Choice of cultivars for hot and arid regions of South Africa.
Snyman J. C., Snyman T.
Author Affiliation: Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Horticultural Experimental Farm, P.O. Box 295, Messina 0900, South Africa.
: 151-155
Abstract : Meteorological data from seven weather stations, situated in the mango-producing areas which are considered to be hot and dry are analysed. In terms of rainfall, relative humidity, maximum temperatures and evaporation, the area North of the Soutpansberg is identified as the hottest and most arid region where mangoes are commercially produced in South Africa. The area is therefore considered suitable as a study area for the identification of the best performing cultivars under the abovementioned climatic conditions. Data from the cultivar evaluation programme at the Messina Experimental farm are presented to illustrate the performance of well-known, and lesser-known, cultivars under hot and dry conditions. The performance is presented in terms of yield and fruit size, external appearance, acceptable internal quality and tolerance to sunburn.