The mango, a tropical fruit, holds importance in many cultures and economies worldwide. Understanding its complete life cycle, from seed to mature fruit-bearing tree, offers valuable insights for cultivation and appreciation. This journey encompasses distinct stages, each influenced by environmental conditions and biological processes.
The Journey from Seed
The life cycle of a mango begins with its seed, encased within a hard, fibrous husk. Mango seeds can be either monoembryonic, producing a single plant genetically distinct from the parent, or polyembryonic, which can produce multiple seedlings, mostly clones of the parent tree. For successful germination, the prepared seed, often removed from its husk, requires warm, humid conditions.
The ideal temperature range for mango seed germination is 24°C to 29°C (65°F to 95°F). The seed should be planted horizontally about 1-2 inches deep in well-draining soil. Germination takes between two to four weeks, requiring consistent moisture without waterlogging to prevent fungal growth. After sprouting, the seedling develops initial leaves and establishes its root system.
Growth to Maturity
Following the initial seedling phase, which lasts two years, the mango plant enters a period of vegetative growth. The tree develops a robust root system and a substantial canopy, growing rapidly, sometimes exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet) per year. This involves trunk expansion, intricate branching, and a dense canopy, with roots spreading to anchor the tree and absorb nutrients.
During this juvenile phase, the tree primarily invests energy in structural growth rather than fruit production. This non-fruiting period can last 3 to 8 years, depending on the variety, environmental conditions, and care provided. Mature mango trees are evergreen and can reach sizes up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall with a similar crown width. With proper care, these trees are known for their longevity, living for many decades.
The Flowering Process
As the mango tree transitions from its vegetative phase, it enters the reproductive stage. Mango trees produce inflorescences, known as panicles, which are large clusters of flowers that emerge at the ends of branches. Each panicle can contain hundreds to thousands of individual flowers, yellowish-green or white. These flowers are primarily of two types: male flowers, which produce pollen, and hermaphrodite flowers, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Environmental factors influence the initiation of flowering. A period of cooler temperatures, between 8°C and 15°C (46°F and 59°F) at night, followed by increasing temperatures, can trigger flower bud development. Water stress, or a dry period, also plays a role in inducing flowering. Pollination is important for fruit development and is primarily carried out by insects. Wind also contributes to pollen distribution.
Fruit Formation and Harvest
Following successful pollination, fruit set begins, where a small percentage of pollinated flowers develop into fruitlets. Less than 1% of total mango blooms develop into mature fruit. Over the next three to five months, these fruitlets undergo development, increasing in size and changing in color and texture as they mature. Adequate nutrition, consistent water supply, and pest and disease management are important for proper fruit development.
Harvesting mangoes occurs when the fruit is physiologically mature but still firm. Indicators of maturity include the fruit filling out and a change in the internal pulp color from white to yellow. The time from flowering to harvest can range from 82 to 150 days, depending on the mango variety and environmental conditions. Mangoes are hand-picked or harvested using specialized tools. Once harvested, mangoes are climacteric fruits, meaning they will continue to ripen off the tree.