Research strategies applied to scheduling of mangoes irrigation.
Wittwer A. N.
Author Affiliation: Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Research Institute, Post Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 11 : 6-8
Abstract : In a 3-year trial (1988-1991) with mature mango trees, cv. Fascell, at Friedenheim Research Station irrigation was applied when average tensiometer readings at soil depths of 30, 60 and 90 cm reached -30 or -60 kPa soil moisture tension. The treatments comprised: (1) no irrigation (rainfall only); (2) irrigation applied in winter only (May-July); (3) irrigation at -30 kPa, excluding winter; (4) irrigation at -30 kPa, throughout the year; (5) irrigation at -60 kPa, excluding winter; or (6) irrigation at -60 kPa throughout the year. Average annual yield was highest (127 kg/tree) with treatment (3), followed by treatment (2). The lowest yield was obtained with treatment (1), but water use efficiency (4 kg fruit/m³ water, including rainfall) was the highest with this treatment. Data are also presented on the volume of water applied/tree each year; the flower numbers/new leaves, assessed in July, Aug. and Sep. 1990; the yield/tree in 1990/91; and fruit size and quality in 1991.