After much speculation concerning the impact ofunusually low temperatures in early February in the southern area of Sinaloa state, Mexico, an official report has concluded that orchards have not sustained any damage.
Before the fact-finding mission, spearheaded by the Produce Foundation of Sinaloa and the State Government, loss estimates had varied from 15 per cent to a gap in the market this July, according to the International Mango Organisation (IMO).
Despite the positive outlook, the report points out that unless proper steps are taken by growers in the affected region, there will more than likely be an increased incidence of diseased fruit and smaller sizes on the North American market this July, IMO said.
Inspections were carried out across southern Sinaloa in El Rosario, El Pozole, Apoderado and Chametla where orchards are planted with Kent, Keitt and Tommy Atkins mangoes.
However, in the Manila mango trees the disease, Oidium mangiferae, was detected as a result of high humidity and cold temperatures.
This impact will manifest itself in post-harvest conditions unless appropriate fumigation is applied, the report said.
