Mango Fruit Drop – Causes & Management
Fruit drop in mango is a common problem that significantly reduces yield. It can occur at different stages, from pea-sized fruits to near-mature fruits. The causes can be physiological, environmental, pest, or disease-related.
Causes of Mango Fruit Drop:
1. Physiological Causes (Natural Shedding)
- Mango trees naturally shed up to 80-90% of flowers and fruits due to competition for nutrients.
- Poor pollination and fertilization lead to early fruit drop.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
- Boron deficiency causes weak fruit attachment.
- Calcium and Potassium imbalance leads to weak cell walls and poor fruit retention.
3. Pest & Disease Infestation
- Mango Hopper and Mealybugs suck sap, weakening fruits and causing drop.
- Anthracnose & Powdery Mildew cause infection, leading to fruit fall.
4. Environmental Factors
- Strong winds and high temperatures cause moisture loss, leading to fruit drop.
- Drought or excessive rain affects nutrient uptake and weakens fruit attachment.
Management Strategies
1. Nutrient Management
- Pre-flowering Stage: Spray Boron (Borax 0.2%) to improve pollination.
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Fruit Development Stage:
- Apply Calcium (Calcium Nitrate 1%) to strengthen fruit walls.
- Spray Potassium (Potassium Nitrate 1-1.5%) to reduce fruit drop.
- Use Seaweed Extract to improve fruit set and retention.
2. Pest & Disease Control
- Spray Neem oil or Azadirachtin to control mango hoppers and mealybugs.
- Apply Hexaconazole or Propiconazole to prevent fungal infections.
3. Growth Regulators (PGRs) for Fruit Retention
- Spray NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid 10 ppm) at the pea-sized fruit stage.
- GA3 (Gibberellic Acid 20 ppm) helps in fruit retention.
4. Mulching & Irrigation
- Apply organic mulch around trees to retain soil moisture.
- Maintain consistent irrigation during fruit development.