Mango
Mangifera indica
About Mango
Mango is the most popular tropical fruit in the world and is called the 'king of fruits' in many cultures. It is grown in over 100 countries across the tropics and subtropics. India produces 45% of the world's mango. The fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Mango trees are long-lived (over 100 years) and can grow to 40 m height. Over 1,000 varieties exist, from small polyembryonic types to large monoembryonic cultivars. In Africa, mango is increasingly grown as a commercial export crop. Key challenges include anthracnose, fruit fly, and the short shelf life of ripe fruit.
Growing Conditions
Full sun — requires maximum light for heavy flowering and fruit set
750-2,500 mm annually. A distinct dry period (2-3 months) before flowering promotes flower initduction. Rain during flowering promotes anthracnose.
Deep, well-drained sandy loam to laterite. pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates poor soils once established.
Optimal 24-30°C. Night temperatures below 15°C promote flowering. Frost-sensitive when young.
Dry weather during flowering is critical. Humid conditions during flowering cause anthracnose and poor fruit set.
Perennial — first commercial harvest 4-6 years after planting. Annual harvest during warm season.
Step-by-Step Growing Tips
Space trees at 10 × 10 m (traditional) or 5 × 5 m (high density with pruning)
Prune after harvest to maintain tree size and promote new growth for next season
Apply potassium-rich fertilizer after harvest for flower bud development
Begin fungicide sprays at first flower emergence to protect against anthracnose
Bag developing fruit for fruit fly exclusion and improved appearance
Harvest at 'mature green' stage for long-distance transport
Disease Risks to Watch
All diseases →Mango anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) causes flower blight, leaf spots, and dark sunken fruit rot. The fungus infects flowers, then lies dormant until fruit ripens. Manage with copper sprays during flowering, post-harvest hot water treatment (52°C for 5 min), resistant varieties, and proper orchard sanitation. Dry weather during flowering reduces losses significantly.
Mango malformation (Fusarium mangiferae) causes thickened, distorted flower panicles and bunchy vegetative shoots, preventing fruit production. The disease is spread by eriophyid mites. Manage by pruning malformed panicles 15-20 cm below the affected area, applying naphthalene acetic acid spray, controlling mites with sulfur, and maintaining tree vigor with balanced nutrition.
Powdery mildew appears as white powdery spots on leaves and stems, caused by Erysiphe or Podosphaera fungi. It thrives in warm, dry weather with high humidity. Manage with sulfur sprays, potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, proper spacing for airflow, and resistant varieties. Unlike most fungal diseases, it does NOT need wet leaves to infect.
Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
Growing Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Mango?
Perennial — first commercial harvest 4-6 years after planting. Annual harvest during warm season.
What soil does Mango need?
Deep, well-drained sandy loam to laterite. pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates poor soils once established.
How much water does Mango need?
750-2,500 mm annually. A distinct dry period (2-3 months) before flowering promotes flower initduction. Rain during flowering promotes anthracnose.
What are the most common diseases affecting Mango?
The most common diseases are: mango anthracnose, mango malformation, powdery mildew. Monitor regularly and practice crop rotation.
What plants grow well with Mango?
Good companions include: turmeric, ginger. Avoid planting near no specific plants.
Growing Mango? Protect It.
CuraPlant scans your crops for diseases and pests in seconds — and gives you a treatment plan tailored to your region and season.