'6'66 Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 



MANGOES, PAWPAWS, AND AVOCADO PEARS. 



Notes on their ciiliivatiou by 1. Tribolet, Chief, Division of 



Horticulture. 



Mangoes. 



The luang-o, like most other fjuit trees, thrives best on a deej), fertile, 

 loamy soil. Notwithstanding- this, it is one of the trees that can 

 be grown successfully over a big range of ground, one of the essentials 

 being that it be well drained. It stands exposure to winds better 

 than most fruit trees, and on suitable soil and under good conditions 

 becomes a huge tree, reaching 20 to 30 feet in height in ten or twelve 

 years, assuming that the area is frostless. 



Some types, such as Cambodian and others, produce fruit very 

 similar to the parents. When definite varieties are required, they 

 should be worked on to seedling stocks. In growing seedlings, either 

 for stock or fruiting purposes, the seed should be removed from the 

 ripe fruit, and not held over too long before planting, and when 

 planted should have the outer shell carefully removed. This is to 

 ensure prompt germination and even-growing plants. Those seeds 

 producing only the one shoot are preferable as stocks to those pro- 

 ducing a number of shoots. In the latter case, the weaker shoots 

 should be removed. When about pencil thickness they may be 

 budded or grafted in the ordinary way. The scion should be less 

 advanced in growth than the stock. Waterproof paper is usually tied 

 round the place operated on and lapped right over the scion to prevent 

 atmospheric moisture entering. When the scion starts to grow, 

 remove the paper. In-arching is sometimes used where scions are 

 scarce or valuable. Old trees may be top- worked. 



In the orch.ird they should be planted 25 to 40 feet apart, accord- 

 ing to fertility of soil — 25 is usually sufficient in this country. 



Pawpaws. 



vSet out seed in beds; transplant when 4 to 10 inches high; plant 

 15 to 18 feet, or even less, apart. They must be in a sheltered spot. 

 Do not give too much water when planted out, as they are subject to 

 damping off. They bear in about a year's time. 



Avocado Pears. 



These are easily grown from seed, but the plants are exceedingly 

 variable in grov/th, variety, and productive qualities. Worked trees 

 are recommended for commercial planting. Seeds are usually planted 

 with pointed end up in 4 to 5 inch pots or other receptacles contain- 

 ing sandy soil, and about one-fourth of the seed luicovered. They 

 germinate in about a month, if bottom heat is used; about three to 

 four months in the open. When the seedlings are 6 to 8 inches high, 

 thej'- are planted into nursery rows. 



