Tree spacing trends and options for yield improvement in mango.
Oosthuyse S. A.
Author Affiliation: Merensky Technological Services, PO Box 14, Duivelskloof 0835, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 13 : 34-39
Abstract : Mango yields worldwide are generally poor, ranging from 4 to 9 t/ha in the major producing countries. This is partly due to wide tree spacings, which are traditionally based on expected eventual tree size. Little consideration is generally given to canopy size maintenance once overcrowding eventually occurs. Yields from more closely spaced trees of well managed orchards in Florida and Puerto Rico, where annual or biennial hedging is employed to maintain canopy size, generally exceed 20 t/ha and in recent trials yields have been increased radically by increasing planting density. High density planting is discussed in relation to optimal tree spacings, canopy size maintenance and pruning of young trees.