Brazilian consultants and agronomists receive advice from SQM on Mango

Recently, a group of Brazilian consultants and agronomists traveled to Mpumalanga, South Africa, to receive technical advice from SQM on the physiological management of mangoes grown in extremely high-density systems, with a spacing of 3 x 1 meters (3,300 plants/ha).
This intensive production model requires a precise and specific approach to plant physiology to ensure:

• Regular and intensive flowering
• Sustained high productivity
• Controlled vegetative growth

Technical strategy for high-density mango trees

Management is aimed at synchronizing the annual cycle of leaf emergence and flowering, limiting vegetative growth to optimize flower production.

1. Pruning and control of vegetative growth

• Only one flush of leaves is allowed after pruning.
• Paclobutrazol is applied to the soil when new shoots begin to develop.
• Alternatively, it can be applied via drip irrigation, ensuring even distribution throughout the root system.

How to know if paclobutrazol is working? The response is monitored by observing shoots with shorter internodes, a classic sign of the regulatory effect.

2. Prevention of “overly-mature” shoots

When terminal shoots turn light green, 2 to 3 sprays are applied:

• Ethrel
• Ultrasol™ SOP

Frequency: Every 10 to 15 days
Objective: To prevent terminal shoots from becoming overly mature or breaking, which would negatively affect flowering.

3. Floral induction with Ultrasol™ K

Once the thickening of the terminal bud is observed, apply 3 to 4 foliar sprays of Ultrasol™ K on a weekly basis.

Concentration applied:

• 4%, 3%, or 2%, depending on the mango variety
• Varieties with more sensitive flowering require lower concentrations

Expected outcome: Intense, uniform, and synchronized flowering.
This technical program allows high-density mango growers to:

• Achieve uniform and efficient flowering.
• Control vegetative growth with precision.
• Maximize the productive potential of the tree
• Adapt to a more profitable and scalable production model

SQM’s technical advisory in this project demonstrates how agronomic expertise, combined with specialized products such as Ultrasol™ and regulators like paclobutrazol, can transform a conventional crop into an intensive, high-yield operation.