Mango Tree Diseases

The mango tree is a tropical tree, and it requires a fairly hot climate to grow healthily. It also does not require that much water other than the initial few weeks of its growth.

A mango tree is a fairly easy tree to handle provided the weather is ideal. Like any other tropical tree, the mango tree is susceptible to all the tropical diseases. Also, it can get afflicted with diseases at any stage of its growth. The twigs, leaves, fruits and trunk can get affected by diseases.Powdery mildew is one of the common diseases to afflict a mango tree. If one tree gets it, then all the others also get affected. It can damage one whole crop in the growing season. This is a big problem in some parts of India. You will find a white color fungal growth on the leaves and twigs of the tree. The only cure is to spray pesticides and fertilizers.

There are several fungi and pathogens that cause various diseases in the tree. Root rot can occur if there have been excessive rains or over watering. Die back is another popular mango tree disease which just kills the tree when it strikes.

Anthracnose is also a widespread condition and causes the young shoots to get damaged. It can also damage the flowers and fruits.

Sometimes, young fruits are seen developing black spots all over them. This is also a fungal disease, and eventually it may damage all the fruits growing on the tree. However, this is common to some specific species of the tree.

Mango Plant Care

Mangoes can be equated to the apple for tropical areas. It is a unique fruit that grows only in the tropical weather conditions. A mango tree can typically take any amount of heat, but it is extremely sensitive to the cold.

There are several varieties of fruits that come from various mango trees.In India, these trees are even grown as hybrid where the trees have a short life cycle. They grow fast, give fruits fast and also die sooner than normal. If you have a mango plant, then you need to provide it with basic care. Make sure the plant is kept at a sunny spot, and the soil should be well drained in the initial years at least.

Mango trees require a moist soil to survive. So, you need to make sure the soil conditions are just right and avoid over watering the plant. When you plant a mango tree newly, make sure you water it everyday once in the evening. Water it thoroughly. Once the tree turns six weeks old or more, decrease the frequency of watering the plant. In winters, if there are rains or if it has rained well, then do not water the tree at all. The mango tree does not need all that much water and has good absorption skills. If you water it more than necessary, the tree may develop root rot.

If you are expecting frost or snow, then put a canopy above the tree to protect it. Also, if you expect the temperature to fall below 36 degrees, then suspend a light above the tree to provide artificial heat.

How To Grow A Mango Plant

There are several species of mango trees, and variations in the fruit. In order to grow a tree, choose the species you would like to grow. A mango tree needs an ideal climate to grow.

It is a tropical fruit, and needs a lot of sun to grow and bear fruit. Also, a mango tree can grow to be very large eventually. The tree starts bearing fruit only after it reaches at least four feet in height, and this can take around 18 months or more.There are two ways in which you can get started. One is to attempt to start growing the plant right from the seed, and the second way is to get a grafted plant from a nursery. As a beginner, you should get a plant from the nursery. It is possible to get even young plants. There are several hybrid varieties too that is available.

Choose the sunniest spot in your garden and dig a 12-inch deep hole. If the plant is slightly bigger, then dig a slightly deeper hole. Also, prepare the soil with fertilizers and plant feed before planting the tree. Plant the tree deep and then pack the soil. However, make sure that the soil is loosely packed to enhance water absorption.

In the initial days, you have to water the plant thoroughly and after a few days water it regularly. Never over water a mango plant. Make a big circular pond around the tree so that it can hold water. Just about half an inch deep is fine. Once the tree grows, it will not need that much care as it can take care of itself.