References on Mango

Laroussilhe F. de

Abstract : The mango is one of the oldest fruits cultivated by man. Originating, probably, in the Indo-Burma region it was taken to neighbouring countries by traders and Buddhist missionaries but it was appreciably later before it was introduced to other continents, to East Africa in the tenth century and to South America in the sixteenth by the Portuguese. As one would expect in this Series, the topic is thoroughly but simply treated, covering the botanical point of view as well as the uses of the fruit in commerce. Methods for the multiplication of desirable cultivars are described in some detail, including selection of seed, using either monoembryonic or polyembronic cultivars, and methods of germination in individual containers, nurseries or orchards. Methods of grafting and marcotting are adequately described. However, only recently has attention been given to rooting cuttings by various techniques and no work on stock-scion relationships has yet been done.The practical aspects of cultivation and management are well covered, from the establishment of the orchard, through the care of the trees during growth and production, and using fertilizers at appropriate times. Descriptions of the effect of deficiencies in major and minor elements are given. The mango tree has a full complement of diseases and insect pests attacking all parts. Control measures are described for the most important ones.Exports of fruit to EEC countries and to the USA amounted only to some two thousand tonnes out of a world production of 12.3 million tonnes in 1975 (FAO statistics). This low export appears to be largely due to the production of poor quality fruit and bad packing, and also to high transporation costs. Of minor export value are chutneys and pickles, mostly to English-speaking countries. Good types of mango are delicious and it would seem that if growers can be educated to produce only the best types and if transportation problems are solved, there could be a big increase in export of the fruit since the tree will grow in many areas between latitudes 20 deg S and 20 deg N.A. C. EVANSADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:This is the first book in French dealing comprehensively with the mango tree and its cultivation. The second of the 3 main sections of the book (dealing with the tree and its morphology, biology and ecology; its cultivation; and its commercial importance, respectively) includes a chapter on the diseases and pests of mango and their control. Scale-insects are important pests that attack the branches, leaves and fruit, and notes are given on the biology and control of some of the more important species, including Drosicha mangiferae (Green), Planococcus citri (Risso) (Pseudococcus citri) and Pinnaspis strachani (Cooley). Other arthropod pests mentioned include Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, A. mangiferae Quaint. & Baker, Procontarinia matteiana Kieff. & Cecconi, Erosomyia mangiferae Felt (indica Grover & Prasad), Idiocerus spp., Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard), Scirtothrips aurantii Faure, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), Dacus spp., Anastrepha spp., fruit-sucking Lepidoptera, Cryptorhynchus spp., Batocera spp., Oligonychus yothersi (McG.) (Paratetranychus yothersi), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Hemitarsonemus latus) and Aceria mangiferae Sayed.