158 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 



It would seem that if there are varieties of the mango that will thrive in a 

 locality similar in climatic conditions to Chico, California, which is in the north- 

 ern part of the state and experiences much more severe winters than the orange 

 growing districts of Southern California, then we can reasonably expect to suc- 

 cessfully iDroduce this fruit in the latter districts at least. It is interesting to 

 note that many of the mangos which have proved successful in Florida, and are 

 now under trial in California, were introduced to tliis country from the Saharan- 

 pur. Surely^ with varieties which will thrive in a locality experiencing tempera- 

 tures of 20 degrees above zero every winter, and scarcely hotter in summer than 

 Chico^ our chances of success are great! 



From this short survey of the behavior of the mango in different localities 

 several conclusions are reached, which it is believed will hold good, although 

 sufficient experience has not yet been had to make them positive. Firsts the mango^ 

 as far as can be judged with the varieties tried out here^ is much better adapted 

 to the milder and so called "frostless" localities of the interior than to the sea- 

 coast for the reason that near the ocean there is a lack of sufficient heat during 

 the summer months to properly ripen the fruit. It seems reasonable to believe 

 that sheltered locations in the hot interior valleys^ such as the San Joaquin^ 

 Imperial and Coachella, as free from frost as possible^ will produce first-class 

 mangos. 



Second, the growth of the tree will be stunted here^ and the tree will never 

 reach the proportions attained in tropical countries, although in time it may attain 

 considerable size^ es^DCcially in the hottest locations. 



Thirds if given protection for the first few winters the tree will withstand 

 considerable frost, and will be hardy here in many localities at least. 



Fourth, the dryness of our climate will not prohibit the production of choice 

 mangos nor seriously interfere with growth in any way, provided ample moisture 

 is supplied at the roots. 



It is extremely improbable that the above conclusions will hold good in the 

 case of all varieties, and in fact it could not be expected that they would. The 

 question of variety will have much to do with the success of the mango here, but 

 statements made b}^ many of the greatest authorities on this subject would main- 

 tain the contention that a climate such as found in certain parts of Southern Cali- 

 fornia is well adapted to the growth of this fruit. 



While there are certain limitations in regard to climate, soil and rainfall, the 

 question of variety must be of great importance in varying these limitations. The 

 mango having become acclimatized in such widely distant localities and under such 

 varying climatic conditions, it is reasonable to believe that a variety which has 

 become adapted to one locality through years of acclimatization would not neces- 

 sarily be a success in another one of widely differing character. 



It is agreed that a dry season of considerable duration is desirable for the 

 most successful culture of this fruit. On this point Collins [The Mango in Porto 

 Rico (Bur. Plant Industry Bui. No. 28) p. 13] states: "It may be considered as 

 proven that the mango will be prolific only in regions subject to a considerable 

 dry season. * ^ * Jn Mexico and Guatemala the mango was found at its 



