The high temperatures registered in the Mexican region of Escuinapa are accelerating the mango ripening process, causing at least 50 percent of the production to fall off and ruining the prospects from producers to offset the season's bad results.
Máximo Guzmán López, head of the Department of Rural Development, said that, following the first rains recorded in the area, temperatures started to increase, speeding up the fruit's ripening and consequently reducing the waiting time for the harvest and marketing.
"We are registering an incredible acceleration of the ripening because the ground is very hot and rains have not been consistent. Right now many growers are concerned, since the mangoes are ripe and falling off and are forced to look for commercial outlets, it's even likely to be impossible to market all volumes," he said.
He pointed out that all varieties registered issues with the marketing this season; producers had hoped that things would improve with the Keith variety, but the result has still been the same.
He stated that the Keith variety predominates in the municipality, accounting for about 6,500 hectares, from which approximately 20,000 tonnes are produced. As a result of the weather conditions, there is a risk that at least 50 percent of this will be lost.
The quick mango ripening is a severe problem for most orchards. In some, despite the harvest not having started, the ground is carpeted with fruit, some in a state of putrefaction.
According to an official balance, there are at least 10,000 tonnes scattered on the ground, and if the weather conditions in the area remain stable at least another 5,000 tonnes may follow.
Phytosanitary riskThe fact that part of the mango production is ending up on the ground entails phytosanitary risks for the municipality, mainly due to the presence of fruit flies, stated Máximo Guzmán López.
He pointed out that one of the recommendations made to producers is to dig a pit to dispose of the fallen mangoes. However, due to their poor economic situation many can hardly afford such expenses.Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/
