'Carabao' mango harvest quality and production practices and problems of growers in Davao Oriental, Philippines

Issue Date

1-2006

Abstract

A survey among 30 farmer-cooperators who were participants in a 'Carabao' mango productivity action program showed that most owned their mango farms and had acquired any farm buildings, tools and animals over the last nine years. Most mango farms were non-irrigated. Farmers use less than optimum technologies in pruning, flower induction, sanitation, fertilizer application, crop protection, bagging and sizing of fruit. The only cooperative hot water-treats fruit when requested. Workers are employed seasonally on the farm. Costs are often shared between the mango farmer and the contractor. Many enter into a 90-10 arrangement with mango contractor. Pesticide costs amount to 60% of the total production costs for small growers. The lone cooperative, on the other hand, spent 80% on pesticides followed by labor expenses and fertilizers. The major problems perceived by growers include leafhoppers, anthracnose, mealy bugs, poor flowering, the lack of farm to market roads and low farm-gate price. A harvest quality assessment showed that more medium and large or small fruit were produced and that defects such as scab, misshapen, distinct veins, undersized, wind scar, mottling, sooty mold and sap burn were prevalent. Harvest data shows that bagging fruit improves the acceptability of the fruit for export. Growers perceive that improving fruit quality and production volume are the major needs of the local mango industry.

Source or Periodical Title

Acta Horticulturae

ISSN

5677572

Volume

699

Page

103-109

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Anthracnose, Bagging, Crop protection, Flower induction, Fruit quality, Leafhopper, Mangifera indica, Production costs

Identifier

10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.699.10.

Digital Copy

YES

Link to Full Text

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