AREA-WIDE ASSESSMENT OF THE ‘ATAULFO’ MANGO CULTIVATION IN THE SOCONUSCO REGION OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Discovered in Tapachula, Chiapas, the Ataulfo mango is of the best priced in Mexico because of its unique taste, early availability, and its extended shelflife; however, yields of this mango have declined since 1996. A survey of 376 orchards planted with the Ataulfo cultivar was conducted in the region of Soconusco, on the south Pacific coast of the state of Chiapas, México, where more than 18,000 ha are planted to Ataulfo.
The objective of the study was to assess technology use, productivity, and to determine which are the main production problems, considering the point of view of growers.
Data were collected by interviewing either the foreman or the owner of each plantation from March to April, 2000. Results indicate that a wide variability in production strategies are in use, including infrastructure and orchard extent; therefore the necessity of designing appropriate technology for at least two types of growers.
Also, it was found that several technology factors, including density of plants, irrigation, fertilizer use and the spray of pesticides were handled with an unsustainable approach.
It was concluded that, although technology plays an important role on the yields obtained, there are considerable challenges to profitable Ataulfo cultivation.

VII International Mango Symposium

R. Magallanes-Cedeño

Mangifera indica L., crop limitations, productivity factors, agronomic practices, diffusion of technology, sustainable agriculture.

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.645.44