Mangoes In Pakistan

Mango Overview

Mango (Mangifera indica L Family Anacardiaceae) is the most delicious fruit of summer season which is liked by all. It is the second major fruit crop of Pakistan with high international value. It is more popularly called “the king of all fruits” because of its delicious taste, fragrance and high dietetic value. The insatiable temptation for Pakistani mango lovers is its peculiar aroma and rich sweetness which is found nowhere else in the world. Pakistan ranks fifth in the mango producing countries of the world.

The main mango growing districts in the Punjab province are Multan, Bahawalpur, Muzzaffargarh and Rahimyar Khan. In the province of Sindh, it is mainly grown in Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad and Thatta in the province of NWFP it is grown in Peshawar and Mardan. The climate of Sindh gets warmer about one month earlier than the Punjab which has given the province the privilege to grow early varieties of mango.

Mango Introduction

The word Mango is the British pronunciation of the Mankay, the Tamil word for the fruit because it is found in most abundance in Southern India, around Madras. The mango is held in high esteem all over the world and is considered to be native to Indo-Pakistan Sub-continent and eastern Asia. They are to be found in nearly all over the tropical regions of the World, therefore known as “The King” of all fruits. Mango is cultivated around February/early March when the cold weather begins to subside and the danger of destruction through frost disappears. It comes in the market early in the May and remains in the market till August/September. There are more than 1300 varieties of the mango, which are cultivated in the Indo-Pak Sub-continent. In Sindh, there are more than 125 varieties of mango. As we get mangoes from Balochistan and NWFP, but the main source are Sindh and Punjab. In Pakistan, we get more than 10 lac’s tons production, out of which Sindh

provides 50% i.e. more than 5 lac’s tons. Multan and Mirpurkhas are the main regions, where we get mangoes in large quantity. The maximum production, we get from Rahim Yar Khan, where mangoes are cultivated on more than 26 thousand acres.

The main field of mango is obtained from District Rahim Yar Khan, Rahimabad, Jamaldin wali, Sadiqabad, Shaikh Wahan, Mianwali Qureshan Zahirpur, Bagho Bahar, Tirandah Mohammad Panah of district Rahim Yar Khan are very famous for mango production. Whereas, Hyderabad, Tandojam, Tando Allahyar, Tando Jan Muhammad, Digri, Nawab Shah, Naushero Feroz, Khairpur Mirus, Ghotki, Bahawalpur, Shuja abad, MuzzaffarGarh, KoatAddu, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Vihari, Okara, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sargodha are also very famous for mango production. There are many varieties which are famous in Pakistan, but some varieties which are very common are Sindhri, Langra, Chaunsa, Fajri, Samar Bahist, Anwar Ratole, Dasehri, Saroli, Tuta Pari, Neelam, Maldah, Collector, Bengan Phali, etc.

As mango is named as “King of the Fruits” similarly, Sindhri is said to be “The King of Mango”, because this variety is top in Pakistan. Sindhri is yellow in colour, and the test is very sweet. Sindhri mangoes were first brought by the father of late Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo from Bombay and then cultivated at Sindhri and it was named by his father Din Muhammad Junejo as “Sindhri”. Since 1996-97, Pakistan was in 4th position, but according to Jang Midweek Magazine dated 12th July 2000, Pakistan is on the 5th rank. India is still on top in the production of 12 million tons.

History and Origin of Mango

The mango has been known in India since very early times. It is referred to in Sanskrit literature as Amra and has been under cultivation by man for over 4000 years.  It appears, however, that Hsiian-tsang, one of the early travelers to India (632-645), was the first person to bring mango to the notice of people outside India. This fruit occupied an important place in horticulture during the rule of the Mogul emperors in India, and Akbar the Great (1556-1605) planted an orchard of 100,000 mango trees. The origin of most o the improved varieties in India have been traced to those days, and the encyclopedia Ain-e-Akbari (1590 AD) contains a good account of the mango regarding its quality and varietal characteristics. Phytogeographical data studies of the phylogenetic taxonomy of species of Mangifera indicate that this genus originated in the Indo-Burma region. Most of the cultivated varieties have arisen from four main species – Mangifera indica, Mangifera sylvatica, Mangifera odorata, and Mangifera zeylanica. Mango cultivation is found in many countries of Southeast Asia – the Philippines, Indonesia, Java, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The introduction of the mango to East and West Africa and subsequently to Brazil is said to have occurred in the sixteenth century. Mexico acquired the mango in the nineteenth century, and it entered Florida in 1833. The cultivated mango varieties are the result of constant selection by the man from original wild plants for over 4000 years. The wild progenies are still available in India in two species, Mangifera indica, and Mangifera sylvatic, which have small fruits with a big stone, thin acidic flesh and long fibers. The knowledge of vegetative preparation gained in the sixteenth century made it possible to produce a large number of cultivars which were far superior to the wild forms. This fruit has little fiber and are sweet in taste with more flesh.

Production Technology

Climate and Soil

  The ecological conditions suitable for mango cultivation are:

§  Elevations ranging from 200 to 300 meters.

§  Suitable temperature range is 15 to 40^o Low temperatures are extremely harmful. Frosts and hot winds cause great damage to the trees. Young plants need protection against frost and hot winds.

§  A hot and humid climate is suitable. In areas with heavy rainfall, the quality of fruit may be affected.

§  Mango can be grown in a wide range of soils but well drained, deep and fertile soils are most suitable. Salt-affected soil are not good for its cultivation.

Propagation

§  Propagation is done by various means of grafting on local seedlings.

§  Suitable age of nursery plant for transplanting: 1.5 to 2.0 year

§  Time for transplanting: In spring: Feb/March, In Autumn: Sept/Oct

§  Time to start of bearing: 4-5 years

§  Time to full bearing: 6-7 years

§  Normal economic bearing life: 30-50 years

§  Time of flowering: Feb/Mar

Pruning

Mango usually assumes a graceful dome shape shading the main trunk. No pruning is practiced, however, annually after fruit harvest diseased, dried, broken branches and those touching the ground should be pruned off. To rejuvenate the orchard after every 3-4 years it is advisable that 15-20% of old wood should be removed.

Harvesting

Picking should be done when the fruit is fully developed and mature. A natural drop of the fruit is the main indication that the fruit is ready for picking. Different varieties in different areas ripe at different times. In Sindh, mango varieties start ripening from May to June. In Punjab ripening starts from June and continues up to mid-August. In NWFP, the harvest is later which helps to extend the period that mangoes are available. Expected yields vary from 40 to 100 kg per tree.

Mango Varieties

Chaunsa Mango

Flesh firm, fiberless with the pleasant flavour and sweet taste. Juice moderately abundant. Fruit quality good, keeping good quality. Ripening season in August.

Sindhri Mango

Leading the variety of Sind. Fruit shape ovalish long, size large, skin colour lemon yellow when ripe, pulp colour yellowish cadium, texture fine and firm fibreless, stone medium sized, flavour pleasantly aromatic and taste sweet.

Other Varieties of Mango

Langra

It has originated as a superior chance seedling near Benares. Size medium to large, ovate, base round to slightly flatten, shoulders equally. Beak minute but distinct, sinus slight to absence, skin green and thin, flesh fibre less, yellowish brown in color, scented, highly melting, very sweet. Stone very small, flattened, oval. The weight of an average fruit is about ¼ kg. Fruit quality very good, bearing heavy. Season (Early to mid Season). 1st to 3rd week of July. Heavy yielder.

Amman Dusehri

It derives its name from the village between Lucknow and Malihabad where it was originated as a superior chance seedling. Size small to medium, oblong, ventral, shoulder higher than dorsal, beak and sinus absent, color yellow when ripe, skin thin, pulp fibre less, flesh firm, very sweet, flavor nice. Stone very small, oblong, variety good to very best, bearing heavy, mid season (July), keeping and peeling quality good.

Alphanso, Bombay

This is a leading commercial variety of Bombay State and is one of the best in India. Because of its better adaptability to humid climate, it has not been able to maintain its esteemed position in the dry districts of Pakistan. The Alphanso is successful in some districts of Sindh. Size medium, ovate, oblique, base obliquely flattened, Ventral structure broader and much higher than dorsal, beak just a point, sinus not prominent, a color of the ripe fruit yellow or brownish yellow, skin thin, pulp yellowish brown, flesh firm, taste very sweet, flavor excellent, almost fibre less. Fruit quality is good. Midseason variety harvested in July.

Sammar Bahisht

It has originated as a superior chance seedling in Muzaffernager U.P. It got its name because of its pleasant flavor. Fruit medium, base slightly flattened, shoulders equal, sinus very light, beak point prominent, skin greenish yellow, thin, pulp yellow, very sweet, sparsely fibrous, flavor pleasant to delicious. Stone medium and oblong, oval. The quality of the fruit is very good, keeping and peeling qualities well. Ripening season July-August.

Fajrikalan

It has originated as a superior chance seedling in Bihar and got its name after the name of lady Fajri who selected and brought up its trees. Size big, oblong, obliquely oval, base rounded, shoulder unequal, with ventral higher than the dorsal, beak distinct, sinus very shallow with rounded apex. Skin thin, pulp color pale, fibreless, taste sweet with the pleasant flavor. Juice moderate to abundant. Stone large, oblong. Fruit quality good to very good bearing late season August, Keeping quality good.

Muhammadwala

Size small to medium, skin thick, yellow-brown, pulp sweet, juicy, stone medium sized, fiber very little. Very hard variety. Season early August.

Sammar Bahisht Chausa

It is originated as choices seedling in a village Chausa in Malihabad, Tehsil of Lucknow. It is also known as “Kajri” or “Khajri”. There is a resemblance between the foliage of Fajri and this variety but there is marked difference in fruit shape and quality. Fruit medium to large ovate to oval, base obliquely flattened, ventral shoulder raised than the dorsal, beak distinct, sinus shallow, apex round, skin medium in thickness, smooth, flesh firm, fibre less with a pleasant flavor and sweet taste. Juice moderately abundant. Stone somewhat large oblong. Fruit quality good, bearing heavy, keeping quality medium to good. Ripening season in August (late).

Rataul (Anwar)

It has originated as a chance seedling in “Shohra-e-Afaq” Garden in Rataul. Now is has become popular in mango growing areas of Punjab because of its high flavor. Fruit medium, ovate, base flattened with equal shoulders, which are rounded, beak not prominent, absent in some cases, sinus absent, and apex round. Skin medium thick. Flesh firm, fibreless, flavor very pleasant, with very sweet taste. Juice moderately abundant. Some medium oval. Fruit quality very good. Ripening season in July (Mid-Season). Keeps well in storage.

Bangapali

Another variety of Sindh. Fruit shape is obliquely oval, Size is big, length about 14 cm. Breadth 9.1 cm Thickness 8.2 cm. Weight 22.0 oz. Base obliquely flattened. Cavity not prominent. Stalk inserted obliquely. Shoulders ventral typically razed, broader and much more highest than dorsal. Back almost rounded. Skin color dark green and glazy when unripe. Yellowish light green with very light crimson patches when ripe. Surface smooth, shining. Dots small distinct. Glands small, crowded.

Neelam

A quality variety of Sindh. Fruit shape ovate, size small, length 7.7cm breath 5.9cm thickness 5.6cm weight 5.0oz. The base is rounded. Stalk inserted squarely. Cavity slight to absent, Shoulders unequal. Ventral is higher than dorsal, back rounded. Sinus slight to shallow, Beak acute to obtuse. Apex rounded, Skin color sea green when unripe & yellow with a reddish tinge when ripe. Surface smooth. Small dots with numerous small glands.

Pests and Diseases of Mango

Aphids

These suck the sap of the leaves and attack the plant during Feb/Aug. Use Folido 50% EC at the rate of 0.45 litres 450 litres of water per acre.

Fruitflies

These attack mango fruits throughout the season. They have three generations and multiply very rapidly. For effective control collect all the fallen and affected fruits and bury them deep into the soil. Pheromone traps can also be used for trapping the male population. Use Dioptries 80% at the rate of 1 litre in 450 litres of water or Malathion 57% at the rate of 0.5 litres to 450 litres of water per acre.

Mango Borer

These cause damage to shoots and stems between May and Oct. To protect the stems, cover them with a cloth or Jute and paste charcoal over it. Fostoxin tablets can also be placed and sealed in the holes made by the borers.

Mango Scales

These suck the sap from the leaves as a result of which the tree starts drying. Collect the affected leaves and burn them to check further spread. Use Metasystox 25% EC at the rate of 0.3 litres in 450 litres of water of Fotidal 50 EC at the rate of 0.5 litres in 450 litres of water per acre1.

Mango Malformation

This is a very serious disease of mango in which the leaves and inflorescence are badly deformed and gradually dry up. There is no fruit setting and no production is obtained. There is no effective control yet, however, with better cultural measures incidence can be reduced.

Mango Blight

This is caused by Erwinia bacteria. Many spots appear on the leaves which cause a reduction in growth and yield. Use Dithane M 45 at the rate of 750 gram in 450 litres of water per acre.

Mango production worldwide

The rapid growth of mango production in recent years has been due to its expansion into new growing regions of the New Worlds, China and parts of Africa; the planting of regular bearing selections; and the adoption of modern field practices, which include irrigation management, control of flowering, etc. There is an estimated 3.7 million ha of mango worldwide.

Mangoes form a regular part of the diet of people in areas where the fruit is easily grown; it may be eaten ripe or green.

The mango is the most important fruit of Asia and currently ranks fifth in the total production of major fruit crops worldwide after bananas and plantain, citrus, grapes, and apples. The top five largest mango exporting countries are Mexico, India, Brazil, Peru and the Philippines with export world value at US$560.4 million.

The largest mango producing country is India, where this crop has been cultivated for 4000 to 6000 years. India produces approximately 10 million metric tons of mangoes annually, which is more than 35% of the world’s production. In 2012 India produced mango about 15.25 million metric tons out of worldwide production at 42 million metric tons.

The top five mango importing countries are the USA, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh with import valued at US$703.9 million.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, world mango production has increased from 16,903,407 tons in 1990 to 28,221,510 tons in 2005.

Approximately 1% of mango production is utilized for processing for juice, nectars, preserves, fruit leather, dried fruit slices, frozen pulp, and as a flavoring for baked goods, ice cream, yoghurt, etc.

Health Benefits of Mangoes

Introduction

Mangoes are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin B6, as well as a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Mangoes are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper, and they are one of the best sources of quercetin,beta-carotene, and astragalin. These powerful antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals throughout the body. Ailments like heart disease, premature aging, cancer and degenerative diseases are due to these free radicals that damage the cells.

In China, mangoes are sweet and sour and offer a cooling sensation. The tonic made from mangoes in Chinese herbal medicine is known as yin tonic, and it is used to treat bleeding gums, anemia, cough, constipation, nausea, fever, sea sickness and as a cure for weak digestion.

Benefits of Mangoes Are,

Keeps Blood Pressure Under Control

Mangoes have an impressive vitamin content that assures overall health. They are rich in potassium (4% in 156 mg) and magnesium (2% in 9 mg), and mangoes are great natural remedies for high blood pressure patients. They also contain selenium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Mangoes are said to be vitamin powerhouses as they are rich in riboflavin, vitamin B6, A, C, E, K, niacin, folate, thiamin, and panthothenic acid. These components help you to avoid a host of diseases that can come from deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals. The vitamin E content in mangoes can even help to boost your sex life by triggering the activity of your sex hormones.

Cancer Prevention and Heart Health

Mangoes have high amounts of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that efficiently contributes to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Pectin can also help prevent you from developing prostate cancer. Recently, studies at The Institute for Food Research discovered that a compound within pectin combines with galectin 3 (a protein playing a significant role in all the stages of cancer). The European Prospective Investigation of Cancer also has come up with a strong association between eating mango and lowering the risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Weight Gain

Mango consumption is one of the easiest ways to gain weight. 150g of mango has around 86 calories, which can be absorbed easily by the body. Moreover, mangoes contain starch, which transforms into sugar that aids in gaining weight. Some people work hard to put on weight for a variety of reasons, and mango should definitely be a part of their diet. Mango milkshakes will accelerate the process of gaining weight since they also contain milk, and are notoriously delicious!

Aids Digestion

Mangoes play a prominent role in eliminating problems such as indigestion and excess acidity. The digestive enzymes in mangoes help to promote natural, efficient digestion. The bioactive ingredients in mangoes like esters, terpenes and aldehydes contribute in enhancing appetite and also improve the function of the digestive system.

Cures Anemia & Helps in Pregnancy

Mangoes are rich in iron, which makes them beneficial for people suffering from anemia. A regular, moderated intake of mangoes can help eliminate anemia by increasing the red blood cell count in the body.

Mangoes are also very beneficial for a pregnant woman since the iron requirements during pregnant are extremely essential. Doctors often prescribe iron tablets during pregnancy, but instead of supplementation, you can enjoy a healthy iron-rich diet with juicy mangoes. The taste buds during pregnancy usually lose some of their sensitivity, so mangoes will surely prove to be the delight of your day, for more than just its health benefits.

Cures Acne

Perhaps you are surprised to know that mangoes are closely related to skin health. Other than bringing a healthy glow to your face, mangoes also help to lighten skin color. You can easily enhance your beauty by including this tasty fruit in your diet on a regular basis.

Mangoes effectively treat acne by opening the clogged pores of the skin. Once these pores are opened, acne formation will eventually stop. Unclogging the pores of the skin is the most effective way to eliminate acne. To enjoy this benefit, there is no need to eat mangoes every day; you need to remove the mango pulp and apply it on the skin for around 10 minutes, then rinse it off.

Slow the Signs of Aging

Mangoes contain high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, which both help to produce collagen proteins inside the body. Collagen helps to protect blood vessels and the body’s connective tissues, thereby slowing down the skin’s natural aging process. Therefore, mangoes can rightly be called an anti-aging food. Dietary supplementation is the best way to restore your youth in a natural and delicious way.

Promotes Brain Health

Mangoes have abundant quantities of vitamin B-6, which is vital for maintaining and improving the brain’s function. These vitamins aid in the amalgamation of the major neurotransmitters that contribute in determining mood and the modification of sleeping patterns. Mangoes naturally provide significant quantities of this vitamin. With mangoes as a part of your diet, you can be assured of a healthy brain and effective nerve functioning. You will also be avoiding medicinal supplements, which have a long list of possible side effects. The Glutamine acid content in mangoes also improves concentration and the power of your memory.

Boosts Body Immunity

As mentioned earlier, similar to carrots, mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful carotenoid. This element of mango helps in to enhance the immune system of the body and make it impervious to bacteria and toxins. Excess beta-carotene is also transformed into vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A is another antioxidant vitamin and gives you additional protection against the free radicals that can harm your internal systems. Thus, mangoes are a great choice for food items to add into your regular diet. They not only increase your chances of living a disease-free life but is also a pleasure to eat due to its magnificent taste.

Diabetes Management and Prevention

Further research is still ongoing, but some studies have already revealed that mangoes are a great natural remedy for diabetes. It was a long-told myth that diabetic patients should avoid mangoes because of its sweet taste; now it is being shown that other than the fruit, the mango leaves are also helpful in curing diabetes. Place 10 or 15 mango leaves in warm water and close it with a lid before going to bed. In the morning, drink the water on an empty stomach after filtering the leaves. Regular practice of this method has shown positive results for diabetic patients in the management of their blood sugar levels.

A Few Final Facts about Mangoes

Mangoes are found in two varieties, one from India and the other from the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Indian mangoes have a bright yellow or red color, while the Philippines species has a pale green color. The mango plant requires a frost-free climate because the flowers and fruits will be damaged if the temperatures drop below 40° F. The fruits are favored by warm, dry weather.

Mango trees create a scenic landscape and grow up to 65 feet. Mango trees are also known for their longevity; some specimens are known to live for more than 300 years and continue to bear fruit. The leaves of mango trees are usually pale green in color, which darkens as they grow and increase in height. The young leaves are usually red in color. The flowers appear on a mango tree at the branch terminals. The reddish flowers are found in dense panicles of up to 2,000 tiny flowers. These flowers emit a volatile substance that may be an allergen to some people and potentially cause respiratory trouble.

The fruiting bodies of a mango tree grow at the rear end of the string-like stem (the former panicle). The size of the fruit is usually 2 to 9 inches long and shape may vary between being kidney shaped, oval or round. The flesh of mangoes is a similar consistency to peaches. The flesh is excessively juicy and radiates from the husk of a singular oval shaped seed. Mango fruit takes 100 to 150 days after flowering to fully mature.

Proper growth of mango trees is possible only in dense shade and good drainage. Mango trees grow in any well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant needs a deep area of soil to spread its extensive root network, and the tree requires frost protection when it is at its youngest, tender age. Bacterial spots, pests, and other plant diseases can develop, and there are many known treatments to keep the trees healthy.

Mangoes are mainly grown in tropical countries, but California, Florida, Central America and Mexico have developed their mango cultivation greatly and have become major suppliers to U.S. markets.