Mango growers are a lucky lot. They need not worry about unprecedented rain.Usually this time of the year is flowering season for mango crop. But this year, there is a delay in flowering and hence the farmers are spared from rain loss. The horticulture department is taking precautionary steps to minimize the effect of rain on the crop. The department has advised the mango growers to take into account temperature and humidity while using pesticides to reduce the damage. The farmers spend between Rs 6000 to Rs 7000 per acre on cultivation. The unprecedented rain was registered in Mysore, Bangalore, Ramangaram, Chamarajanagar districts where mango is cultivated extensively. "Farmers should take precautionary steps to control pests which otherwise would lead to decline in production," said Nagaraj, deputy director, department of horticulture. "We are also creating awareness among farmers through media. Farmers spend between Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000 for per acre cultivation," he said.
The delay in flowering season is attributed to the rains during November and December. "That is the time mango tree needs hot climate, but it was not so. This led to delayed flowering. The yielding process needs high temperature during day and cool nights," said B S Raju, assistant director, horticulture department. He called upon the growers to use wettable sulphur (3gm of wettable sulphur for one litre water) to control pests. "If the cloudy weather continues it will be a loss for mango growers. Powder milled disease is common during rainy season. If suitable weather prevails we can expect good yield, he said.
The delay in flowering season is attributed to the rains during November and December. "That is the time mango tree needs hot climate, but it was not so. This led to delayed flowering. The yielding process needs high temperature during day and cool nights," said B S Raju, assistant director, horticulture department. He called upon the growers to use wettable sulphur (3gm of wettable sulphur for one litre water) to control pests. "If the cloudy weather continues it will be a loss for mango growers. Powder milled disease is common during rainy season. If suitable weather prevails we can expect good yield, he said.
