AGRICULTURE AND FOOD AUTHORITY

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE

Nairobi Horticultural Centre next to JKIA; P.O. Box 42601 – 00100; Telephone: 020-2088469, 020-2131560
Email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.afa.go.ke

KHYGH

MANGO (Mangifera indica) GROWERS MANUAL

 PREFACE

Kenya has been endowed with an enabling environment for production of horticultural
crops that attracts high demand both in the domestic and international markets.
Production is mainly by smallholder farmers, many of whom require skills and knowledge
on good agricultural practices (GAP) to produce and handle the fresh produce. According
to the Economic Survey 2022 published by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
(KNBS), horticulture is among the leading sub sectors in agriculture. Therefore, enhancing
the capacity of these producers could be of immense beneficial to the Kenyan economy.

Agriculture and Food Authority – Horticulture Crops Directorate (HCD) is a government

agency mandated to Regulate, Promote and Develop the horticulture industry in Kenya.
In carrying out its mandate, the Directorate through the Technical and Advisory Services
department (TAS) has developed this grower’s manual for its stakeholders. The manual
has been designed with a simple language and where necessary photos have been used
to highlights all processes from plough to plate. HCD envisages that by using this grower’s
manual, its stakeholders especially the smallholder farmers, extension staff and trainers
would upgrade their knowledge and skills to enable them increase production of the crops
thereby improving on food security, household health, as well as create employment and
generate income.

The content has largely been developed from the TAS field staff experiences in the 26
stations spread across the country (Collins & Dinah – Nairobi [NHC], Antonina – Nakuru,
Miriam - Nandi, Grace – Homabay, Barnabas- Eldoret & Iten, Carol - Bungoma, Peter- Busia,
Charles -Kisumu, Irene - Narok, Lal – Kisii, Victor – Mombasa, Crispin – Kibwezi, Esther Ngutho–
Kitui, Esther Kabatha – Nyandarua, Susan – Taveta, Syphrosa – Machakos, Catherine – Yatta,
James – Kitale, Julius – Kajiado, Amedeo & Brenda – Meru, Mary – Kericho, David & Delphina –
Mwea, Fridah – Nyeri, Emma – Sagana, Sarah – Limuru), some content were reviewed from
literature and images used properly acknowledged. Technical editing and reviewing of
the manuals were done by Mary Chacha, Syphrosa Wanyama, Barnabas Kiptum, Antonina
Lutta, Carol Soita, Amedeo Muriungi, Peter Mwanja, Victor Omari, Emma Ndirangu, Esther
Kabatha, David Makori, Dinah Karimi, Collins Otieno, Dr Jacqueline Oseko the acting
Deputy Director, Technical and Advisory Services department and Director Benjamin Tito
all of Horticulture Crops Directorate.
 MANGO (Mangifera indica) GROWERS MANUAL
Common name-Embe (Swahili)

Introduction
Mango is an important cash crop for domestic and export markets in Kenya. The fruit is
a source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Varieties for lowland (0-700m a.s.l) are Dodo,
Ngowe, Boribo and Apple. Varieties for medium altitude areas (1500m a.s.l) are Tommy
Atkins, Kent, Haden, van Dyke Sensation and Alphonso.
In Kenya, the leading mango producing counties are: Makueni, Lamu, Kilifi, Meru, Kitui,
Tana River, Kwale, Machakos, Elgeyo Marakwet, Siaya, Migori, Baringo, Bungoma, Embu,
Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Taita, Taveta, Garissa counties (HCD validated data
2020).
Ecological requirements

1. Temperature range – 15º C to 30º C

2. Rainfall - Annual 500mm-1500mm

3. Soils - Deep (3m) fertile, well drained and optimum pH 5.5-7.5

4. Altitude- 0-1500m above sea level

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

Horticulture industry in Kenya is guided by a code of practice (KS1758-2016 part II) which
is a food standard for vegetable, fruits, herbs and spices for both local and export market.
The standard aims at ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability and social
accountability by following good agricultural practices from production, processing,
transportation and marketing of fresh produce. It is essential to maintain accurate records
for all farm operations for ease of traceability.

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 1

Propagation materials
Certified mango seedlings are acquired from registered nurseries. Farmers can also plant
seeds (local varieties) at farm and later graft using scions from registered mother blocks.
The farmer can top-work the already existing mango trees to introduce recommended
varieties.
Soil testing
Soil testing is recommended before planting to guide on fertilizer and manure application.
Land preparation and planting
Dig planting holes 60cm × 60cm × 60cm during the dry season and separate top soil and
sub soil. Depending on varieties and the area climatic conditions, spacing of 8 -12m × 8-
12m is recommended giving a population of 36 – 70 trees per acre.
At planting, top soil is mixed with well decomposed manure 20kg and 125g TSP/DSP and
returned in the planting hole. Excavate soil at center of the hole and place grafted
seedling, firmly press soil at the base of the seedling and add more soil up to the level as
the seedling was in the potting bag in the nursery but keep the graft union above soil
surface.
Irrigation
Young plants require regular watering for proper establishment. Plants are tolerant to
drought after establishment when the tap root reaches water table. Irrigate when 75%
of flowers have set in a tree.
Fertilizer and manure application
Top dressing at the beginning of each rain season

Fertilizer Year 1-3 Year4-5 Year6-7 Year 8 +

CAN (g/tree) 240 400 400 1000
NPK/TSP(g/tree) 150 500 1000 1200
Manure (kg/tree) 20 60 80 100

Foliar fertilizer with boron and potassium are used to induce flowering, promote good
fruit set, size and continued growth at flowering and fruiting stage. However specific site
nutrients requirements are guided by doing a soil and leaf tissue analysis.
Weeding and mulching
The method of weeding depends on the size of orchard and the age of the crop. Mulching
of new plants during first establishment period is essential.

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 2

 Pruning
Formative pruning should start early for shaping the tree. At 1m high, cut the main shoot
back to 0.6-0.7 m below the ring buds with secateurs. After new growth select only 3-4
outward shoots to grow to branches to 1m length, then cut them back to 50-75cm length
again. Repeat the same process twice. Ideal mango tree should have 3-4 main trunks
open and be 4-5 meters high.
Pruning after harvesting and before flowering
Pruning established trees will involve removing all diseased or dead branches to keep
infestation from spreading. Remove hanging branches to keep fruit from dragging on the
ground. Removal of vertical shoots as opposed to horizontal ones for tree shaping and
maintaining the right height. Trim horizontal branches to 50cm length. Open the tree
center by removing cluttered branch to allow air and sunlight to reach all parts of the
trees to stimulate growth and for ease of spray for any infections. Pruning should be done
2-4 weeks before flowering begins.
Major mango pests and diseases
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is the best option for food safety. These methods
include scouting of pests, field hygiene, proper spacing, physical methods like use of
pheromone traps, biological methods and others that will only give option of using
pesticides as last option.

Pests, symptoms and management

Pests Symptoms Control

1.Mango weevil (Sternochetus -Females lay eggs on ⚫ Cultural control

mangiferae) young fruit which hatch to -Collect fallen fruits and destroy by
the larva that enters the burying or burning
fruit by burrowing -Paint the tree trunk with
through the flesh into the agriculture lime at flowering to
seeds, where it feeds until prevent the pest from climbing
pupation, destroying the -Applying sticky bands at the upper
seed, leading to end of tree trunks when the trees
premature fruit fall. start flowering to reduce migration
- Attack remains of weevils to branches for egg
undetected in the field, laying.
http://www.infonetbiovision.org/PlantHe and is seen when cutting ⚫ Chemical control
alth/Crops/Mango © A.M. Varela, icipe the fruit. -Spray insecticides before flowering
and fruit set and repeat every 14
days interval use; Abamectin,
Deltamethrin, Lambda cyhalothrin,
Acetamiprid Emamectin

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 3

2.Mango Fruit fly (Ceratitis cosyra) -Female fruit flies -Collection of fallen fruits and
puncture the skin of destroy by burying 50 cm deep.
mature ripe fruit and lay -Harvest mangoes before they are
eggs that hatch into ripe.
maggots (larvae) that -Use of pheromone traps.
feed on flesh destroying -Use of parasitic wasps.
the fruit. -Post harvest hot water treatment
-The affected fruit fall (dip fruit for 3- 5minutes in 50°c
prematurely. water).

https://www.bighaat.com/blogs/kb/effe
ctive-management-of-fruit-flies-in-
mango
3.Scales (Aulacaspis tubercularis) -These insects suck sap -Cut and burn infested tree parts
from the leaves, -Use natural enemies e.g., parasitic
branches, flowers and wasp, lady bird beetle, lace wings,
fruit.
-They excrete honeydew -Use White oil plus appropriate
that develops into black insecticides.
sooty moulds, reducing
photosynthesis and may
cause leaf and fruit fall
https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/man -Poor growth and
go/infos blemished fruits.
4. Mealy bugs (Drosicha mangiferae) -These insects suck sap -Cut and burn infested tree part
from the leaves, -Use natural enemies e.g., parasitic
branches, flowers and wasp, lady bird beetle, lace wings.
fruit. -Mineral oils, neem products and
-They excrete honeydew soapy solutions (1 to 2%)
that develops into black
sooty moulds, reducing
photosynthesis and may
https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/man cause leaf and fruit fall
go/infos -Poor growth and
blemished fruits
5.Mango gall midge (Procontarinia - abnormal plant growth -Orchard sanitation - clear all
pustulata) called galls that can cause weedy areas, pruning crowded
damage to mango leaves, branches.
flowers, fruit and shoots
-Adult fly lays eggs on the -Mineral oil mixed with
young leaf tissues. Once deltamethrin
the eggs hatch, larva
burrows in the leaf and
gall formation begins in 7
days.
https://images.app.goo.gl/8TVSzcauKAg -Severe infestation can
Jht7SA result to total defoliation

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 4

1.Powdery mildew (Oidium -Infected plant show -Cultural control
mangiferae) patches of white powdery An open, well-ventilated and faster
fungal growth on leaves, drying orchard that is regularly
flowers and young fruits, pruned hinders the mildew
old leaves and fruit infestation
display purple-brown cast.
-This fungus appears -Triadimephon
mostly in warm, humid -70% neem oil
weather.
-In severe attacks, the
entire blossom panicle
may be involved and fruit
https://krishiseba91.blogspot.com/2018
fail to set (affecting
/08/mangodiseasemanagement.html
yields).
2.Anthracnose (Colletotrichum -It affects leaves, stems -Remove dead material (branches,
gloeosporioides) and floral panicle, but the leaves and infested fruit) from the
fruit receive the most orchard.
damage. -Hot water treatment of fruits at
-The fungus causes brown 50ºC for 3 to 5 minutes.
necrotic spots on leaves -Wide spacing of the trees.
and black spots on fruits - Copper-based sprays 14 days
and flowers, on young before and after flowering.
shoots it causes die back.
Wet humid warm weather
condition favor infection.

Bacterial black spot (Bacterial -Leaf lesions -Source disease free seedlings.
canker) Xanthomonas campestris -Black raised angular areas -Remove and destroy infected
surrounded by a yellow parts.
halo. -Apply copper-based fungicides.
-Cankers on stems leads to
terminal die back
-Affected fruits form black
oval to irregular raised
spots.
-Ooze sap full of bacteria.

https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/man
go/infos

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 5

 Nutrients deficiency
Element Deficiency symptoms Control

1.Potassium -It is characterized by Manage by applying muriate of

necrosis of leaf margin potash, urea and super phosphate
which starts from the tip fertilizer.
downwards.
-Fruit quality is highly
reduced.
-Disease and pest attack
as secondary infections.
https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/nutdef/pic
53.shtml
2.Boron -It is characterized by -Apply 250gm boron per tree (10-
flower abortion, and also 15-year-old).
cracking of fruits.
-
-Brown areas can also be
seen in yellow fruit pulp

https://www.complesal.com/en/key-
crops/mango-1

3.Copper Common in young tree -spray copper or copper

due to heavy nitrogenous oxychloride (0.3%) at monthly
fertilizer, the terminal interval
shoot is weak, defoliation
and die back of branches,
drooping shaped branches

https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture
3.Calcium Deficiency -It’s a physiological Application of dolomitic lime
disorder that causes Jelly (CaCO3.MgCO3) at the rate of 3.2
seed in mango fruit due tons per acre per year applied
to Calcium deficiency. once at the onset of long rains
Symptoms: (March – April).
-Degeneration of fruit
pulp after harvesting fruit
characterized by
premature and uneven
ripening of the mesocarp
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 6

 -Other symptoms include
internal breakdown, soft
nose, stem-end cavity or
spongy tissue

Mango harvesting
Harvesting starts 3-4 years after transplanting. Fruits are ready 3-5 months from
flowering depending on the variety. Fruit should be clipped from the tree leaving 3 to
4cm stalk attached to the fruit which is later reduced to 1cm.
Hand harvesting can be done for fruits that are near the ground. Use harvesting tools to
help protect fruits at harvesting. Use a basket on a long pole with a cutting tool attached,
any blades used for harvesting should be sharpened regularly to minimize damage to the
fruit and tree. Proper training before harvesting is key to using harvesting tool correctly.
Harvest fruits early in the day to keep them cool and reduce water loss.
Transport fruits to a cool shaded place, avoid dropping or throwing fruits to the ground
during harvesting to prevent mechanical damages.
Harvesting hygiene
Use plastic crates which are easy to clean and are smooth inside to protect fruit from
damage. Harvesting environment, tools and field containers must be clean to avoid
contamination. Personal hygiene for harvesters is important and facilities such as hand
wash and clean accessible toilets should be available as a measure of ensuring food safety
is maintained.
Maturity indices
Maturity indices are indication of readiness of fruit for harvest. These includes
1. Fruit shape- mature fruit have flat shoulders at the stem end and full cheeks (Ngowe).
2. Fruit Peel appearance-peel has white powdery substance, peel color change from dark
green to pale green
3. Fruit pulp - pulp color change from white to light creamy yellow.
4. Built shoulders- slight depression near the stalk in mature fruit (Apple).
5. Maturity period - it takes 95 to 115 day from flowering to fruits maturity.
6. At harvesting stage mango are recommended to have a minimum of 7-9% brix level.
7. Latex exudate reduces as the fruit matures. The colour changes from milky to clear as
the fruit matures.

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 7

Yields
In an acre mango trees yield is from 12,000kgs to 18,000kg (500 to 800 fruits per tree
per year) in a year for a 5-year orchard.
Post- harvest handling techniques
1. Desapping/delatexing
Is the removal of fresh latex from the fruit by either inverting freshly de-stemmed fruits
on plastic or steel mesh racks, allowing the latex to drip for 30 minutes under shade.
2. Trimming
At harvesting fruit is clipped from the tree to leave 3 to 4cm stalk attached to the fruit
which is later reduced (trimming) to 1cm during final packing.
3. Sorting
Fruits are sorted to remove diseased, misshaped, immature fruits, bruised fruits and any
foreign material
4. Grading
Grade mangoes based on the standard criteria accepted by the industry. Three standard
mass grades can be set as: large (over 300 g), medium (150–300 g) and small (below
150 g). Minimal defects such as wind scar and latex stain may be accepted. Fruits are
graded according to size, colour and texture (class I and II).
4. Transporting
Use covered vehicles to avoid direct sunlight heat which cause damage to the fruits.
Minimize fruits contact with soil to avoid contamination that causes decay and safety
concerns. Use clean plastic crates for fruit transportation. Refrigeration is encouraged.
5. Storage
Use clean crates during storage. Mango can be stored under refrigeration at 12˚C.
Separate ripe from unripe mangoes and other ripe fruits to slow down ripening by
reducing exposure to ethylene.
6. Hot water treatment
Mango hot water treatment involve immersing mango fruit in water bath at temperature
of 46.1 0C for 68, 75 and 84 min depending on variety. Hot water treatment is used to
minimize fruit fly damage by killing the egg and also for control of anthracnose and stem
end rot on harvested fruits.

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 8

Gross margin analysis for 1 acre
1-acre (50 Units Quantity Cost Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
trees, spacing ksh/
9m by 9m) unit
5year tree yield
of 240kg per
year
Gross income Kgs 12,000kg 30 - - 30,000 90000 360,000
(5th year)
Variable costs
Land preparation 1 5000 5000 - - - -
Soil analysis 1 2500 2500
Seedlings 50 200 10000 - - - -
Holes 50 50 2500 - - - -
Manure 1 4000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000
Planting 1 2500 2500 - - - -
Fertilizer Kgs
CAN 25kg, 120 1500 2400 3000 4500 6000
NPK 50kg 120 1500 2400 3000 4500 6000

Foliar fertilizer
(boron,
potassium) ml 500lml 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Insecticides ml 500ml 500 x 500 500 500 1000 1500
3
Fungicides ml 500ml 400 x 500 750 1000 1500 2,000
5
Pheromone traps No 10 traps 800 - - - 8000 4000
Labour cost
-Pruning Man days 2days 500 - 500 1000 1000 1000
-Spraying Man days 10days 500 500 500 500 1000 2000
-Top dressing Man days 2days 500 500 500 500 500 500
-Weeding Man days 4days 500 6000 6000 6000 4000 4000
-Harvesting Man days 10day 500 - - 2500 5000 5000
Total variable 38,000 20,550 27500 43,000 46,50O
costs
Gross margin -38000 -20,550 2,500 47,000 360,000-
(gross income ― 46,500=
total variable 313,500
costs)
◆ NB: Cost for irrigation not included.
◆ An intercrop in the first three years will reduce the cost of weeding. After the 4th
year, the canopy will have reduced the weed incidences.
◆ Plant matures well hardened seedlings

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 9

References
1. Infonet-Biovision .(Accessed on 21st March, 2023). Mango production.
https://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Mango
2. Ronner, E., Abdulai, R., & Njoki, P. (2019). Participatory identification of agricultural
transformation pathways in Kitui County, Kenya: Task 3.3: Participatory
development of alternative agricultural transformation pathways (WUR). STEP-UP.
3. Kibira, M., Affognon, H., Njehia, B., Muriithi, B., Mohamed, S., & Ekesi, S. (2015).
Economic evaluation of integrated management of fruit fly in mango production in
Embu County, Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural and Resource
Economics, 10(311-2016-5642), 343-353.
4. Greenlife. (Accessed on 18th March, 2023). mango farming beginner guide.
https://www.greenlife.co.ke/mango-farming-beginner-guide/
5. World agroforestry.(Accesses on 18th March, 2023). Mango planting manual.
https://www.worldagroforestry.org/sites/agroforestry/files/2020-08/mango-
planting-manual.pdf
6. Agriculture and Food Authority (2022). Horticulture validated data report. In. AFA
year book of statistics. Pg 91 -112.
https://www.agricultureauthority.go.ke/index.php/en/statistics/afa-year-books-of-
statistics
7. Japan International Cooperation Agency (2019) SHEP PLUS Project Mango
production:https://www.jica.go.jp/project/english/kenya/015/materials/c8h0vm000
0f7o8cj-att/materials_12.pdf

HORTICULTURAL CROPS DIRECTORATE 10