Role of general mango-orchard management in disease development
Kazmi M.R., Fateh F.S. and Jabeen A.
Science Technology and Development, 27(3) p. 42-44, 2008.
2008
บทคัดย่อ
Pakistan is the third largest exporter of Mango (Mangifera indica) in the world. Due to lack of knowledge and proper guidance, growers do not give attention to proper irrigation of Mango orchards. Non-availability of water also affects the tree vigor. Mostly, Mango orchards are owned by small growers who lack enough facilities to use modern techniques for cutting, pruning, sanitation and fertilizer application. Growers lack capital to build infrastructure for proper storage and grading of their products. Alarming conditions prevail in both pre, as well as, post-harvest period. The post-harvest losses of Mango are likely to cross economic-threshold level. Fruit picking labour is not properly trained. Careless washing and handling of the fruits result in the epiphytes and other microbes, which lead to severe post-harvest and storage losses by causing fruit rotting. There is an extensive use of pesticides in Mango orchards. The small growers are unaware of the importance of the quantity, quality and timely application of fungicides. As the farmers do not follow the recommendations of research and extension organizations regarding suitable chemicals and method of application, they face a heavy monetary loss. Contractors often harvest immature fruit in early season, and over-mature at the end of season in order to obtain higher prices. Careless harvesting and rough handling bruise and devalue the fruits, reducing its quality and market price. To avoid such hazards Training programs should be held especially in Mango-growing areas of Pakistan for every level of manpower involved in the ultimate income to be obtained out of mango industry.