Tropical Fruits:Guidelines

GUIDELINES: TROPICAL FRUIT PRODUCTION

• AVOCADO GUIDELINES
• BANANA GUIDELINES
• COCONUT GUIDELINES
• MANGO GUIDELINES
• PAPAYA GUIDELINES
• PINEAPPLE GUIDELINES

AVOCADO GUIDELINES

OUTLINE OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Cultural Practices

_____ Test soil for nutrient status and pH every year. Maintain records of test results and fertilizer applications. _____ Apply fertilizers according to soil tests. _____ Fertilize young trees every two months with a complete fertilizer and two to four times per year on established trees. _____ Micronutrients should be applied according to soil tests. _____ Carefully monitor irrigations to avoid waterlogging the soil or allowing it to dry out. _____ Careful attention should be made during winter months to avoid allowing the soil to remain wet.

Pesticide Management

_____ Use approved and registered pesticides according to label. _____ Maintain application records including date, location, applicator, target pest, pesticide name, EPA registration number, formulation, rate and number of acres treated are maintained. _____ All sprayers are calibrated at the start of the season. _____ Minimize pesticide drift. _____ Develop and implement a resistance management plan. _____ Select pesticides which will preserve natural enemies of pests. _____ Use separate sprayers for herbicides and insecticides. _____ Check sprayer(s) calibration at least once during the season. _____ Recalibrate each sprayer as needed. _____ Maintain records of planting dates for treated fields. _____ Keep records of stage of crop of treated field. _____ Use water-sensitive spray cards to test coverage of leaf surfaces.

Insect Pest Management

_____ Scout "SUSPECT INSECTS" Amorbia Armored Scales Avocado Brown Mite Avocado Thrips Branch and Twig Borer Brown Garden Snail False Chinch Bug Fuller Rose Beetle Greenhouse Thrips June Beetles (Scarabs) Omnivorous Looper Orange Tortrix Persea Mite Sixspotted Mite Soft Scales Whiteflies _____ Identify major insect pests. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Disease Pest Management

_____ Identify major diseases. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Weed Pest Management

_____ Prepare weed maps in mid-to-late season, indicating significant weed species and their location. _____ Use last year's scouting records to begin this year's scouting. _____ Base all herbicide rate, selection and spot or strip sprays on weed survey results. _____ Weeds may be controlled by cultivation, with no herbicide applied. _____ Use reduced rates of herbicide through banding of herbicides and cultivation. _____ Do not use herbicides of the same class on the same field in succeeding years. (Use crop rotation and corresponding herbicide selections.) _____ Prevent weeds within the field, alleys and roadways from going to seed. _____ Use an experimental plot to test different weed management techniques and record the results.

Weather and Crop Monitoring

_____ Monitor weather and crop parameters _____ Keep daily records. Date: Min/max temperatures: Rainfall: Hours of leaf wetness: Stage of tree development (by cultivar, weekly):

Description

Avocado trees are medium to large, dense evergreens, that may shed many leaves in the early spring. It is a fast growing tree that can easily suffer broken limbs by strong winds or heavy crop loads. They are propagated through grafting and will produce fruit within 1-2 years after germination, whereas seeds may take 8-20 years. The roots are course and greedy and can be destructive. The leaves are high in oils and slow to compost. The leaves are alternate, glossy, elliptic in shape, dark green, and can be anywhere from 3-16 inches in length. Avocado flowers appear after harvest in panicles of 200-300 yellow-green blooms that are 3/8-1/2 inches in diameter. Flowers can be self or cross-pollinated. Self-pollination occurs by wind and cross-pollination is performed by insects. The fruits are ovoid or pear shaped with smooth, glossy skins and can weigh up to 5 pounds, although most are much smaller than that. The flesh is deep green near the skin becoming yellow near the inedible seed and after ripening, softens to a buttery texture. The flesh is also high in fats, which has many uses. As the fruits ripen, the skins may be green, black, or purple-reddish depending on the variety.

PROPAGATION

Avocados must be propagated by grafting techniques because seedlings are too time consuming to fruit (10-15 years) and the varieties are not reliable. Grafting can be performed anytime, but is most successful during the cooler months of the year when plant material is available and the plant will not experience as much stress. When the grafted trees are planted, they should be planted so that the point of the graft is deeper than normal under the soil line. This is to protect the plant against frost. If frost should strike, the tree may only be killed to the ground and will generate from the varietal wood, rather than from the rootstock. Newly planted trees should be staked for extra support, receive ample shade the first few months, and be spaced 15-25 feet apart from each other or other large trees.

Spacing and Pruning

Trees should be planted 25-30 feet apart in rows that are also spaced 25-30 feet apart. The trees should also be pruned while they are young to encourage lateral growth and establish framework branching. As the trees expand, it may be necessary to cut the tops back to 16-20 feet to facilitate machinery operation. Avocado is self-thinning and does not require regular pruning or shaping the tree to accommodate fruit production.

Climate

Avocados are tropical to subtropical trees and perform best in a frost-free environment. All varieties will sustain damage when temperatures fall below freezing. However, Mexican varieties are the most hardy and will experience the least damage.

Production

Avocados do not ripen on the tree but may reach maturity 3-8 days after being picked. They ripen best in temperatures 60-75ºF. Grafted trees will begin to produce fruit in 2-4 years and the greatest periods of productions are during the cooler months of the year. If the fruit is to be shipped, it must be cooled immediately after harvest to temperatures no lower than 40ºF, and then ripened upon arrival at the market.

Cultural Practices

It is important to control grass and weeds, especially during the first 2-3 years after planting when the tree has a small canopy. Once the competition is eliminated, mulches can be placed around the tree to prevent further problems and help conserve moisture.

Soil

Avocado soils must be well drained, as they will not tolerate any flooding and are highly susceptible to root rots. They can be grown in a variety of soil types, but prefer loose decomposed granite or sandy loams with a pH between 5.7-6.5.

Irrigation

Avocados should be watered slowly and deeply. The soil should not be allowed to dry out and observations suggest that irrigation during dry periods increases tree growth, fruit set, and production. Too much water encourages root rots which is the most common cause of tree failure. Careful attention should be made during dry winter months that the soil not remain too wet.

FERTILIZING

Young avocado trees should be fertilized every two months during the first year and 2-4 applications should be made when the trees reach maturity. The soil should be analyzed to determine the proper amounts of each nutrient to apply. All soils will require the macronutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and many soils will also require some amounts of micronutrients.

FROST PROTECTION

Avocados should be protected from freezing temperatures by heat lamps or wrapping the trunks. There are some cultivars that are more tolerant of colder weather and should be planted if an occasional frost occurs. Avocados should be harvested before a frost period begins because cold damaged fruit turns black and is not marketable. Avocados are frequently in bloom at the time of frost and the flowers die, but well-established trees will rebloom.

HARVEST

Avocados are generally picked by hand with poles and baskets. Mechanical equipment can be used if the soil is level. It is difficult to know when the avocados are mature enough to be harvested but some indicators may include fallen fruit that ripen when stored, lack glossy skin, fruit is a mature size, stem turns yellowish brown and snaps easily, and the skin color changes. Mexican avocados reach maturity in 6-8 months and discolor quickly requiring immediate consumption. Guatemalan avocados mature in 12-18 months and can be stored firm at temperatures between 40-50ºF for six weeks. Avocados generate much heat in storage and ripen best in temperatures between 55-75ºF. They should be packaged in vented or screened boxes to allow the heat to escape.

BANANA GUIDELINES

OUTLINE OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Cultural Practices

_____ Apply a heavy mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture. _____ Supply 4-6 inches of water each month either by sprinkler systems or rainfall. _____ Test soil for nutrient status and pH every year. Maintain records of test results and fertilizer applications. _____ Apply fertilizer based on leaf tissue analysis. _____ Spread the fertilizer evenly around the plant in a circle extending 4-8 feet from the trunk, avoiding contact with the trunk. _____ Make necessary precautions to avoid frost damage.

Pesticide Management

_____ Use approved and registered pesticides according to label. _____ Maintain application records including date, location, applicator, target pest, pesticide name, EPA registration number, formulation, rate and number of acres treated are maintained. _____ All sprayers are calibrated at the start of the season. _____ Minimize pesticide drift. _____ Develop and implement a resistance management plan. _____ Select pesticides which will preserve natural enemies of pests. _____ Use separate sprayers for herbicides and insecticides. _____ Check sprayer(s) calibration at least once during the season. _____ Recalibrate each sprayer as needed. _____ Maintain records of planting dates for treated fields. _____ Keep records of stage of crop of treated field. _____ Use water-sensitive spray cards to test coverage of leaf surfaces.

Insect Pest Management

_____ Identify major insect pests. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Disease Pest Management

_____ Identify major diseases. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Weed Pest Management

_____ Prepare weed maps in mid-to-late season, indicating significant weed species and their location. _____ Use last year's scouting records to begin this year's scouting. _____ Base all herbicide rate, selection and spot or strip sprays on weed survey results. _____ Weeds may be controlled by cultivation, with no herbicide applied. _____ Use reduced rates of herbicide through banding of herbicides and cultivation. _____ Do not use herbicides of the same class on the same field in succeeding years. (Use crop rotation and corresponding herbicide selections.) _____ Prevent weeds within the field, alleys and roadways from going to seed. _____ Use an experimental plot to test different weed management techniques and record the results.

Weather and Crop Monitoring

_____ Monitor weather and crop parameters _____ Keep daily records. Date: Min/max temperatures: Rainfall: Hours of leaf wetness: Stage of tree development (by cultivar, weekly):

BANANA DESCRIPTION

Bananas are fast-growing, tree-like herbs consisting of one or more upright, trunk-like structures called pseudostems. The pseudostems are formed by concentric layers of leaf sheaths, an underground rhizome, and a fibrous root system. Each pseudostem produces one huge flower cluster and then dies and new stalks grow from the rhizome. Banana leaves are oblong to elliptic shaped blades that arise at the end of the pseudostem. These sheaths may be 9 feet long and 2 feet wide and may be entirely green, green with maroon splotches, or green on the upper side and red-purple underneath. The root system consists of 200-500 fibrous roots and may grow to a depth of 5 feet but spread 16 feet laterally. The flowers emerge from the center of the pseudostem 10 to 15 months after planting and are on a long, pendulous stalk bearing many red to purple bracts. The flowers develop in clusters and spiral around the main axis. In most cultivars, the female flowers are followed by a few "hands" of neuter flowers that have aborted ovaries and stamens. The neuter flowers are followed at the terminal ends by male flowers enclosed in bracts that have aborted ovaries. As the bracts opens, nectar-rich, tubular, toothed, white flowers appear. Fruits mature in about 60-90 days after flowers first appear. The fruit is formed when the ovaries that contained the first flowers grow rapidly into clusters called hands. The fruit is technically a berry and turns from deep green to yellow or red upon maturity, and may vary from 2 1/2 to 12 inches long and 3/4 to 2 inches wide. It is enclosed in a thick skin that is green and leathery while immature and yellow at maturity.

CULTURAL PRACTICES

Bananas perform best under warm temperatures between 78-86ºF and stop growing at 50ºF. When temperatures are between 32-60ºF, bananas cannot flower or set fruit, and develop a dull yellow to greenish gray color on ripening fruit. Damage due to freezing temperatures is irreversible and all above ground parts brown and die. High temperatures can also be damaging above 98ºF causing leaf scorch and narrow new leaf blades. Wind may be a problem if consistently beating against the plants by shredding the leaves, drying the leaves, or causing the crown to be distorted. Winds between 25-45 mph can cause trees to fall over. Temperature and soil moisture are the most critical factors in banana production. When bananas are without water at anytime, the size of the fruit as well as the yield is significantly reduced. Drought stress causes symptoms such as folding of the leaves, pale green to yellow leaf color, and premature leaf death. Bananas are also not flood tolerant and will die in stagnant, standing water. They will however withstand periods of 24-48 hours of moving water. Shading delays plant and fruit growth and development, while full sun or near full sun are ideal growing conditions. Bananas can also grow in almost all altitudes assuming that the climatic conditions are met.

PROPAGATION

Bananas are propagated through suckers, or pieces of the rhizome. A sword sucker is attached to the original rhizome with narrow sword-like leaves and is preferred over water suckers. Sword suckers should be removed from vigorous clumps with a spade when they are 3-5 feet tall and have 3-4 plants anchored to it. The cut must be taken into the mother plant to obtain a few roots to establish a root system. The suckers should be planted close to the soil surface removing the largest leaves and leaving only the youngest leaves or no leaves at all. The planting process can begin in the spring months if the water supply is available through irrigation, if necessary. The large hole that the plant will be set in should be watered thoroughly and covered immediately after planting with a heavy mulch to suppress the weeds and conserve water.

SPACING

The spacing of bananas greatly depends on the market needs because closer plants result in high yields, but less hands per bunch and are usually smaller in size. Typically plants are spaced between 9-11 feet apart in rows 8-11 feet apart. For equipment operations, a rectangular pattern of 8x12 feet is better than a square pattern of 10x10 feet. If plants are properly irrigated, fertilized, pruned and are healthy, fruit can mature in 10-18 months.

PRUNING

Pruning the banana mat is important in channeling all the plant energy into fruit production. A good practice consists of having one pseudostem flowering and fruiting, one pseudostem about half grown, and one small sucker per mat. About 6-8 months should lapse between each pseudostem growth to allow the oldest pseudostem to fruit.

CULTIVATION

Weeds should be kept under control, especially when the plants are young and have not developed a full canopy. As the plants mature, the weed pressure will decrease, but must still be monitored and controlled. Plastic or organic mulches offer good ground cover in newly established plantings.

FERTILIZING

The most accurate methods of knowing how much fertilizer to apply is having the soil and tissue analyzed. The first 3-4 months of growth greatly influence the weight and number of hands that will be produced. Good results are only achieved through accurate fertilization. Bananas generally require a high percentage of potassium and may need significant applications of micronutrients, such as calcium and magnesium. Young plants should be fertilized approximately every 2-3 months for the first year. The amount of fertilizer to apply depends on the size and age of the stalk and on the number of stalks per clump. This can range from 100-300 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year for mature plants, 35-130 pounds of phosphorus, and 180-400 pounds of potassium.

Soil

Bananas do not tolerate any saline soils because this inhibits fruit development. They do best on flat, well-drained, deep soils with a pH between 5.5-7.0. Because bananas are not flood tolerant, it is critical that the soil be well-drained, but still maintain good water holding capacity. Bananas grow best in areas with 100 inches or more of well-distributed rainfall a year and are susceptible to wind damage.

Irrigation

Bananas require a great amount of water and are very sensitive to drought conditions. The soil must be regularly watered, especially during warm weather. This can be accomplished either through high volume or low volume sprinklers or drip systems. Bananas require approximately 4-6 inches of water a month for normal growth and development. Spreading a thick layer of mulch over the soil will help to conserve moisture.

Flooding

Bananas should not be planted in flood-prone areas because they are extremely sensitive to flooding, which may result in death of the plant.

FROST PROTECTION

Bananas perform best in warm conditions, but can withstand brief periods of temperature at 28ºF. If a frost is predicted, protection such as wrapping or covering the trunk of small trees or other protective measures are necessary to avoid sustainable damage.

HARVEST

Banana bunches are harvested when the fingers are plump but before they begin to turn yellow, which is referred to as mature green. Bananas are ripened upon arrival at destination markets. This prevents the fruit from splitting or having poor texture. Soon after bananas are harvested, they should be precooled by forced-air or placed in a cool room at temperatures between 55-58ºF and relative humidity at 90-95%. The optimum temperature for ripening bananas is 62-70ºF and the time from shooting to harvest ranges from 80-180 days. Ethylene helps initiate ripening and is released in small amounts by mature fruit.

POSTHARVEST

In order for the appearance of the bananas to be attractive when they are placed on the market, planning is important. Good and accurate grading, proper delivery, trimming and packaging are all necessary practices for a good harvest. Temperatures for ripening bananas should be between 68-70ºF with 90% humidity.

COCONUT GUIDELINES

OUTLINE OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Cultural Practices

_____ Apply a heavy mulch around the base of the trees and replace the mulch as it decomposes. _____ Test soil for nutrient status and pH every year. Maintain records of test results and fertilizer applications. _____ Apply nitrogen as a foliar spray during the early years of growth. _____ Apply granular fertilizers at transplant that are high in nitrogen. _____ Transplant trees in the warmer months of the year to avoid problems associated with cold damage. _____ Supply at least one inch of water weekly, either originating as rainfall or irrigation.

Pesticide Management

_____ Use approved and registered pesticides according to label. _____ Maintain application records including date, location, applicator, target pest, pesticide name, EPA registration number, formulation, rate and number of acres treated are maintained. _____ All sprayers are calibrated at the start of the season. _____ Minimize pesticide drift. _____ Develop and implement a resistance management plan. _____ Select pesticides which will preserve natural enemies of pests. _____ Use separate sprayers for herbicides and insecticides. _____ Check sprayer(s) calibration at least once during the season. _____ Recalibrate each sprayer as needed. _____ Maintain records of planting dates for treated fields. _____ Keep records of stage of crop of treated field. _____ Use water-sensitive spray cards to test coverage of leaf surfaces.

Insect Pest Management

_____ Identify major insect pests, including scale, palm aphid, spider mites, mealybugs, palm weevils and caterpillars. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Disease Pest Management

_____ Identify major disease pests, including lethal yellowing and bud rot. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Weed Pest Management

_____ Prepare weed maps in mid-to-late season, indicating significant weed species and their location. _____ Use last year's scouting records to begin this year's scouting. _____ Base all herbicide rate, selection and spot or strip sprays on weed survey results. _____ Weeds may be controlled by cultivation, with no herbicide applied. _____ Use reduced rates of herbicide through banding of herbicides and cultivation. _____ Do not use herbicides of the same class on the same field in succeeding years. (Use crop rotation and corresponding herbicide selections.) _____ Prevent weeds within the field, alleys and roadways from going to seed. _____ Use an experimental plot to test different weed management techniques and record the results.

Weather and Crop Monitoring

_____ Monitor weather and crop parameters _____ Keep daily records. Date: Min/max temperatures: Rainfall: Hours of leaf wetness: Stage of tree development (by cultivar, weekly):

DESCRIPTION

Coconut trees are palms with a smooth, columnar, light grayish brown trunk, and topped with a terminal crown of leaves. Trees may reach a height of 80-100 feet, but are generally shorter. The leaves are feather-shaped and can be up to 18 feet long and 6 feet wide. The flowers are small, light yellow and borne in clusters after the sixth year. Coconut fruit is ovoid and can become 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. It is made up of a thick, fibrous husk surrounding a somewhat spherical nut that is hard and has a hairy shell. The nut can be 6-8 inches in diameter and 10-12 inches long. There are three sunken, soft holes found on the nut that aid in the germination of the nut. The flesh inside the shell is white and approximately 1/2 inch thick at maturity. The interior is hollow but partially filled with a milky liquid, which is more abundant in immature fruits. As the fruits develop they are green but turn brown as they mature.

PRODUCTION

Coconut plants will begin producing fruit 6-10 years after the seed germinates, but will reach full production when the tree is 15-20 years old. The fruits generally require one year to develop and reach maturity.

DISTRIBUTION

Coconut is usually found along sandy shorelines of tropical lowlands, but can also be found in a few warmer subtropical areas.

PROPAGATION

Propagation is only done through seeds that are large, mature nuts. When planted, they are buried on their sides 1/2 their thickness. Once germinated, the shoot and root emerge through one of the three eyes. Many palms are transplanted from containers and the most critical period of their development occurs during the first 6-12 months after the palm is planted. This is the time period when the root system is establishing itself, which will determine the overall success of the tree. The trees should be planted between 25x25 and 30x30 feet apart and receive at least one inch of water weekly, whether it be rainfall or irrigation. The seeds can be planted anytime of the year but will perform best in the warm, rainy season.

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The seeds that should be used must be fresh and clean. The seeds can be cleaned by hand or with a brush to remove the hairy husk. The seeds should not be kept in storage for long periods of time because this reduces the viability of the seed. However, the best conditions for storage are moist, cool locations.

SOIL AND CLIMATE

Coconut will grow in a wide variety of well-drained soils with a pH of 5.0-8.0. They are generally grown along sandy shorelines, but can be grown inland as long as a minimum average temperature of 72ºF is met and an annual rainfall of 40-60 inches or more evenly distributed throughout the year. The trees require full sun and suffer significant damage or death when the temperatures fall below 32ºF. The plants are fairly tolerant of wind and flooding.

FERTILIZING

During the first year, fertilizers should be applied as a foliar spray since the root system is still too small for adequate uptake. Although it may not be practical, the palms should be sprayed about every month the first year with a soluable fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at a rate of 2:1:1, as well as small amounts of the essential micronutrients, manganese, molybdenum, boron, iron, zinc and copper. Granular fertilizers can be applied at the time of transplanting, with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Once the plants are well established, foliar sprays are not necessary. Two or three years after transplanted, the granular fertilization should continue at 3-4 month intervals and older plants can be fertilized twice a year, in the spring and fall.

HARVEST

It takes approximately one year for the fruit to develop and mature. Due to the temperate growing environment, harvest can occur during the entire year. If however, the coconut is to be harvested for its milk, they should be harvested at approximately 7 months. The nuts can be harvested either by skilled climbers or cut from the ground using a knife attached to a pole.

MANGO GUIDELINES

OUTLINE OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Cultural Practices

_____ Avoid frost damage by overhead of tree wrap protection if a cold snap is predicted. _____ Prune dead branches after fruiting but before a growth flush occurs. _____ Remove and destroy all prunings. _____ Mature trees should be irrigated once a month by overhead sprinklers or rainfall. _____ Apply regular applications of nitrogen, based on leaf tissue analysis.

Pesticide Management

_____ Use approved and registered pesticides according to label. _____ Maintain application records including date, location, applicator, target pest, pesticide name, EPA registration number, formulation, rate and number of acres treated are maintained. _____ All sprayers are calibrated at the start of the season. _____ Minimize pesticide drift. _____ Develop and implement a resistance management plan. _____ Select pesticides which will preserve natural enemies of pests. _____ Use separate sprayers for herbicides and insecticides. _____ Check sprayer(s) calibration at least once during the season. _____ Recalibrate each sprayer as needed. _____ Maintain records of planting dates for treated fields. _____ Keep records of stage of crop of treated field. _____ Use water-sensitive spray cards to test coverage of leaf surfaces.

Insect Pest Management

_____ Identify major insect pests. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Disease Pest Management

_____ Identify major diseases. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Weed Pest Management

_____ Prepare weed maps in mid-to-late season, indicating significant weed species and their location. _____ Use last year's scouting records to begin this year's scouting. _____ Base all herbicide rate, selection and spot or strip sprays on weed survey results. _____ Weeds may be controlled by cultivation, with no herbicide applied. _____ Use reduced rates of herbicide through banding of herbicides and cultivation. _____ Do not use herbicides of the same class on the same field in succeeding years. (Use crop rotation and corresponding herbicide selections.) _____ Prevent weeds within the field, alleys and roadways from going to seed. _____ Use an experimental plot to test different weed management techniques and record the results.

Weather and Crop Monitoring

_____ Monitor weather and crop parameters _____ Keep daily records. Date: Min/max temperatures: Rainfall: Hours of leaf wetness: Stage of tree development (by cultivar, weekly):

DESCRIPTION

Mango trees are long-lived, evergreen trees that can be 30-100 feet tall with a symmetrical, dark green, umbrella shaped crown. The leathery leaves may be 4-16 inches long and 2-4 inches wide, and are pale green when young but develop a dark green color at maturity. The flowers are small, 1/4 inch wide when open, pinkish white and borne in dense clusters of 500-4000 flowers. Mango are monoecious and self-fertile which means they release their own pollen. Effective fertilization must take place when the temperatures are above 55ºF and is performed through flies and insects. Mango fruit is egg shaped, smooth, leathery and has a greenish yellow to red skin, depending on variety. The flesh is pale yellow to deep orange and is soft, juicy and sweet. They can be 2-12 inches long and can weigh only a few ounces up to five pounds. A large kidney shaped seed is in the center of each mango and is enclosed in a woody husk.

Propagation

Mangos can either be propagated using seeds or through grafting, which is the most common and reliable method. Veneer-grafting, chip-budding, and whip graft are commonly used and can be done anytime of the year, but is most successful during the summer months when rootstocks are available. Grafted trees will produce fruit in 3-5 years even though they grow more slowly than seeded trees that take at least 5 years to bear fruit. Mangos can also be grown in containers or greenhouses but will need to be in a large container and the environment should be relatively dry to prevent anthracnose and rots.

PRUNING

Mangos generally do not need to be pruned, but after several years of production, growers may wish to top the trees to 16-18 feet and the sides to leave 5-8 feet of open space between the rows. This is done to facilitate machinery into the field. Young trees should be trained to keep branches less than two feet from the ground and older trees will periodically need dead branches removed, preferably after harvest is finished.

Spacing

Mango trees should be spaced 10-30 feet apart in rows and 20-30 feet between rows. They can be planted closer but these distances allow machinery to be used for proper hedging, topping, and thinning, if necessary.

Climate

Mangos require a frost-free environment to avoid any damage to the tree or fruit. Well-established trees can tolerate brief exposure to temperature as low as 25ºF but will suffer injury to leaves and small branches. Young trees can die at temperatures between 29-30ºF. Warm, dry weather is required for the trees to set fruit and temperatures must not fall below 40ºF for the fruit to reach maturity.

Location

Mangos perform best in areas with full sun and perfect air drainage. They are often grown in tropical locations close to the coast but should have a windbreak in areas of extremely strong winds. They also do well when planted on a slope.

Soil

Mangos will grow on most well-drained fertile soils and prefer a soil pH between 5.5-7.5. The soil must be deep to accommodate the extensive root system. They do not tolerate waterlogging and should be planted on a slope to avoid heavy, wet soils. Flooding symptoms include leaf wilting, stem dieback, reduced growth, and tree death.

Irrigation

Young trees must have water to establish early growth. If rainfall is limited, irrigation water should be applied about once every two weeks during the first year, every three weeks during the second year, and once a month thereafter. Irrigation is also essential during periods of freezing temperatures. Overhead sprinklers should be started before freezing temperatures are reached and continue until temperatures are above freezing and ice has melted off the tree.

FERTILIZING

Mangos should receive regular applications of nitrogen, especially when the trees are young. Young trees should receive nitrogen applications every 2-3 months during the first year and 3-4 times a year thereafter. However, the applications should occur before growth flushes. A farm specialist will be able to provide the amounts of nitrogen that should be applied for various growing areas. Bearing trees may also have the need for phosphorus applications. Supplemental nitrogen should be applied just before flowering rather than during fall and winter, when vegetative growth flushes rather than flowering occurs.

FROST PROTECTION

Young trees, less than 3-4 feet tall, should be given some sort of overhead protection against frost because they cannot withstand any freezing temperatures. Once the fruits are taller than 3-4 feet, it may be difficult to erect overhead protection, but the orchard should still have some protection. Some options are an overhead lath shelter, orchard heating, placing light under the canopy, or using foam or straw trunk wraps. These precautions are worthwhile to avoid any damage regardless of the tree's age.

HARVEST

Mangos generally require 100-150 days from flowering to maturity, although in some areas less time is required. The optimal temperatures for fruit to mature are between 70-75ºF. Temperatures any higher than these can cause the fruit to shrivel and develop off-flavors. In commercial situations, the fruit should be harvested before the fruit is fully ripened and then stored in cool temperatures no lower than 50ºF. This will delay ripening and facilitate shipment at which the fruit can store for 2-3 weeks. Mangos will ripen in 3-8 days after harvest if not properly cooled. Commercial mangos are picked by hand or by using a long picking pole to reach the fruit. Fruit that ripens on the tree will soften and fall but must be handled very carefully because the fruit bruises easily. Generally, the harvest season begins in late spring and lasts until early fall, but may be earlier or later in some tropical locations.

PAPAYA GUIDELINES

OUTLINE OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Cultural Practices

_____ Allow field to be left fallow for 3-5 years before planting. _____ Test soil for nutrient status and pH every year. Maintain records of test results and fertilizer applications. _____ Irrigate if less than 50 inches of rainfall occurs each year. _____ Apply fertilizer based on soil tests. _____ Apply slow release fertilizers every five weeks, except during the winter months. _____ Phosphorus should be applied in a band away from the seeds.

Pesticide Management

_____ Use approved and registered pesticides according to label. _____ Maintain application records including date, location, applicator, target pest, pesticide name, EPA registration number, formulation, rate and number of acres treated are maintained. _____ All sprayers are calibrated at the start of the season. _____ Minimize pesticide drift. _____ Develop and implement a resistance management plan. _____ Select pesticides which will preserve natural enemies of pests. _____ Use separate sprayers for herbicides and insecticides. _____ Check sprayer(s) calibration at least once during the season. _____ Recalibrate each sprayer as needed. _____ Maintain records of planting dates for treated fields. _____ Keep records of stage of crop of treated field. _____ Use water-sensitive spray cards to test coverage of leaf surfaces.

Insect Pest Management

_____ Identify major insect pests. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Disease Pest Management

_____ Identify major diseases. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds.

Weed Pest Management

_____ Prepare weed maps in mid-to-late season, indicating significant weed species and their location. _____ Use last year's scouting records to begin this year's scouting. _____ Base all herbicide rate, selection and spot or strip sprays on weed survey results. _____ Weeds may be controlled by cultivation, with no herbicide applied. _____ Use reduced rates of herbicide through banding of herbicides and cultivation. _____ Do not use herbicides of the same class on the same field in succeeding years. (Use crop rotation and corresponding herbicide selections.) _____ Prevent weeds within the field, alleys and roadways from going to seed. _____ Use an experimental plot to test different weed management techniques and record the results.

Weather and Crop Monitoring

_____ Monitor weather and crop parameters _____ Keep daily records. Date: Min/max temperatures: Rainfall: Hours of leaf wetness: Stage of tree development (by cultivar, weekly):

DESCRIPTION

Papayas are fast growing, short-lived herbs that may reach a height of 30 feet but are more often 15-20 feet tall. Papaya trees are straight and cylindrical with a trunk that may be gray, green, or a deep purple and marked by large leaf scars. The trunk also consists of soft, pulpy wood. Its base may be 2-3 inches to over a foot in diameter. The leaves are deeply lobed with soft, hollow petioles that may be 2-3 feet long and 1-2 feet wide. Papaya flowers have 5 cream white to yellow petals and are fleshy, waxy, slightly fragrant and 1-2 inches long. Flowers may be either male, female, or bisexual, which is the desired flower for effective pollination. Wind serves as the main pollinating agent for papayas. The fruit are smooth skinned and can vary in size and shape weighing 1-20 pounds. Many varieties are pear shaped and have yellow skins when ripe with a bright orange or pinkish flesh.

Propagation

Papayas are grown from seed that has been obtained from ripe fruit. After being planted 1/4- 1/2 inch deep, they should germinate in 2-4 weeks. The seeds can either be planted directly into the soil or into small pots, but careful attention must be made to not disturb the root ball, once transplanted. Under good growing conditions, seedlings will flower 9-12 months after they germinate.

CULTURAL PRACTICES

Papayas should be planted in fields that have been left fallow for 3-5 years or fumigated to avoid problems associated with soil borne pathogens. Once the seedlings emerge, they are thinned to 5-6 plants per hole six weeks later and then to 3 seedlings per hole 12 weeks after emergence. Flowers emerge between 5-7 months and at this time, the female plants are removed, keeping one hermaphroditic plant per hole. Trees should be spaced 5-7 feet apart in rows that are 8-11 feet apart.

Climate

Papaya grows best in mild, warm conditions with abundant rainfall or irrigation. They are very sensitive to strong winds, flooding or frosts and will suffer sustainable injury if exposed to either flooding or frost for an extended period of time. They do not tolerate freezing temperatures and will usually cause death to the tree. Cold, wet soils also can be lethal to the plant. If the plant does survive, it recuperates very slowly and the fruits' flavor will be altered.

SOIL

Papaya grows well on many types of soil, but they must be well drained because they are very sensitive to even short periods of flooding. They also prefer a soil pH near neutral, between 6.0-7.0. Papaya can tolerate moderate winds if well rooted. Forty to 60 inches of rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year is adequate for growth.

Irrigation

Papayas do not respond well to wet soils and should be avoided. However, enough water is necessary to support the large leaves and so irrigation is sometimes required. Fruit is especially affected if the plant experiences water stress. Papayas require 50-100 inches a year and must be irrigated in areas receiving less than 50 inches a year. In areas needing irrigation, growers can apply up to 10 gallons a day of water to each bearing tree.

FERTILIZING

Unfortunately, fertilizer requirements for papaya have not been established and the grower must be keenly aware of the plant's needs. Soils that have a pH of less than 5.5 should receive a preplant lime application to bring the soil pH up between 6.0-7.0. Preplant fertilizers are recommended, but should be incorporated well into the rooting zone before planting. For all applications, slow release fertilizers should be used because soluable fertilzers can burn the plant's roots. Postplant fertilizer applications usually begin three months after planting with rates increasing with plant size. Maximum rates are applied at 5-8 week intervals after the plants begin to flower. During winter months, when growth and fruit production is slower, quantities of fertilizer applied should be reduced.

FROST PROTECTION

Papayas do not tolerate frost, but can survive light freezes if the plants have some overhead protection. Electric lights or a frame covered with bedding such as plastic sheeting are good options for insulation.

HARVEST

Papayas are ready to harvest when some yellow appears on the fruit but it is not completely yellow. Dark green fruit that is picked off the tree will not ripen properly, even though they may turn yellow on the outside. Harvest usually occurs 9-14 months after planting. The fruits can be left to ripen at room temperature and will become fully yellow and slightly soft when completely ripe. Mature fruit can be stored at 45ºF for approximately 3 weeks. However, fully ripened fruit should be stored at approximately 36ºF.

POSTHARVEST

Papayas must be treated to kill eggs or larvae of fruit flies on the skin and this should be done within 18 hours of harvest. The fruit is double-dipped in hot water treatments and vapor heat treatments. Under optimum storage conditions, the maximum postharvest life of the papaya fruit is about 28 days.

PINEAPPLE GUIDELINES

OUTLINE OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Cultural Practices

_____ Destroy plants after harvest either by mowing with a big flail mower or discing several times with a large heavy disc. Plow into the soil while material is fresh in order to facilitate decomposition. The plants may be burned before destruction in order to reduce total volume of material or to destroy pests. Plants may be sprayed with a defoliant to make burning easier or to control a heavy weed infestation. _____ Minimum Tillage, now being practiced in the industry. Defoliate plants, possible burn, apply insecticides/pesticides, plant in between stumps of old plants. Sucker plantings are best. _____ Apply water by boom spray or overhead irrigation if there is insufficient rainfall. _____ Test soil for nutrient status and pH every crop cycle. Maintain records of test results and fertilizer applications. _____ Apply postplant fertilizer based of leaf tissue analysis. _____ Apply fertilizers by foliar application monthly.

Pesticide Management

_____ Use approved and registered pesticides according to label. _____ Follow all safety recommendations as described on the label and in government regulations. _____ Use approved worker protection masks and clothing. _____ When applying two or more agrochemicals or fertilizers together be sure to check for compatibility _____ Maintain application records including date, location, applicator, target pest, pesticide name, EPA registration number, formulation, rate and number of acres treated. _____ Maintain calibration of all sprayers. Check frequently. Replace worn nozzles and hoses as needed. _____ Minimize pesticide drift. Spray at night where daytime winds are a problem. _____ Develop and implement a resistance management plan. _____ Select pesticides which will preserve natural enemies of pests. _____ Maintain records of planting dates for treated fields. _____ Keep records of stage of crop of treated field. _____ Use water-sensitive spray cards to test coverage of leaf surfaces.

Insect Pest Management

_____ Identify major insect pests. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds. _____ Control insects and ants in roadways, drains and along field borders as well as in planted areas.

Disease Pest Management

_____ Identify major diseases. _____ Keep a scouting record. _____ Identify control measures and implement according to thresholds. _____ Treat all planting material before planting.

Weed Pest Management

_____ Prepare weed maps before harvest, indicating significant weed species and their location. _____ Use last cycles scouting records to begin this cycles scouting. _____ Base all herbicide rate, selection and spot or strip sprays on weed survey results. _____ Allow weed seeds to germinate between cycles then kill with discing. _____ Apply first postplant pre-emergent herbicides within forty-eight hours of planting to avoid affecting plants through new roots. _____ Do not apply herbicides after forcing. Apply next herbicides after harvest and before ratoon crop emerges. _____ Prevent weeds within the field, drains and roadways from going to seed. _____ Use an experimental plot to test different weed management techniques and record the results.

Weather and Crop Monitoring

_____ Monitor weather and crop parameters _____ Keep daily records. Date: Min/max temperatures: Rainfall: Hours of sunshine:

PINEAPPLE DESCRIPTION

Pineapple is a herbaceous perennial of the Bromeliaceae family. It is self-sterile that reproduces by vegetative propagation. It is a short, stout plant that will grow to a height of 3 to 4 feet with long pointed leaves reaching 20-50 inches in length. The leaves may be all green or have dark red coloring in with the green and have a waxy surface. The roots rarely grow longer than 3 feet. When the plant blooms, the stem elongates and enlarges near the apex and puts forth an inflorescence of 100-200 small purple or red flowers. The fruit consists of many small, seedless fruits that have fused together to form the inflorescence. It may be oval to cylindrical shaped and weigh anywhere from 1 to 10 pounds. The flesh is yellow to white and is both juicy and fleshy. The outer rind may be dark green, yellow, orange-yellow, or reddish and is tough and waxy.

FLOWERING

Flower initiation occurs at the terminal axis of the stem on short, cool days. The inflorescence is not externally visible for 35-60 days when it appears in the center of the plant. Three or four weeks after the cone-shaped inflorescence has emerged, blue flower petals can be seen at the bottom. Before all the flowers have opened, the earliest petals will have begun to dry. During this dry petal stage the surface is dull. At this time, individual pointed fruitlets, or eyes, can be seen and a crown has begun to develop.

FORCED FRUITING

Pineapple plants may flower erratically and it may be necessary to force the plants into producing flowers and fruits more uniformly. This can be accomplished on mature plants using one of the following materials. Calcium carbide can be applied to the plant using 1 gram per plant (this must be when there is water in the heart of the plant) or as a foliar solution using 30 grams to 1 gallon of water. Care must be taken in using this method as the gas given off is acetylene. Ethephon. This material is applied foliar, 100 to 500 parts per million concentration in 300 gal. of water per acre. Effectiveness is increased by the addition of 3 to 5 % of urea to the mixture. Application should be done at night. Ethylene gas. This is the preferred method on large commercial mechanized plantations. It requires specialized application equipment. The gas is injected under pressure into a solution of water (600 to 800 gal per acre) and .5% activated charcoal. About 10 to 12 lb gas per acre. The gas must be injected into the mixture immediately before spraying as the equipment is moving through the field. Extreme care must be taken to use the correct equipment to get good results. The gas is highly explosive.

CULTURAL PRACTICES

Mature pineapple plants are tolerant of several potent herbicides, applied with a boom spray truck, which aids greatly in keeping the weeds under control. Mealybugs are the main insect problem but can be controlled by decreasing the ant population. Butt, heart, and root rots can be controlled by a preplant dip containing fungicides and by postplant sprays when problems are expected to be severe. Keeping the soil pH in the range of 4.0 to 5.5 will also help in preventing rots.

PROPAGATION

Pineapples are propagated from new vegetative materials from the mother plant in six different ways. Slips that arise from the stalk just below the fruit. Suckers that originate at the axils of the leaves about ground level. Crowns, that grow on the top of the fruits. Plantlets, that grow out of plants that have had the meristem gouged out. Propogules, that grow out of fruit that have been treated with growth hormones, and Ratoons that come out from the underground portions of the stems. Slips and suckers are the most common planting materials used because they are vigorous and readily available.

Crowns, plantlets and propogules should be planted 2 inches deep and slips and suckers 3 to 4 inches deep for a good plant establishment. Pineapples are planted in on beds of 2-3 rows with walks between them 18-30 inches wide. A black plastic is often placed as a mulch around the base of the plant to help eliminate weeds and conserve moisture. It also keeps the ground warm by conserving extra heat.

CLIMATE

Pineapples grow best where the temperatures are warm and uniform throughout the year. The plants can survive brief temperatures as low as 28ºF, but sustainable leaf damage will occur. Extended temperatures in the low 40's will cause internal breakdown of the flesh causing the fruit to be more acidic resulting in a poor harvest. Temperatures below 59F may produce natural flowering in plants over 3.5 lb. However, high temperatures should also be avoided because the plants may suffer sunburn and the fruit may begin to crack. Pineapples are drought tolerant and will produce fruit under precipitation rates ranging from 60-80 inches per annum spread uniformly throughout the year. If the rainfall is not uniform then irrigation will be required.

SOIL

Pineapples perform best in well-drained sandy loams having a high organic content. They do not tolerate alkaline soils and prefer a soil pH within a range of 4.5 to 5.5. The soil should be well tilled to a depth of 18 to 24 inches prior to planting and receive a preplant fertilizer consisting of a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer assists new plants become established and a well-tilled soil bed encourages good drainage and a healthy root system.

IRRIGATION

Pineapples are surprisingly drought tolerant but do require water to help establish the planting material if no rains are present. This water can be applied either by overhead boom spray or sprinklers and should be applied weekly. Mature plants can survive on approximately 60 to 80 inches of rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. In some areas, drip irrigation has been adopted to supply water as well as inject nutrients and nematicides into the root zone after planting.

FERTILIZING

All soils should be tested for fertility requirements before any fertilizers are applied to the planting area. Generally, pineapples have high nitrogen, potassium and iron requirements. Many soils with a pH greater than 6.5 will need iron added as well. In most growing areas, a preplant fertilizer of approximately 1 1/2 ounces of N-P-K-Mg (7-3-16-4) fertilizer per plant is required. After the plants are established, foliar sprays of urea, ferrous sulfate and magnesium sulfate (15 lbs/100 gal. water) and other nutrients can be applied every month.

FROST

Pineapples need a frost-free environment to perform the best and so they are often planted along coasts where the temperatures are warm and constant. Because the plants are small, they can be covered should a frost occur, but the fruit quality will be affected.

HARVESTING

The period between planting and harvesting is usually 15 to 18 months. The fruit are harvested when they are fully ripe, the fruit do not ripen after picking. A fully mature fruit will snap off the peduncle (stem). An immature fruit will not snap off, the peduncle will bend. The fruit should be stored at 45ºF but never for more than 4-6 weeks because the flesh will begin to deteriorate. Harvesting is accomplished by workers that follow a self-propelled boom that extends into the field and conveys the picked fruit to bins in a truck. Fruit that is to be sold fresh is dipped in a wax solution and a fungicide to prolong shelf life and control rot. It is then packed for shipment.