Katimon mango: A year-round delight

Mango is a fruit that is not only loved but also desired and cherished by Bangalis. It is great news for mango lovers that mango will now be available all throughout the year. 

Bearing in mind the demand for mangoes, the farmers of the country are leaning towards the commercial cultivation of perennial mangoes.

So here's what you need to know about this mango: 

Origin

The Katimon mango mainly originated in Thailand and is one of the most popular mango varieties grown in Southeast Asia. 

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Katimon mangoes are grown commercially in several provinces of Thailand such as Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok and many more as they provide suitable soil and climatic conditions for growing them. 

Appearance and flavour 

The Katimon mangoes are medium-sized and oval-shaped, showcasing vibrant yellow and orange hues. When ripe, their flesh turns a deep yellow-orange.

Renowned for their sweet flavour with a hint of tartness, Katimon mangoes boast a firm texture and creamy taste, appealing to mango enthusiasts.

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They are said to be a hybrid between the Nam Dok Mai, a local Thai mango, and the Amrapali, contributing to their distinctive characteristics.

Techniques for planting Katimon 

The Katimon mango can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods such as grafting or budding. However, grafting is preferred over budding due to the longer time required for the latter. 

Grafting involves joining a scion (shoot of the Katimon mango) to a compatible rootstock (seedling) of another mango variety that is resistant to pests and diseases.

The rootstock should ideally be 6-12 months old with a stem diameter of approximately 2cm. 

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Cleft grafting or wedge grafting are the recommended methods for grafting Katimon mango. The optimal times for grafting are during the monsoon season (June-August) or winter (November-January).

After grafting, the plants should be placed in a nursery under partial shade for 3-4 months until they are well-established. Regular watering and protection from pests and diseases are essential during this period.

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Typically, planting distances range from 8x8m to 10x10m, allowing for 100-156 plants per hectare. Planting holes should be prepared at least a month before planting and filled with compost and organic manure to ensure optimal growth conditions.