ISHS Acta Horticulturae 820: VIII International Mango Symposium
MANAGEMENT OF A TOMMY ATKINS, ULTRA-HIGH DENSITY ORCHARD AND RECOGNIZED BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH SMALL TREE MANGO ORCHARDS |
| Author: | S.A. Oosthuyse |
| Keywords: | Mangifera indica, mango, high-density, pruning, hedgerow, tree training, shoot maturation, shoot maturity, flowering, diseases, pests |
| Abstract:
Establishing mango hedgerows in such way that their height for optimal light utilization does not exceed 2 m and their width 1 m holds many advantages. The terminal-shoots, inflorescences and fruits on such trees are within easy reach of farm workers. The fruits can be specifically targeted for fungicide or pesticide application. Any other treatment or action is greatly facilitated by easy access, e.g., the application of fruit-protective covers or harvesting. The terminal shoots themselves can be the focus of management practices, e.g., the spraying of young, soft shoots specifically to prevent their colonization by pests or diseases. The present paper portrays a 3 by 1 m Tommy Atkins mango orchard at various stages, from the time of its establishment in 1996 to the present (February, 2006). Furthermore, management actions required for sustained production are disclosed. The benefits of reduced time from planting until the trees attain optimal canopy cover and maximum fruit production, disease and pest pressure relief, reduced solar injury and wind damage of trees and fruits, reduced requirement for the control of weed and grass growth, and markedly increased ease of carrying out tree and fruit manipulations and harvesting, are revealed. Canopy size containment is vital for the system’s success, which is achieved by selective branch heading shortly after the fruits have set, if required, and general branch heading after fruit harvest. Establishment costs can be greatly reduced in planting seed out directly. Many of the benefits increase cost efficiency. The system is particularly amenable to drip irrigation and fertigation. | |
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