Name and Address of Institution :

Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 1

Ilocos Integrated Agricultural Research Center (ILIARC)DMMMSU Compound, Bacnotan,

La UnionTelefax No. (072)888-0711

Name of Researcher/Author :

CONSUELO N. BELARMINO

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The project components include establishment of technology demonstration farms which showcase pruning, fertilization, flower induction, irrigation, pest management and fruit bagging; conduct of training/seminar and distribution of information materials.

The mango production technologies that were showcased are the following:

Pruning

· Removal of dead, infested twigs and branches to reduce sources of inoculum or infestation. This is done after harvest or before flushing.

· The branches are cut close about 2-3 cm from the trunk. All cut surfaces bigger than 5 cm should be painted especially during the rainy season to avoid entry of water and pathogen that cause rotting.

· The use of small chain saw or pruning saw is recommended.

Fertilization

· Soil/tissue analysis is recommended. However, in the absence of a more specific recommendation, the general fertilizer guide for mango is suggested (pls. refer to attached sheet).

· Fertilizer should be placed in canal constructed around the tree , 100 cm from the trunk and 30 cm deep of 5-10 year old trees or in 6 to 8 holes around the tree. This goes a little farther as the tree crown becomes wider.

· At flowering and fruiting, spraying of foliar fertilizer is recommended as supplement.

Ring cultivation

· This is done prior to fertilization. This activity also eliminates weeds.

Flower induction

· Induce flowering only once a year. From flowering to harvest, it takes 7-8 months to rejuvenate and accumulate enough nutrients for the next fruiting season.

· Trees that bear fruits last season but have not have flushed should not be induced to flower.

· Use low dosage of flower inducer (1.0 -2.0 % KNO3) , when leaves and buds are fully mature, about seven to eight months from harvest.

· Use high dosage of flower inducer ( 2.0 to 3.0 % KNO3) when leaves and buds are maturing, about six to seven months after harvest.

Pest management

· Regular monitoring of flowers and fruits for specific pest problem. Use only approved insecticides/fungicides for mango.

· Recommended spraying calendar for mango should be adjusted based on population and incidence of damage.

· Spray only when necessary (high pest population). Right dosage, timing and proper spraying are important.

· Avoid the use of same brand of pesticides.

Irrigation

· For flowering trees, apply water weekly during flower initiation and fruit development and stop one month before harvest.

· Irrigate developing flowers and fruits to enhance fast development, minimize fruit drop and increase fruit size.

· The volume of water ranges from 100 to 200 liters per tree depending on size.

Bagging

· Wrapping or bagging is done at about 55 to 60 days after flower induction to protect the fruits from insect, diseases and mechanical damage.

· The bag made of newsprint is folded and wrapped around the fruit and secured by stapler and bamboo stick. Defective fruits are removed at bagging time.

DESCRIPTION/DETAILS:

Generally, it aims to enhance sustainable productivity and profitability of our local mango industry, and specifically, it intend to improve farmers' existing mango cultural management practices; and increase profitability of small mango growers

The mango techno-demo farms in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan out yielded mango growers following traditional practices by 144 kg/tree. The higher yield was attributed to the cultural management practices employed by farmers in the techno demo farms such as:

· Pruning of diseased or unnecessary branches.

· Proper time and rate of fertilizer and pesticide application

· Irrigation/ watering of trees during flowering and fruiting

· Bagging of fruits

Results from techno demo in 2002-2003 showed the yield of farmers who followed the recommended mango production technology to be consistently higher than the farmers' practice (FP) by an average of 126 kg/tree (18-25 yr old) and 161.5 kg/tree (10-15 yr old), respectively.

The gross return in the techno demo amounted to Ph P 9,120/tree (18-25 yr old) and PhP 3,868/tree (12-15 yr old) which is higher than the farmers' practice by Ph P 2,709 and Ph P 2,157/tree, respectively.

Although the total cost of production is higher in the techno demo by PhP 357.5/tree, the net return in the techno-demo is still higher by Ph P 2075.5/tree. A Return on Investment (ROI) of 260 % in the techno-demo is realized which is higher by 102% as compared to farmers' practice.

The techno demo had showed the potential of the recommended mango production technology in improving yield and fruit quality and increasing farmers' income.

Because of the higher yield and income and better quality of harvest, the number of adopters of the recommended mango technology is expected to increase in the next mango production season. Many LGUs also request assistance from DA to conduct Mango techno demo in their municipalities.

Field days, cross-visits, trainings of technicians and mango growers and production/ distribution of information materials hasten the adoption of the technology.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTERS:

Project Leader: Consuelo N. Belarmino

Study Leaders: Ilocos Norte - Myrna Ligaya A.Enriquez

Ilocos Sur - Visitacion B. Mendoza

La Union - Lydia M. Valdez

Pangasinan - Bienvenido C. Valdez

IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES:

Lead Agency :

Department of Agriculture, RFU 1

Cooperating Agencies :

Local Government Units