A mango is an evergreen fruit tree locally known as “omuyembe”. The tree is so pronounced in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
The mango tree is one of the most widely distributed fruit trees in Uganda. It flourishes in districts that are too dry for orange growing.
In Uganda we have mainly 3 types of mangoes grown and these include;
Small canopy; some of the small canopy types include Florigon, Glenn, Dancan, Early Gold, Erwin, Palmar, and Paivin.
Medium canopy and fairly early yielding varieties like Zillate, Pinero, Alfonso, Apple, Kent, and Keitt.
The large canopy and fairly early yielding varieties like Boribo, Ssejjembe, Bire, Ssu, and Kate.
Mangoes can be grown successfully on a wide range of soils. The tree will do well in moderately fertile soils with good drainage, with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5.
Mangoes can be propagated both sexually and asexually, i.e. sexual propagation would involve growing a mango tree out of the seed.
The trees however would take about 7 to 15 years. Asexual propagation is mainly done using grafting.
Grafted trees start bearing as early as 3-5 years and will produce more uniform fruits.
