The South African mango industry.
Colyn J.
Author Affiliation: South African Mango Growers' Association, PO Box 2321, Tzaneen 0850, South Africa.
: 60-68
Abstract : Mango production began in South Africa before the 17th century. Currently, out of a total production of 42?000 t in 1991/92, only 10% is exported and 60% is processed to achar (a green pickled product) and juice. Mangoes are grown in the Lowveld region of the Northern Transvaal, where cold winter weather often results in poor fruit set. The fibrous cultivars Peach and Sabre are still important for processing and local market sales, but in recent years, cultivation of the fibreless cultivars Zill, Tommy Atkins, Sensation, Kent and Keitt has increased sharply. Powdery mildew, floral malformation, blossom blight [Dothiorella dominicana?] and bacterial blackspot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae) are the most important preharvest diseases/disorders, while anthracnose [Glomerella cingulata] and soft brown rot [Hendersonia creberrima?] are the most important postharvest ones. The mango weevil [Sternochetus frigidus] and mango scale [Aulacaspis tubercularis?] present significant pest problems.