Many Things To Be Done To Improve Mango Production

Going over the main report on strategic action plan on mango by the Department of Agriculture recently makes us realize that there are so many things that have to done to make carabao mango production profitable.

The report is a product of a study by experts commissioned to come up with a strategy to make mango production viable.There are several areas that have to looked into. One of them is the need to improve disease and insect control. Anthracnose is the major disease while mango hoppers are the most destructive pest of mango. Other pests like the “kurikong” have also become a serious problem in places.

The experts recommend, “heavy corrective and anticipatory researches are needed not only to efficiently control pest but also to evolve products or systems that are more economical and safe.”

The big problem in the Philippines is the very high cost of agrochemicals. In fact, a recent survey by Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona of the University of Southern Mindanao reveals that pesticides in the Philippines cost as much as three to four times more than those Thailand and other Asean countries.Part of the problem, the experts note, is the difficulty in determining common control methods that will respond to all, or to a greater percentage of the scattered and diverse small growers.

And the big problem is how to effectively deliver information to all these growers.The experts recommend an efficient extension service. One component of the strategy is to select a model farm in strategic mango areas which should be made to serve as a model and training ground for adjacent growers with similar environment and concerns.This concept, they say, should not be limited to pest and disease control alone.

It should include other problems of production such as mineral nutrition, irrigation, etc.They stress the value of integrated pest management (IPM) as a more effective and cheaper means of controlling pests and diseases than the usual calendar system of spraying.They admit, though, that IPM is more difficult to understand and implement because spraying is base on need such as intensity or presence of pests or diseases, weather conditions and stage of plant development.

They point out that IPM could be more easily adopted if the farmers are well organized. Efforts should also be made by researchers to simplify the technique and make it understandable and appreciated by the average mango grower.Proper nutrition of the trees is very important in mango production. The big problem, according to the experts is the failure of the average mango grower to understand or appreciate the importance of fertilizers.

They note that often, the farmer wants to avoid extra expense. He also believes that since a mango tree can survive harsh environment, it does not need fertilization. That’s of course very unfortunate.Compounding the problem is the fact that many growers enter into contracts where another party takes care of the trees during the flowering and fruiting season for a share of the harvest.

This is often detrimental to the health and future productivity of the trees because the contractor is often not much concerned about fertilization and pest control throughout the year. Such chores that should be done year-round are usually carried out only during the flowering and fruiting stage.Varietal Improvement.

One aspect where the experts have interesting recommendation is on varietal improvement. They note that the carabao mango has some limitations such as small fruits, soft skin that is easily damaged, short shelf life, susceptibility to anthracnose disease, among others.They believe that the carabao mango should be improved through conventional breeding or through biotechnology. Areas that can be improved without affecting fruit taste are resistance to pests, diseases, blemishes, jelly seed, internal breakdown and uneven ripening, size, color, shelf life, and yield.

They say that with the right expertise and budget (Php 5 million), an improved carabao mango can be obtained in five years.Another possibility is the introduction of a new variety for a new market that prefers that variety in question. A private or corporate plantation that has the resources to create a new industry and maintain the desired standards which is necessary for the export industry must undertake this activity.

The fact is that the ECJ Farms in Negros Occidental has started the production of an Australian hybrid, which has an established market abroad. This is the hybrid called R2E2, which produces big fruits that are pinkish in color. Test market shows that exotic mango is saleable even in Bacolod.There are other imported varieties with export possibilities that can be grown locally.

These include the Golden Queen from Taiwan, Chokanan from Thailand, the Valencia Pride and Southern Blush from Florida and several others.Planting materials of these varieties are already available in limited stock here but could be easily produced in big numbers if needed.The experts also emphasize that since the mango tree will last a century, it is important that growers plant superior varieties.

The National Seed Industry Council has certified a number of carabao mango strains, including six from Guimaras, one from Ilocos Norte (MMSU Gold) and another from Bataan (Lamao).Most of these are now being multiplied at the Teresa Techno Demo Farm in Rizal.We will feature other recommendations of the mango experts some other time.

Zac B. Sarian, October 12, 2003, Philippine Panorama, Manila Bulletin

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