Mango tree

Mangifera indica

What Should You Know About Pollinating Mango tree?

Mango tree employs entomophilous pollination, predominantly carried out by industrious bees and diligent flies. These pollinators are irresistibly lured by mango tree's vibrant, fragrant flowers brimming with copious nectar. The strategic positioning of pollen on pollinators boosts cross-pollination, promoting genetic diversity. The pollination predominantly coincides with the flowering period, a bustling spectacle of nature's intricate bio-network.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Mango tree?

Bloom Time

Spring

Primary pollinators

Bees, Flies

Potential pollinators

Butterflies

Western honey bee

Buff-tailed bumble bee

Blue bottle fly

Red admiral

Cabbage white

How Does Pollination Occur in Mango tree?

Mango tree's flowers are small and white with five petals. They form in large panicle clusters and produce a sweetly aromatic scent, which invites various pollinators.

Mango tree primarily undergoes cross-pollination, with a small percentage of self-pollination occurring due to the close proximity of the male and female organs.

How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Mango tree?

Plant Diversity

Consider planting various species of plants with different flowering schedules. This will provide a continuous food source for bees, flies and butterflies throughout their active seasons, thereby increasing the chances of the Mango tree (Mangifera indica) being pollinated.

Water Source

Maintaining a small water source near the garden or farm can attract more pollinators. Bees and butterflies need water for survival, and finding a consistent water source can keep them returning to your garden or farm, thus helping in the pollination of the mango trees.

Pesticide Management

Reducing and carefully managing the use of pesticides can have a significant impact on attracting these pollinators. Pesticides can be harmful to bees, flies, and butterflies, negatively affecting their population or preventing them from visiting the garden or farm. Incorporating organic or integrated pest management strategies which are less harmful to pollinators can be beneficial.

Butterfly and Bee Friendly Habitats

Building bee homes or butterfly boxes can attract more of these pollinators in the area. Providing safe, sheltered spaces can also increase their lifespan and productivity, in turn aiding in the pollination of the Mango tree.

How Can You Determine if Mango tree has Been Pollinated?

Flower Withering

After successful pollination in mango tree, the flowers no longer need to attract pollinators. So, they wilt and fall off, which is a sign of pollination.

Fruit Formation

Once pollination occurs, mango tree will start to develop small fruits. If you notice tiny mangoes growing, this confirms that pollination has been accomplished.

Pollen Tubes

Although typically less visible, you may observe the growth of pollen tubes in the flower of mango tree. This is a microscopic but sure sign of pollination.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Mango tree

Normal

Difficulty

60 mins

Duration

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Mango tree?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is used to collect and transfer pollen.

Gloves

To protect your hands and avoid contamination during the process.

Bottle

A small bottle to store the collected pollen if it differs from the time of collection and application.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Mango tree?

The best time to hand-pollinate the mango tree is early in the morning. This is when flowers are just opened and pollens are fresh. Additionally, hand-pollinating should be done when the tree is in its flowering stage, which typically occurs in the spring to early summer.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Mango tree

Step1: Preparation

Put on your gloves. Then, identify and select mature, good quality flowers from the mango tree.

Step2: Collecting Pollen

Use the small brush to gently collect pollen from the male flowers. Be careful not to damage the flowers in the process. If not applying immediately, store the pollen in the small bottle.

Step3: Applying Pollen

Locate the female flowers of the mango tree and use the brush to deposit the pollen onto their stigma. Do this gently to avoid any damage.

Step4: Repeat

Repeat the process for other flowers on the mango tree.

Step5: Care

After pollination, continue regular care and watering to ensure the growth and development of the fruit.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Mango tree Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Low Fruit Set

If mango tree is producing fewer fruits than expected, consider introducing pollinator-attracting plants nearby to encourage more bee visitations.

Poor Flower Health

Pesticides can harm pollinator populations. If you notice unhealthy mango tree flowers, limit pesticide use during the flowering period to encourage pollinators.

Unfavourable Conditions

Poor weather conditions can limit pollinator activity. Try using a paint brush to manually pollinate mango tree if conditions have been consistently poor.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

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