Many mango trees have begun to blossom, and they need special care now so that more of the blossom sets fruit and the fruit holds well. Careful attention at every stage is essential for a good crop. Proper care from blossoming until the mangoes are fully grown and picked keeps the tree free of disease and raises the yield.

Some important work before blossoming improves mango quality and yield. In the dry season, stopping irrigation one to one and a half months before blossoming stresses the tree and helps the blossom emerge. Once the blossom appears, give light irrigation to keep enough moisture in the soil. Prune dead or diseased branches to keep the tree clean; removing fallen leaves and dead twigs reduces fungal and insect attack.

Fertiliser matters too. Apply balanced fertiliser two to three months before blossoming, but not while the tree is blossoming. Potash helps the tree hold blossom and fruit. At this time, spray insecticide and fungicide against hoppers and powdery mildew. A first spray before the blossom emerges and a second during or after flowering help ensure a good yield.

When fruit begins to set from the blossom, care becomes even more important. Irrigation is essential, because low soil moisture can make the new fruitlets drop. Keep up light irrigation with enough water at the base.

Nutrition is important for a bigger yield. Spraying plant growth regulators such as Planofix, chelated boron and potash reduces fruitlet drop and improves fruit size. Spray insecticide and fungicide as needed against hoppers, mealybugs and fungal diseases. Thin out excess fruitlets so that the rest get enough nutrients to grow large and healthy.

As the fruit grows from pea size to marble size, keep up an adequate water supply; regular light irrigation to maintain soil moisture is essential. Urea and potash can be applied at the base for nutrition, and a foliar spray of potash mixed with boron improves fruit size and quality.

Fruit flies, leafhoppers (shyama poka), anthracnose and other fungal and insect attacks can occur, so spray insecticide or fungicide as needed. If there is too much fruit, remove some so the rest stays large and healthy. Bagging gives good-quality, blemish-free fruit.

Care does not end when the mangoes are ripe. After picking, prune dead, dry and diseased branches and keep the area under the tree clean. Applying approved fertiliser before the monsoon keeps the tree well nourished. Apply Bordeaux paste to cut surfaces to prevent fungus. A preventive spray of insecticide and fungicide over the whole tree keeps the orchard healthy and lays the foundation for next year's crop.

This advice is by Muhammad Shafiqur Rahman.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.