Cultural Management Practices PDF (ABE 212)

Cultural Management Practices.

1. Information, education and
communication materials series no. ___

2. Technical Editor/Subject Matter Specialist
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References:
ATI-Cabagan. Management of Fruit Bearing Carabao
Mango. Cabagan: The Mango Technical
Committee, 2003.
Extension Communication Division. Mango Production
Guide. Tuguegarao: Agricultural Training
Institute, 2001.
Golez, Hernani. “Technology Updates on Major Fruits:
Mango.” (A paper presented during the 3rd
Mindanao Fruit Industry Conference) Davao
City: November 2003.
Golez, Hernani. “Updates on the Cultural Management
of Mango.” Jordan, Guimaras, Bureau of Plant
Industry-National Crop Research, Development
and Production Support Center
The Philippines Recommends for Mango. Los Baños,
Laguna: Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCARRD) and Philippine
Agriculture and Resources Research
Foundation, Inc. (PARRFI), 1994.
Pictures from Dr. Hernani G. Golez. Bureau of Plant
Industry - National Mango Research and Development
Center.

3. M
ango grows anywhere in the country.
However, profitable production, ideal soil and
climate should be considered.
The ideal growing conditions for mango are
distinct wet and dry seasons with at least four to
five months of dry period. A mango grower should
consider the following soil suitability requirements
and climatic conditions:
Soil characteristics:
• sandy loam, relatively rich in organic matter
• good drainage (very important)
• pH 6.0-7.0
• flat to slightly rolling terrain
Climatic condition
• distinct wet and dry season
(4 to 5 mos. dry period)
• temperature of 21 to 30 ºC
• no strong winds
Elevation
• should not be higher than 600 meters
above sea level.
• 400 meters ideal for growing mango
124
Bagging materials
Several bagging materials are used in the field.
However, imported newspaper or waxy magazine
are recommended for both wet and dry seasons,
while ordinary newspapers may be used during
dry season.
Bagged fruits have higher recovery rates and are
more marketable, as compared to non-bagged
fruits.

4. 232
After area selection, the mango grower is advised
to plant the recommended mango varieties/
strains:
• GUIMARAS SELECTION:
GES 73, 77, 84, 85, Talaban, Fresco,
Tanaleon, Guimaras Super, Efondo,
and JTA Sweet.
• BATAAN: Lamao No. 1
• ILOCOS: MMSU Gold, Piling Rodolfo
• ZAMBALES: Sweet Elena
• Other NSIC varieties:
Corcino, Prime, BPI Golden Pcio
These materials can be availed from nurseries
accredited by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
WRAPPING/BAGGING
Sixty days after flower induction is the best time to bag mango fruits, since at this stage, the fruit is established on the tree.
The bag should
be big enough to
allow room for fruit
development. Its
bottom portion
should be closed to
prevent the mango
seed borers from
laying its eggs on the
apex of the fruit.
Bagging, using sturdy
materials, protects
the fruits from rain
and strong winds.
Also, it does not only
promote fruit quality
but also protects
fruits from diseases
like stem-end rot,
scab and sooty
mold. It minimizes
incidence of fruit fly,
mango seed borer
or cecid fly. This
practice also helps
avoid latex burns
during harvest, fruit
rejects are reduced.

5. 322
ORCHARD SITE PREPARATION
A. Land Preparation
• For backyard planting, underbrushing or
cutting of young trees (bushes, volunteer
plants) is required to clear the area. This will
facilitate lay-out and minimize shading of
newly-planted trees.
• For orchard planting, underbrushing, plowing
and harrowing are required to attain good
soil tilth. These activities should be done
before the onset of rainy days, in preparation
for field lay-out.
• Planting of ‘windbreaks’ such as mahogany
and acacia, along boundaries is also
recommended. These trees will also serve as
circumferential fence for the orchard.
• If irrigation facilities have to be installed,
these should be part of the plan for site
development.
• Faucets may be strategically placed within
the orchard while primary and secondary
waterlines could be installed for ready
access.
• An orchard shed, together with a working
area and storeroom may be constructed
in a section of the orchard that is highly
accessible to transportation facilities.
MANGO PRODUCTION SCHEDULE BY REGION
Regions Month of Induction Days till harvest Month of harvest
Region IX February 108 May
Western
Mindanao
(Zamboanga
City)
March 107 June
April 108 July
May 110 August
June 117 September
July 112 October
August 111 November
September 112 December
October 113 January
November 114 February

Region XI February 110 May
Davao
Region
March 105 June
April 103 July
May 103 August
June 105 September
July 107 October
August 107 November
September 110 December
October 105 January
November 120 February

Region XII February 105 May
Southern
Mindanao
(Gen. Santos
City)
March 105 June
April 108 July
May 113 August
June 116 September
July 116 October
August 116 November
September 114 December
October 113 January
November 112 February

6. 214
A. Land Preparation
In the square system, trees are planted in the
corners of the square. This system is widely
practiced because it is easy to lay-out. It also
facilitates many cultural management practices
such as pruning, bagging, etc.
In adopting the square system, one has to follow
these procedures:
• Make a wooden triangular frame measuring
3x4x5 meters.
• Set this frame in one corner of the field. This will
serve as reference point.
• With nylon strings, extend both arms of the
triangle and fix the ends using bamboo poles.
• The lay-out can be done using another string
with marked distance of planting.
• Place bamboo stick on the appropriate
distance.
• Move the marked string to over the entire
area.
Square System
The recommended season of production in the Philippines:
MANGO PRODUCTION SCHEDULE BY REGION
Regions Month of Induction Days till harvest Month of harvest
Region I January 126 May
Ilocos Region
(Laoag,
Ilocos Norte)
September 116 January
October 130 February
November 136 March
December 184 April

Region II January 127 May
Cagayan
Valley
(Aparri)
February 114 June
December 148 April

Region III January 115 April
Central
Luzon
(Iba,
Zambales)
February 108 May
September 109 December
October 113 January
November 120 February
December 116 March

Region IV January 118 April
Southern
Luzon
(UP Los
Baños)
February 108 May
October 126 February
November 130 March
December 126 April

Region VI January 115 April
Western
Visayas
(Guimaras)
February 108 May
March 102 June
August 110 November
September 112 December
October 116 January
November 121 March
December 121 April

Region VII February 104 May
Central
Visayas
(Cebu City)
March 98 June
April 97 July
May 99 August
June 103 September
July 105 October
August 105 November
September 107 December
October 111 January
November 114 February

7. 520
Triangular System
The triangular system is simply done by laying out
the plants in the corners of an equilateral triangle.
It accommodate 15% more plants that the square
system.
Quincux System
In the quincunx system, plants are laid out in the four corners and at the centre of a square to maximize space. In general, it can accommodate about two times more plants than the square system.
The earlier designs (square, triangular and quincux)
are appropriate for flat and slightly rolling areas.
Induced trees start to flower in 7 to 14 days: Rains
of short duration immediately after spraying do not
affect the effectiveness of the inducer as long as
the leaves are dry when the spraying was done.
However, if continuous rain lasts for one or more
days immediately after induction, follow-up spray
with reduced concentration. If induced trees do
not flower due to pest infestation or strong winds,
postpone induction for the next season.
About 50% to 60% of trees in the orchard will have
fair number of flowers. The trees that do not flower
will be more responsive in the next season. The
percent flowering per tree also varies. This is its
maximum capacity, thus, should not be forced to
produce more flowers.

Note:
• In September, only trees with 10 to 12 or older
shoots may respond to induction.
• In October, only old trees with seven to
nine months or older shoots may respond to
induction.
• In December or later, even young trees of
five to six monthold shoots may respond to
induction.
• Central Visayas and all Mindanao regions
produce off season fruits to avoid the glut in
supply in March to May. Paclobutrazol, a plant
growth regulator, is used for this purpose.

8. 196
Contour System
On the slopes of hilly land in which the threat of
erosion is more likely to happen, plants are laid out
on contour lines, established against the slope.
This system of planting reduces the slope length
and the slope angle, thus, allowing rainwater to
be withheld by the soil for sometime; allowing it
to percolate and prevent runoff. The root system
of the main crop further keeps the soil intact and
holds the soil particles together. Laying out hilly
lands is done using an A-frame starting from the
upper to the lower slope.
Some guidelines in the use of contour system:
• Start laying-out from the top of the hill by
establishing a baseline from the steepest
slope. Each point in the reference line should
be break-chained so that one can get the
accurate slope distance with the changing
slope downhill. Always start the determination
of each contour line from the baseline.
• Drive the first stake at the desired point. Place
one leg of the A-frame beside the first stake.
Then, adjust the other leg on the ground such
that the weighted string passes the midpoint
mark on the crossbar. Drive another stake at
this point.
Season Form of Inducer Concentration
of Inducer
Early
(July to November);
choose only old
trees
Crystalline
(agricultural grade)
2% (2 kg/100 liters
water) (2 small tin cans/ kerosene can
of water)
Late
(December-May)
Crystalline
(agricultural grade)
1-1.5% (1-1.5 kg/100
liters water) (1-1.5 tin
can/ kerosene can
of water)

For liquid formulation: Mix one liter of the
formulated product in two to three kerosene cans
of water (40-60 liters) early in the season. For large-
scale operations, use power sprayer. For small
scale spraying, knapsack or home made, manually
operated sprayer may be used.
• Older trees respond more readily to flower
induction than younger ones.
• Flushes during the first quarter of the year may
respond after seven to nine months, while the
last quarter will do so in five to six months
Trees during the wet months (July to November)
need stronger concentration (2%) while the trees
may respond to lower concentration (1%) during
December to May.
Trees with high load of fruits in the preceding
season may not respond satisfactorily to induction
in the following year.
For economical reasons, it is recommended
to choose carefully trees for induction. Use the
following concentrations as a guide in flower
induction.

9. 718
• Move the A-frame to the next spot such that
one leg touches the second stake at the side of
its base.
• Repeat the above steps until the whole area
has been laid out.
• Make corrections or adjustments to the layout
to take care of strange spots like gullies and
rocks on the ground. This is made when contour
lines go astray, or when they become too
close to cause the overlapping of hills between
contour lines, or too far to leave a larger area
unused.
• All reference lines, especially the layout made
in the flatbeds, should be placed at a certain
distance from the border. If the borders are
lined up with tree windbreaks, the distance
between the windbreak and the plant should
be equal to the average of their respective
planting distance.
2. Chemical Induction
As long as shoots are physiologically matured,
potassium nitrate (KNO3) spraying can induce
flowering anytime of the year. It is now known that
KNO3 only acts as inducing agent and “lets go”
what is inside the shoot. Hence, if shoots are not
physiologically matured, leaves, instead of flowers,
come out.
KNO3 is however restricted because it can be an
ingredient for explosive. This holds true for other
salts of nitrates, particularly calcium nitrate, which
is now being used. Nitrate base in water solution
offers as an alternative. (i.e. UAN and ANS).
In the absence of or failure to attain nitrate, the
commercially formulated flower inducers (in
powder or liquid form) may be used: Boom, Flower
Set, Mangotone, Miracleblum and others.
• The success of flower induction depends on
age of tree, age of shoot, month of induction,
concentration of spray mixture and yield of the
tree in the previous season.
This method, however, is laborious and ecology- damaging. Areas around the mango orchard are not only stripped of vegetation but are polluted with combustion by-products.

10. 178
C. Tree Spacing
The distance of planting in mango is influenced
by fertility of soil, wherein fast growth is attained.
Fertile soil and wider spacing are recommended
for fast growing varieties. These conditions will also
benefit farmers who want to plant intercrops in
between rows of trees.
In general, mangoes need full sunlight for
productive growth. Thus, close spacing that can
result to competition of light, food and water must
be avoided.
For ‘Carabao’ mango, spacing not less than
10x10 m, (100 trees per hectare) can be tolerated.
However, the ideal distance of 12x12m or 14x14m
is recommended for grafted trees. On the other
hand, wider spacing of 20x20m and above is
recommended for seeded trees.
High density planting, as experienced by most
mango growers, resulted to low productivity of
trees due to competition. Also, it caused problems
associated with pests. Unless the tree structure is
modified to accommodate small or dwarf trees,
high density planting should be avoided.
C. Flower induction
Flowering of mango trees usually takes place from
October to May. Growth and flowering occur in
phases. Shoot or leaf flush is frequent in the juvenile
stage of trees and in areas with short dry season.
It is less frequent in mature trees and in areas with
long dry season.
The frequency of flushes depends on cultivars;
the ‘Carabao’ mango for instance have longer
intervals while the ‘Indian’ mango is a regular
bearer, even without induction.
• The ‘Carabao’ mango undergoes an alternate
bearing habit with flowers and fruits in the
first year (on season) and little or no flowers
in the next year (off season). There is a need
to correct this fruiting behavior, otherwise,
production becomes irregular and markets will
be affected.
• ‘Carabao’ mango is ready for flower induction
when leaves are 7 to 9 months old, crispy, dark
green and buds are plump and prominent.
Smudging is a common practice which involves
building a smoky fire below the tree canopy,
allowing the smoke to pass through the foliage. It is
done continuously for several days but is stopped
when flowers do not appear within two weeks.
The process is repeated one to two months later.
Mature trees with brittle, dark green leaves from
the current flush or coppery-bronze colored from
the older flush are usually preferred as well as those
with prominent and well-developed terminal and
axillary buds.
Types of Flower Induction
1. Smudging

11. 916
• Plant during the start
of the rainy season.
Planting late may be
done if irrigation facilities
are available.
• Plants are set in holes,
deep and wide enough
to accommodate the
mass of soil in the roots
of the planting material
(usually twice the size
of the container.) This
is recommended in
areas with fertile, deep
FIELD PLANTING
and friable soils. However, in areas with clayey,
rocky, or poor (either acidic or basic) soils, big
holes with a diameter and depth of 0.5 x 0.5
x0.5m are appropriate.
• Provided the soil is fertile, the top fertile soil
should be separated from the subsoil and
should be returned first. Otherwise, this is not
done because poor soil will be replaced by
compost.
• Remove carefully the plastic container from the
roots of the planting materials and see to it that
the mass of soil remains intact with the roots.
• Mix the topsoil with 1 kg compost and place at
the bottom of the hole.
• Set the plant into the hole.
• Press the topsoil with compost around the plant
with feet or hands to compact.
• Tie each plant to a support bamboo pole or
stick) to avoid lodging.
B. Fertilization
Soil fertilizer when applied after pruning will
encourage the growth of vegetative shoots, a very
important requirement for flower induction
• The amount and frequency of fertilizer is given in Table 1 for bearing trees. (see Table 1)
• For less than 30 years old grafted trees, apply fertilizer at about 1.0 to 1.5 meter radius from the trunk in a small canal constructed around the tree that is 30 cm deep.
• For large trees, make a canal perpendicular to the canopy spread and apply fertilizer.
• Developing flowers and fruits require foliar spray at 12-16, 21-25 at bud elongation and 30-35 days after flower induction to encourage development, enhance fruit set and fruit development.

12. 1510
There is a need to take care of newly planted
trees; otherwise, high percentage mortality can
occur, particularly during dry season.
The establishment period is about four to five years
and it is important for the trees to attain maximum
canopy size, through proper management before
these can be induced to flower.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
OF YOUNG TREES
A. Fencing
• The whole area can be secured by a barbed
wire (two strands, fixed on wooden or
concrete posts).
• Individual fencing of trees can also be done
using wooden sticks or bamboo poles.
• Wind breaks, if planted close to each other,
can also serve as fences.
MANAGEMENT OF BEARING TREES
A. Pruning
With good cultural management, trees can form
the maximum canopy and are ready for induction
after five years from planting.
These cultural management for bearing trees will
help mango growers produce more fruits of better
quality.
Pruning is usually done after harvest to prepare the tree for production, improve fruit quality and attain desired size and shape of crown, eliminate undesirable branches and achieve dwarfing effect to enable the trees to be resistant to lodging. To avoid infection after pruning, treat the cut portion with any paint or used diesel oil.
• It is advisable to do minimal pruning prior
to flower induction to remove unnecessary,
crowded, overlapping branches and those
which are affected by pests.
• Only the inside branches should be pruned
to allow the penetration of light as well as
circulation of air inside the canopy. This
condition is inimical for the growth of pests.
• Some farmers do the “open center”
pruning to enhance light penetration. This is
recommended for big trees.

13. 1114
B. Mulching
• Mulching is needed to
conserve moisture. It
also serves as a source
of organic matter. No
prescribed amount of
mulch is used but more
is better.
• To prepare mulch,
place field waste or
residues around the
base of the trunk, few inches away from the
stem to prevent pest problems.
• Commonly used mulching materials are rice
straws, rice hulls, sugarcane bagasse, chopped
weeds and banana stalks.
C. Fertilization
Mangoes do not need extensive fertilization
because they can survive in poor and unfertile soil.
However, fertilization is necessary to stimulate early
growth and rapid development of young trees.
Fertilizer usage depends on climate and
environmental conditions, variation in farming
practices, soil and tissue analyses and results of
field fertilizer experiments. Use of organic fertilizer is
advised due to its macronutrients, affordability and
availability.
Table 1 presents the amount and frequency
of fertilizer needed at planting and during the
nonbearing years. (Please see Table 1 in the next
page)
F. Weed Control
Weeds compete for water and nourishment of
young trees. During dry season, weeds can be fire
hazard and will cause the burning of trees.
• For orchard plantation, weed control can be
done through inter-row cultivation, using a
tractor or plow driven by a cow.
• For backyard plantation, ring cultivation can
suffice weed control. In weeding, the following
radius from the base of the trunk needs to be
considered:
Age of Tree (Years) Radius (cm)
1-3
4-10
10-15
20-45
50-90
100-200

Underbrush the remaining spaces manually. Use of mower or rotary grass cutter can also be done. Also, herbicide should be used with caution since mango trees are sensitive to the chemical.
G. Pruning
It is not necessary to prune young trees unless
insects and diseases are present, if this happens,
remove only the affected parts.
In formative pruning, grafts which are about one
meter tall, cut terminal portions to encourage
lateral branching. Also, maintain three to four
strong branches; allow them to grow before doing
the second cut. This is a special pruning with the
objective of producing dwarf trees.
H. Deblossoming
Young trees will flower after a few years from
planting. However, it is advisable to cut these flowers
so as not to compete with the growth of young trees.

14. 1312
Table 1. Fertilizer Management for Carabao Mango
Age of Tree Rate/Tree/Year Fertilizer
Grade
Application

Method Time
At planting
and up to
three years of
age
5kg Chicken
manure (old)
Incorporate with
surface soil then fill up the hole
At planting
100-150 g 14-14-14 Place the
fertilizer about 8
cm below the
roots and 12 cm
to the side of the
seedling
At planting or
at the start of the rainy
season
100-150 g 14-14-14 Apply in four to
six holes around
the base of the
plant. Cover the
fertilizer with soil
Before the end
of rainy season
Non-bearing
young trees
300-500 g 14-14-14 Mix thoroughly
and apply in two equal doses in four to six holes
within the tree
canopy.
First
application is made at the
start of the
rainy season;
the second,
before the
end of the
rainy season.
Bearing trees
up to 15 years of age
5 kg 14-14-14 On relatively flat
area, ring weed the canopy area then broadcast
fertilizer about 2-
3 m away from
the base or
within the tree
canopy. Cover
the fertilizer with
soil by harrowing
or plowing.

On slightly hilly or
rolling land,
apply in six to
eight holes, 2-3
m away from
the base. Cover
the fertilizer with
soil

Bearing tree,
15 years of
age or older
5 kg plus 1 kg
for every year
after 15 years
14-14-14 -do- -do-

D. Intercropping
Field establishment of young trees require 4 to 5
years. To make use of the spaces in between trees,
intercropping is recommended.
The types of intercrops depend upon the suitability
of the commodity and their demand in the area.
• Intercrops like leguminous vegetables, melons,
squash, sweet potato and short maturing
fruit crops (papaya and pineapple) are
recommended.
• Intercrops should be managed separately
and should not compete with the main crop
(mango).
E. Irrigation
• Desirable climatic requirement is five months of
continuous dry season that will coincide with
mango flowering.
• However, there is a need to irrigate young and
newly established trees, especially during the
dry season.
• The volume of water required per week is 20 to
40 liters, just enough to saturate the soil within
the root system.
• Flooding method can be used to apply water.