Bob asks: My mango tree is getting large and I think I should prune it. When and how should I proceed?
Tropical Gardener answer: Unlike many fruit trees, mango trees do not need annual pruning to produce flowers or increase fruit yield. Pruning is usually limited to eliminating dead or diseased branches, reducing the size of the tree or overall shaping to maintain good tree structure.
Since most mango trees flower in late winter and early spring, pruning now might remove branches that have fruiting potential. Mango flowers and fruit are usually produced on mature wood that is at the end of the branch. Pruning during or after fruiting, usually in late summer or fall is a better time.
Start by removing old fruit spikes that might spread diseases. Of course, if the tree has dead or broken branches or obviously diseased or insect-infested areas, you may want to remove those. Thinning out crossing branches or ones that are growing into the center and shading the fruit could be removed to help the fruit ripen quicker. Be sure, when you prune, that you don’t remove more than one third of the leaf canopy at a time, however. If you want to do a major pruning, do so in stages with several months between sessions to give the tree a chance to recover adequate leaves to supply the food it needs. Pruning heavily can negatively affect fruit production for two or three years.
To get some further instructions, you might want to look at two of the videos on mango pruning produced at Fairchild Garden in Florida. The one at shows how to prune a young tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_4_dQgG2s4.
A second video demonstrates ways to reduce the size and vigor of a 5 year old tree. It is at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMhmNAiRHC0 – 5 year old tree
Author’s note: Since writing the helpline column last week about the availability of organic Beauveria bassiana against the CBB, I have learned that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture will be sponsoring a cost-share program to reimburse farmers for a percentage of their B. bassiana purchases. In a few weeks they should have a clerk to handle the reimbursements. Meanwhile, Rob Curtiss from HDOA is asking farmers to save their receipts.
Some questions that appear here were originally directed to Kona’s Certified Master Gardeners. You may contact them with questions at konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Gardening Events
Today: “Slow Food Hawaii Annual Meeting” from noon to 3 p.m. at Sunshower Farms at 76-5819E Mamalahoa Highway in Holualoa, 1 mile south of UCC coffee, north of Holualoa town. 1.5 miles up Waiono Ranch Road to wooden sign on left. Free event. Potluck. Bring plate and utensils. Pizzas for sale. Info: http://www.slowfoodhawaii.com/calendar/
Monday: “Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Monthly Meeting ” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the new meeting house at 81-6393 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua. It is the white wooden building on the makai side across from the from the Department of Transportation yard. Park in front or on the north side. Topic to be announced.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: Hooulu Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay
Wednesday: Sunset Farmers Market 2 p.m. – sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market 8 a.m. – noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
Kamuela Farmer’s Market from 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: South Kona Green Market 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Monday–Saturday: U-Pick greens and produce 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tropical Edibles Nursery, Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu – 322-4892
Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9 a.m. to noon at UH CES at Komohana in Hilo 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu