Troubleshooting

Q Why do trees bear a bumper crop some years and produce no fruit in other years?

A Fruit production is affected by the weather conditions at the time of flowering and fruit set. Wet weather encourages disease, which destroys most of the flowers, as well as the developing fruit. When the weather is warm and dry, you should get lots of fruit. Q What are the large black spots that appear on the leaves and fruit?

A These spots are most commonly caused by anthracnose, the same disease that affects the flowers in wet weather. Fungicides applied regularly from early flowering to fruit set help with control. Also, thin the canopy and remove deadwood to encourage better airflow.

TOP VARIETIES

Kensington Pride (Bowen) Defines the flavour of mango. Large tree. 8m

R2E2 Huge, brightly coloured fruit with mild flavour. 6–8m

Valencia Pride Late season. Large, long fruit that are sweet and juicy. Fast growing. 8m

Florigon Exceptional flavour with soft, sweet flesh that melts in your mouth. 5–7m

Nam Doc Mai A green-eating Thai variety. Yellow skin and great flavour when ripe. 6m

Royal Red Semi-dwarf tree. Beautiful red skin with sweet, fibreless flesh. 4–5m

Dwarf Palmer Late season. Colourful, sweet fruit. Prefers warmer climates. 3–4m

Dwarf Irwin Purple to bright orange or red. Smooth flesh with a rich, sweet flavour. 3m

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Sweet, juicy mangoes are a summer delight; Kensington Pride fruit ripening on the tree; ready-to-enjoy Florigon; mangoes ower profusely on the ends of branches; purple Dwarf Palmer fruit; Nam Doc Mai has pale yellow esh; large fruit of Valencia Pride.