Mango trees are impressive in their stature, often reaching heights of 35 to 40 meters, with a crown radius extending up to 10 meters. The evergreen leaves, which mature to a dark green hue, contribute to the tree's lush appearance year-round. The fruits of the mango tree are notably variable in size and color, presenting a palette of yellow, orange, red, and even purple hues. The coloration can be indicative of ripeness; for instance, a mango with a red hue on the sun-facing side and yellow on the shaded side often signals ripeness, while green typically indicates an unripe fruit, although this can vary depending on the cultivar.
Mango flowers are a hotspot for various pollinators including fruit bats, flies, wasps, wild bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, ants, and other insects seeking nectar. While these creatures assist in pollination, mango flowers also undergo a degree of self-pollination. Despite their ecological role, honeybees are not particularly attracted to mango flowers. Effective pollination by honeybees would necessitate 3 to 6 colonies per acre (6-12 per hectare), which is not always practical.
Many flowers that do not get pollinated are shed or fail to set fruit. Even when fruit sets, it may be shed if it is very young or due to environmental stresses. Heavy rains can disrupt the pollination process by washing away pollen, leading to poor fruit set. Some cultivars are prone to producing a significant percentage of small fruits without fully developed seeds, a condition often caused by unfavorable weather during the critical fruit-setting period.
The cultivation of mangoes is a delicate balance, requiring careful management of environmental conditions to ensure optimal fruit quality and yield. As global climates change, understanding and adapting to these factors will be crucial for the continued success of mango agriculture.
Understanding Mangoes: Botany, Pollination, and Cultivation Challenges
