
• BATAAN: Lamao No. 1 tree.
• ILOCOS: MMSU Gold, Piling Rodolfo
• ZAMBALES: Sweet Elena The bag should
• Other NSIC varieties: be big enough to
Corcino, Prime, BPI Golden Pcio allow room for fruit
development. Its
These materials can be availed from nurseries bottom portion
accredited by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). should be closed to
prevent the mango
seed borers from
laying its eggs on the
apex of the fruit.

Bagging, using sturdy

materials, protects
the fruits from rain
and strong winds.
Also, it does not only
promote fruit quality
but also protects
fruits from diseases
like stem-end rot,
scab and sooty
mold. It minimizes
incidence of fruit fly,
mango seed borer
or cecid fly. This
practice also helps
avoid latex burns
during harvest, fruit
rejects are reduced.

2 23
 MANGO PRODUCTION SCHEDULE BY REGION ORCHARD SITE PREPARATION
Regions Month of Induction Days till harvest Month of harvest
Region IX February 108 May A. Land Preparation
Western March 107 June
Mindanao April 108 July
(Zamboanga May 110 August • For backyard planting, underbrushing or
City) June 117 September cutting of young trees (bushes, volunteer
July 112 October plants) is required to clear the area. This will
August 111 November
facilitate lay-out and minimize shading of
September 112 December
October 113 January newly-planted trees.
November 114 February
• For orchard planting, underbrushing, plowing
Region XI February 110 May
and harrowing are required to attain good
Davao March 105 June
Region April 103 July soil tilth. These activities should be done
May 103 August before the onset of rainy days, in preparation
June 105 September for field lay-out.
July 107 October
August 107 November
September 110 December • Planting of ‘windbreaks’ such as mahogany
October 105 January and acacia, along boundaries is also
November 120 February recommended. These trees will also serve as
circumferential fence for the orchard.
Region XII February 105 May
Southern March 105 June
Mindanao April 108 July • If irrigation facilities have to be installed,
(Gen. Santos May 113 August these should be part of the plan for site
City) June 116 September
development.
July 116 October
August 116 November
September 114 December • Faucets may be strategically placed within
October 113 January the orchard while primary and secondary
November 112 February
waterlines could be installed for ready
access.

• An orchard shed, together with a working

area and storeroom may be constructed
in a section of the orchard that is highly
accessible to transportation facilities.

22 3
A. Land Preparation The recommended season of production in the Philippines:

Square System MANGO PRODUCTION SCHEDULE BY REGION

Regions Month of Induction Days till harvest Month of harvest
Region I January 126 May
Ilocos Region September 116 January
(Laoag, October 130 February
Ilocos Norte) November 136 March
December 184 April

Region II January 127 May

Cagayan February 114 June
Valley December 148 April
(Aparri)
Region III January 115 April
Central February 108 May
Luzon September 109 December
(Iba, October 113 January
Zambales) November 120 February
In the square system, trees are planted in the December 116 March
corners of the square. This system is widely
practiced because it is easy to lay-out. It also Region IV January 118 April
Southern February 108 May
facilitates many cultural management practices Luzon October 126 February
such as pruning, bagging, etc. (UP Los November 130 March
Baños) December 126 April
In adopting the square system, one has to follow
Region VI January 115 April
these procedures: Western February 108 May
Visayas March 102 June
• Make a wooden triangular frame measuring (Guimaras) August 110 November
3x4x5 meters. September 112 December
October 116 January
• Set this frame in one corner of the field. This will November 121 March
serve as reference point. December 121 April
• With nylon strings, extend both arms of the
triangle and fix the ends using bamboo poles. Region VII February 104 May
Central March 98 June
• The lay-out can be done using another string Visayas April 97 July
with marked distance of planting. (Cebu City) May 99 August
• Place bamboo stick on the appropriate June 103 September
distance. July 105 October
August 105 November
• Move the marked string to over the entire September 107 December
area. October 111 January
November 114 February

4 21
Induced trees start to flower in 7 to 14 days: Rains Triangular System
of short duration immediately after spraying do not
affect the effectiveness of the inducer as long as
the leaves are dry when the spraying was done.

However, if continuous rain lasts for one or more

days immediately after induction, follow-up spray
with reduced concentration. If induced trees do
not flower due to pest infestation or strong winds,
postpone induction for the next season.

About 50% to 60% of trees in the orchard will have The triangular system is simply done by laying out
fair number of flowers. The trees that do not flower the plants in the corners of an equilateral triangle.
will be more responsive in the next season. The It accommodate 15% more plants that the square
percent flowering per tree also varies. This is its system.
maximum capacity, thus, should not be forced to
produce more flowers. Quincux System

Note:

• In September, only trees with 10 to 12 or older

shoots may respond to induction.

• In October, only old trees with seven to

nine months or older shoots may respond to
induction.

• In December or later, even young trees of

five to six monthold shoots may respond to
induction.

• Central Visayas and all Mindanao regions

produce off season fruits to avoid the glut in In the quincunx system, plants are laid out in the
supply in March to May. Paclobutrazol, a plant four corners and at the centre of a square to
growth regulator, is used for this purpose. maximize space. In general, it can accommodate
about two times more plants than the square
system.

The earlier designs (square, triangular and quincux)

are appropriate for flat and slightly rolling areas.

20 5
 Contour System • Older trees respond more readily to flower
induction than younger ones.

• Flushes during the first quarter of the year may

respond after seven to nine months, while the
last quarter will do so in five to six months

Trees during the wet months (July to November)

need stronger concentration (2%) while the trees
may respond to lower concentration (1%) during
December to May.

On the slopes of hilly land in which the threat of Trees with high load of fruits in the preceding
erosion is more likely to happen, plants are laid out season may not respond satisfactorily to induction
on contour lines, established against the slope. in the following year.

This system of planting reduces the slope length For economical reasons, it is recommended
and the slope angle, thus, allowing rainwater to to choose carefully trees for induction. Use the
be withheld by the soil for sometime; allowing it following concentrations as a guide in flower
to percolate and prevent runoff. The root system induction.
of the main crop further keeps the soil intact and
holds the soil particles together. Laying out hilly Season Form of Inducer Concentration
lands is done using an A-frame starting from the of Inducer
Early Crystalline 2% (2 kg/100 liters
upper to the lower slope. (July to November); (agricultural grade) water) (2 small tin
choose only old cans/ kerosene can
Some guidelines in the use of contour system: trees of water)
Late Crystalline 1-1.5% (1-1.5 kg/100
(December-May) (agricultural grade) liters water) (1-1.5 tin
• Start laying-out from the top of the hill by can/ kerosene can
establishing a baseline from the steepest of water)
slope. Each point in the reference line should
be break-chained so that one can get the For liquid formulation: Mix one liter of the
accurate slope distance with the changing formulated product in two to three kerosene cans
slope downhill. Always start the determination of water (40-60 liters) early in the season. For large-
of each contour line from the baseline. scale operations, use power sprayer. For small
scale spraying, knapsack or home made, manually
• Drive the first stake at the desired point. Place operated sprayer may be used.
one leg of the A-frame beside the first stake.
Then, adjust the other leg on the ground such
that the weighted string passes the midpoint
mark on the crossbar. Drive another stake at
this point.
6 19
This method, however, is laborious and ecology- • Move the A-frame to the next spot such that
damaging. Areas around the mango orchard are one leg touches the second stake at the side of
not only stripped of vegetation but are polluted its base.
with combustion by-products.
• Repeat the above steps until the whole area
2. Chemical Induction has been laid out.

• Make corrections or adjustments to the layout

to take care of strange spots like gullies and
rocks on the ground. This is made when contour
lines go astray, or when they become too
close to cause the overlapping of hills between
contour lines, or too far to leave a larger area
unused.

• All reference lines, especially the layout made

in the flatbeds, should be placed at a certain
As long as shoots are physiologically matured, distance from the border. If the borders are
potassium nitrate (KNO3) spraying can induce lined up with tree windbreaks, the distance
flowering anytime of the year. It is now known that between the windbreak and the plant should
KNO3 only acts as inducing agent and “lets go” be equal to the average of their respective
what is inside the shoot. Hence, if shoots are not planting distance.
physiologically matured, leaves, instead of flowers,
come out.

KNO3 is however restricted because it can be an

ingredient for explosive. This holds true for other
salts of nitrates, particularly calcium nitrate, which
is now being used. Nitrate base in water solution
offers as an alternative. (i.e. UAN and ANS).

In the absence of or failure to attain nitrate, the

commercially formulated flower inducers (in
powder or liquid form) may be used: Boom, Flower
Set, Mangotone, Miracleblum and others.

• The success of flower induction depends on

age of tree, age of shoot, month of induction,
concentration of spray mixture and yield of the
tree in the previous season.

18 7
C. Tree Spacing C. Flower induction
The distance of planting in mango is influenced Flowering of mango trees usually takes place from
by fertility of soil, wherein fast growth is attained. October to May. Growth and flowering occur in
Fertile soil and wider spacing are recommended phases. Shoot or leaf flush is frequent in the juvenile
for fast growing varieties. These conditions will also stage of trees and in areas with short dry season.
benefit farmers who want to plant intercrops in It is less frequent in mature trees and in areas with
between rows of trees. long dry season.

In general, mangoes need full sunlight for The frequency of flushes depends on cultivars;
productive growth. Thus, close spacing that can the ‘Carabao’ mango for instance have longer
result to competition of light, food and water must intervals while the ‘Indian’ mango is a regular
be avoided. bearer, even without induction.

For ‘Carabao’ mango, spacing not less than • The ‘Carabao’ mango undergoes an alternate
10x10 m, (100 trees per hectare) can be tolerated. bearing habit with flowers and fruits in the
However, the ideal distance of 12x12m or 14x14m first year (on season) and little or no flowers
is recommended for grafted trees. On the other in the next year (off season). There is a need
hand, wider spacing of 20x20m and above is to correct this fruiting behavior, otherwise,
recommended for seeded trees. production becomes irregular and markets will
be affected.
High density planting, as experienced by most
mango growers, resulted to low productivity of • ‘Carabao’ mango is ready for flower induction
trees due to competition. Also, it caused problems when leaves are 7 to 9 months old, crispy, dark
associated with pests. Unless the tree structure is green and buds are plump and prominent.
modified to accommodate small or dwarf trees,
high density planting should be avoided. Types of Flower Induction

1. Smudging
Smudging is a common practice which involves
building a smoky fire below the tree canopy,
allowing the smoke to pass through the foliage. It is
done continuously for several days but is stopped
when flowers do not appear within two weeks.

The process is repeated one to two months later.

Mature trees with brittle, dark green leaves from
the current flush or coppery-bronze colored from
the older flush are usually preferred as well as those
with prominent and well-developed terminal and
axillary buds.
8 17
B. Fertilization FIELD PLANTING
Soil fertilizer when applied after pruning will • Plant during the start
encourage the growth of vegetative shoots, a very of the rainy season.
important requirement for flower induction Planting late may be
done if irrigation facilities
are available.

• Plants are set in holes,

deep and wide enough
to accommodate the
mass of soil in the roots
of the planting material
(usually twice the size
of the container.) This
is recommended in
areas with fertile, deep
and friable soils. However, in areas with clayey,
rocky, or poor (either acidic or basic) soils, big
holes with a diameter and depth of 0.5 x 0.5
x0.5m are appropriate.
• The amount and frequency of fertilizer is given
in Table 1 for bearing trees. (see Table 1) • Provided the soil is fertile, the top fertile soil
should be separated from the subsoil and
• For less than 30 years old grafted trees, apply should be returned first. Otherwise, this is not
fertilizer at about 1.0 to 1.5 meter radius from done because poor soil will be replaced by
the trunk in a small canal constructed around compost.
the tree that is 30 cm deep.
• Remove carefully the plastic container from the
roots of the planting materials and see to it that
• For large trees, make a canal perpendicular to
the mass of soil remains intact with the roots.
the canopy spread and apply fertilizer.
• Mix the topsoil with 1 kg compost and place at
• Developing flowers and fruits require foliar the bottom of the hole.
spray at 12-16, 21-25 at bud elongation and
30-35 days after flower induction to encourage • Set the plant into the hole.
development, enhance fruit set and fruit
development. • Press the topsoil with compost around the plant
with feet or hands to compact.

• Tie each plant to a support bamboo pole or

stick) to avoid lodging.

16 9
 CARE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT OF BEARING TREES
OF YOUNG TREES

With good cultural management, trees can form

the maximum canopy and are ready for induction
after five years from planting.

These cultural management for bearing trees will

help mango growers produce more fruits of better
quality.

There is a need to take care of newly planted A. Pruning

trees; otherwise, high percentage mortality can Pruning is usually done after harvest to prepare
occur, particularly during dry season. the tree for production, improve fruit quality and
attain desired size and shape of crown, eliminate
The establishment period is about four to five years
undesirable branches and achieve dwarfing effect
and it is important for the trees to attain maximum
to enable the trees to be resistant to lodging. To
canopy size, through proper management before
avoid infection after pruning, treat the cut portion
these can be induced to flower.
with any paint or used diesel oil.

A. Fencing • It is advisable to do minimal pruning prior

to flower induction to remove unnecessary,
• The whole area can be secured by a barbed crowded, overlapping branches and those
wire (two strands, fixed on wooden or which are affected by pests.
concrete posts).
• Only the inside branches should be pruned
• Individual fencing of trees can also be done to allow the penetration of light as well as
using wooden sticks or bamboo poles. circulation of air inside the canopy. This
condition is inimical for the growth of pests.
• Wind breaks, if planted close to each other,
can also serve as fences. • Some farmers do the “open center”
pruning to enhance light penetration. This is
recommended for big trees.

10 15
F. Weed Control B. Mulching
Weeds compete for water and nourishment of
• Mulching is needed to
young trees. During dry season, weeds can be fire
conserve moisture. It
hazard and will cause the burning of trees.
also serves as a source
of organic matter. No
• For orchard plantation, weed control can be
prescribed amount of
done through inter-row cultivation, using a
mulch is used but more
tractor or plow driven by a cow.
is better.
• For backyard plantation, ring cultivation can
• To prepare mulch,
suffice weed control. In weeding, the following
place field waste or
radius from the base of the trunk needs to be
residues around the
considered:
base of the trunk, few inches away from the
Age of Tree (Years) Radius (cm) stem to prevent pest problems.
1-3 20-45
4-10 50-90 • Commonly used mulching materials are rice
straws, rice hulls, sugarcane bagasse, chopped
10-15 100-200
weeds and banana stalks.
Underbrush the remaining spaces manually. Use
of mower or rotary grass cutter can also be done.
Also, herbicide should be used with caution since C. Fertilization
mango trees are sensitive to the chemical. Mangoes do not need extensive fertilization
because they can survive in poor and unfertile soil.
G. Pruning
However, fertilization is necessary to stimulate early
It is not necessary to prune young trees unless
growth and rapid development of young trees.
insects and diseases are present, if this happens,
remove only the affected parts.
Fertilizer usage depends on climate and
environmental conditions, variation in farming
In formative pruning, grafts which are about one
practices, soil and tissue analyses and results of
meter tall, cut terminal portions to encourage
field fertilizer experiments. Use of organic fertilizer is
lateral branching. Also, maintain three to four
advised due to its macronutrients, affordability and
strong branches; allow them to grow before doing
availability.
the second cut. This is a special pruning with the
objective of producing dwarf trees.
Table 1 presents the amount and frequency
of fertilizer needed at planting and during the
H. Deblossoming nonbearing years. (Please see Table 1 in the next
Young trees will flower after a few years from page)
planting. However, it is advisable to cut these flowers
so as not to compete with the growth of young trees.

14 11
Table 1. Fertilizer Management for Carabao Mango D. Intercropping
Age of Tree Rate/Tree/Year Fertilizer Application
Grade
Method Time
At planting 5kg Chicken Incorporate with At planting
and up to manure surface soil then
three years of (old) fill up the hole
age
100-150 g 14-14-14 Place the At planting or
fertilizer about 8 at the start of
cm below the the rainy
roots and 12 cm season
to the side of the
seedling
100-150 g 14-14-14 Apply in four to Before the end
six holes around of rainy season
the base of the
plant. Cover the
Field establishment of young trees require 4 to 5
fertilizer with soil years. To make use of the spaces in between trees,
Non-bearing 300-500 g 14-14-14 Mix thoroughly First
young trees and apply in two application is intercropping is recommended.
equal doses in made at the
four to six holes start of the
within the tree rainy season; The types of intercrops depend upon the suitability
canopy. the second,
before the of the commodity and their demand in the area.
end of the
rainy season.
Bearing trees 5 kg 14-14-14 On relatively flat • Intercrops like leguminous vegetables, melons,
up to 15 area, ring weed
years of age the canopy area squash, sweet potato and short maturing
then broadcast
fertilizer about 2-
fruit crops (papaya and pineapple) are
3 m away from recommended.
the base or
within the tree
canopy. Cover
the fertilizer with
• Intercrops should be managed separately
soil by harrowing and should not compete with the main crop
or plowing.
(mango).
On slightly hilly or
rolling land,
apply in six to E. Irrigation
eight holes, 2-3
m away from • Desirable climatic requirement is five months of
the base. Cover
the fertilizer with
continuous dry season that will coincide with
soil mango flowering.
Bearing tree, 5 kg plus 1 kg 14-14-14 -do- -do-
15 years of for every year
age or older after 15 years • However, there is a need to irrigate young and
newly established trees, especially during the
dry season.

• The volume of water required per week is 20 to

40 liters, just enough to saturate the soil within
the root system.

• Flooding method can be used to apply water.

12 13