Description
Profitability of growing mango is influenced by two key
factors:
• Productivity, which consists of yield and quality.
• Supply and demand which rule market prices.
Top End mangoes are the earliest to reach domestic markets and
therefore attract a premium price. However, as Queensland mangoes
reach the market, prices fall steeply. Besides, the onset of the
wet season increases the incidence of pests and diseases, which
lower fruit quality. The manipulation of fruit maturity in favor of
an early harvest would therefore be of great value to growers.
Flowering and its manipulation Flower initiation is very important
because it is the first step towards attaining fruit. Recent trials
have clearly shown that while the extent (quantity) Of
flowering affects yields, time of flower emergence has a
significant influence on time of fruit maturity. Early flowering
clearly resulted in early fruit maturity. Unfortunately, our
commercial variety, Kensington Pride, does not flower regularly
year after year. Flowering is also staggered, leading to
considerable variation in fruit maturity. The induction of regular,
profuse, early
and uniform flowering will undoubtedly ensure higher yields and
better returns to the grower.
