- Common name:
- Mango Totapuri
- Regional name:
- Marathi - Amba, Hindi - Aam
- Category:
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Fruit Plants, Trees, Medicinal Plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae or Mango or Cashew family
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1. Introduction to the Totapuri Mango Tree
Totapuri Mango, also known as Bangalore, Sandersha, or Kili Mooku, is a cultivar native to India. It has a distinctive shape, with a parrot beak-like tip, and is famous for its tangy taste and thick, firm flesh. Totapuri mangoes are primarily grown in the Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, and are used for various culinary purposes such as pickles, juices, and mango-based dishes.
2. Plantation
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Climate: Totapuri Mango trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Ideal temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) with moderate humidity.
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Soil: They prefer well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam and alluvial soils are suitable.
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Propagation: Totapuri Mangoes can be propagated through seeds, grafting, or budding.
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Planting Time: The best planting time is during the rainy season, typically from June to August.
3. Growing
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Spacing: Plant trees at a distance of 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet) to allow for proper growth and sunlight exposure.
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Sunlight: Totapuri Mango trees need full sun exposure for optimum fruit production.
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Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during the early years. Mature trees require deep and infrequent watering.
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Pruning: Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage new growth.
4. Care
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Fertilization: Apply a balanced NPK fertilizer during the growing season. Use organic manure, such as compost or farmyard manure, to improve soil fertility.
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Pest and Disease Control: Watch for common pests like mango hoppers, fruit flies, and mealybugs. Control them using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies or organic insecticides. Treat fungal diseases like anthracnose or powdery mildew with fungicides.
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Harvesting: Totapuri mangoes are usually harvested between May and July. Pick the fruits when they are mature but still firm, allowing them to ripen off the tree.
5. Benefits
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Culinary Uses: Totapuri mangoes are versatile and can be used in various dishes like pickles, chutneys, salads, smoothies, and desserts.
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Nutrition: They are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that can help boost immunity, improve digestion, and promote skin health.
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Economic: Totapuri mango trees are a valuable source of income for farmers and can contribute to local economies through the export of fresh and processed mango products.