The Venezuelan mango industry.
Leal F., Avilán L., Sergent E.
Author Affiliation: Universidad Central de Venezuela, Facultad de Agronomía, Apartado 4736, Maracay, Venezuela.
: 31-39
Abstract : The introduction and current production of mangoes in Venezuela is discussed. During the late 18th century, polyembryonic mangoes were introduced to Venezuela. In 1951, six mango cultivars were introduced from Florida, USA, and later on others were introduced from Trinidad and the Antilles, Central America, Brazil and Florida. Recently, mangoes have become an important part of Venezuelan horticulture. During 1995, plantings totalled 9298 ha, and produced 147?247 tonnes valued at US $9.2 million. Mangoes are grown in Venezuela as backyard trees, but commercial mango growing is centred in 3 main areas with an annual rainfall of 500-1400 mm. New plantations are usually developed under irrigation. Although the polyembryonic fibrous cultivars are important for market sales, planting of Florida cultivars has increased. The cultivars Haden, Tommy Atkins, Kent and Springfels are the most important, and account for 95% of the external markets. At present, there are no important limiting factors in mango production in Venezuela.