Australian mango industry

The mango was first introduced into Australia in the 19th century. However, a dramatic expansion of plantings has occurred since 1980. The industry has grown from about 30,000 trees in 1976 to more than 500,000 trees in 1985. Most are not yet bearing and national production was more than 8,000 tonnes in 1984-85. The mango has been identified as a major horticultural growth industry in Australia with potential to considerably increase domestic and export sales of fresh fruit. Prospects for successful processing and marketing processed mango products also appear good. Australia's ability to market out-of-season mangoes to the northern hemisphere is regarded as a particular advantage. The task of disposing of profitably the production increase anticipated by 1995 will be a major challenge. By then, the mango will be an important tree fruit in tropical and subtropical Australia. Most plantings occur in the semi-arid tropics of northern Australia. Here favourable soils, climate and the availability of land and water assist successful production. Pests and diseases are less troublesome in these drier areas, increasingly causing damage in the wetter coastal tropics and sub-tropics. Research input to this crop is extensive. Agronomic studies are increasing and broadening in scope. Physiology, particularly of flowering, is being investigated and a major post-harvest study is underway. The Australian industry is based on a single poly-embryonic, high quality variety, Kensington Pride which, however, exhibits a number of agronomic and physiological problems of both pre- and post-harvest nature. Varietal introduction and evaluation began in the early 1960's in Queensland. Now more than 100 varieties are being assessed in the major growing centres, together with screening of mono-embryonic open pollinated seedlings. The aim is to reduce the dependence of the industry on one variety and to lengthen the fruit supply period. Despite some small commercial plantings being established for some of the varieties, their market acceptance remains largely unknown.