QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing Gardening, Growing and Green Thumbs!
With Brian Walters, Diana O'Brien and Pauline Cornish

Question:
I live in perth, northern suburb. I had three kensington mangoes tree. Why is it that after flowering, most of the young mangoes fell off. Lately I had found out quite alot of spider webs around it. Is that the main cause? if so what should I do? thanks.

Answer:
Diana - Most immature fruits, whether mangoes, apples or lemons, will fall when the tree either produces a heavier crop than it can manage or experiences water stress at the wrong time of growing season.

After doing some further reading on fruit trees that need specific growing requirements it seems that mangoes have definate climatic preferences. According to Dr Louis Glowinski, a reknown fruit grower and author, "mangoes will produce most reliably in areas with dry winter and springs, rainfall during summer and then a dry spell as the fruit matures". He further states that "bearing trees should not be watered for three months before flowering but should then be irrigated freely and evenly until the summer rains arrive."

However, the variety that you have - Kensington Pride, or the Bowen Mango as it is commonly known, is unfortunately susceptible to the fungal disease anthracnose, which also causes early fruit drop. It is also intolerant of cool or wet conditions which tends to make it an unreliable bearer in unfavourable conditions.

If anthracnose is the main problem which I suspect it might be, I suggest that you contact your local Department of Primary Industry Office for their advice.

Being in Perth, you will need to contact the West Australian Department of Agriculture and Food. Contact details are below:

Postal Address:
Locked Bag 4
Bentley Delivery Centre
WA 6983
Phone: (08) 9368 3333
Email: enquiries@agric.wa.gov.au

View answer to: prev question | next question