Overview of Mangifera altissima Blanco
Mangifera altissima Blanco, commonly known as the Philippine mango or pahutan, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, and can be found in other parts of the world, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. This fast-growing plant is known for its edible fruit and its many medicinal uses.
Physical Description of Mangifera altissima Blanco
Mangifera altissima Blanco grows up to 30 meters in height and has a dense, round crown with a diameter of up to 15 meters. Its bark is thick and its leaves are dark green and leathery, with a length of up to 30 centimeters. This tree produces small white flowers that grow in clusters and bear fruit that are oval-shaped, around 8 to 20 centimeters long and 4 to 8 centimeters wide. The fruit has a tough, fibrous flesh that surrounds a large seed.
Uses of Mangifera altissima Blanco
The fruit of Mangifera altissima Blanco is edible and is commonly consumed in the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. It has a sweet, tangy taste and is often used in desserts, jams, and other dishes. The leaves and bark of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. The wood of the tree is also used for building and making furniture, and the tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree.
Cultivation of Mangifera altissima Blanco
Mangifera altissima Blanco is typically grown from seed, although grafted varieties are also available. It thrives in hot and humid climates with plenty of rainfall, and it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. The tree requires well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. It typically takes around 10 years for the tree to start bearing fruit. The fruit is typically harvested when it is ripe and is typically picked by hand.
Light Requirements
Mangifera altissima Blanco requires full sunlight in order to grow properly. It is a tropical plant that is well adapted to direct sunlight without any shade. It cannot grow well in shaded areas and may even develop stunted growth or die.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a temperature range of 20-35°C (68-95°F) with an optimum temperature of around 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is highly sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate cold temperatures, which can damage the leaves, flowers, and fruits, leading to a significant reduction in yield.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, deep, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It is not recommended to plant this species in soils that are prone to waterlogging or have poor drainage as this can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases. The plant is also sensitive to soil salinity, which can negatively affect growth and yield.
Cultivation
Mangifera altissima Blanco, commonly known as the Philippine mango, is an evergreen tropical tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It requires a warm and humid climate with rainfall distributed throughout the year. The tree prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 and is susceptible to waterlogged conditions.
Propagation of the tree can be done through vegetative means such as grafting and cutting. It is recommended to plant the tree during the rainy season and to provide protective measures from strong winds and direct sunlight during the first two years.
Watering Needs
Mangifera altissima Blanco requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Ideally, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. A watering schedule of once or twice a week may be necessary, although this depends on the climate and soil conditions. It is best to water deeply, allowing the water to reach the root system.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to maintain the growth and yield of Mangifera altissima Blanco. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 14-14-14 or 16-16-16 can be applied every three to four months. It is best to apply the fertilizer at the base of the tree and to avoid contact with the leaves and stems.
Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used as an alternative. However, it is important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to nutrient imbalances and soil pollution.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the size and shape of the tree and to promote fruit production. Dead or damaged branches should be removed immediately, and branches that cross or rub against each other should be pruned to prevent injury and infection.
It is recommended to prune Mangifera altissima Blanco during the dry season after harvest. The canopy should be thinned out to allow sunlight to reach the inner branches, and the top should be trimmed to prevent the tree from growing too tall.
Cut surfaces should be treated with a pruning sealant to prevent disease and pests from entering. It is important to use clean and sharp tools to avoid tearing the bark and causing further damage.
Propagation methods for Mangifera altissima Blanco
Mangifera altissima Blanco, commonly known as the Philippine mango, is a fruit tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is known for producing large, juicy, and delicious fruits, making it a popular crop in the Philippines. Here are the different propagation methods for Mangifera altissima Blanco:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Mangifera altissima Blanco is through seed propagation. The seeds can be obtained from ripe fruits. The seeds should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before sowing. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is during the monsoon season when there is adequate moisture in the soil.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and germination can be expected within 10 to 20 days. When the seedlings are around 4 to 6 inches tall, they can be transplanted to individual pots. The seedlings can be planted in the field after they are around 12 months old.
Grafting
Grafting is another common method of propagating Mangifera altissima Blanco. This method involves attaching a scion of the desired variety onto a rootstock. Grafting is preferred over seed propagation as it ensures that the new plant will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
The best time to graft Mangifera altissima Blanco is during the spring season, when the temperature is warm. The scion should be taken from a mature and disease-free plant, and the rootstock should be a seedling that is around 6 months old. The graft union should be protected from moisture by wrapping it with a plastic cover till the scion has established.
Air-layering
Air-layering is a technique that is commonly used for propagating Mangifera altissima Blanco. In air-layering, a part of a mature branch is wounded, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound to stimulate the growth of roots. The wounded part is then covered with a moist medium, such as peat moss and plastic wrap, to accelerate the rooting process.
This technique should be done during the monsoon season when there is enough moisture in the air. After the roots have formed, the wounded part can be severed from the main plant and transplanted to the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Mangifera altissima
Mangifera altissima, also known as the Philippine mango or pajo, is a plant species that grows in tropical climates. While this fruit tree is generally hardy and resistant to pests and diseases, it can occasionally suffer from various issues, including the following:
Common Diseases
The main diseases that affect Mangifera altissima include anthracnose, powdery mildew, and bacterial black spot. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, fruits, and flowers of the tree, causing them to rot and fall off. Powdery mildew, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit production. Bacterial black spot is a bacterial disease that causes black spots to appear on the fruit and leaves, causing them to fall off prematurely.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Mangifera altissima are fruit flies, mango seed weevils, and mealybugs. Fruit flies are attracted to ripening fruit and can cause significant damage to the crop, leading to premature fruit drop. Mango seed weevils, on the other hand, are known to infest the fruit of the tree, feeding on the seed, and causing the fruit to rot. Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf discoloration and stunt plant growth.
To manage these pests, it is best to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Culturally, it is essential to keep the tree and its surroundings clean and well-maintained, removing any fallen debris and keeping the soil well-drained. Additionally, it is recommended to plant pest-resistant varieties of Mangifera altissima.
Chemical control methods can also be used to manage these pests effectively. Insecticides and fungicides can be applied to the tree to kill off the pests and prevent further infestations. However, it is essential to read labels carefully and follow application instructions to prevent damage to the tree and any potential environmental harm.
Overall, by practicing good tree hygiene and using proper pest control methods, Mangifera altissima can be kept healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.
