6.2.1 Mango Exports from Thailand
Mango is an important export fruit for Thailand, for since 2005, the revenues
generated from mango exports have more than doubled, reaching more than 55
million USD in 2011 (Fig. 6.1).
Of the more than 50 described mango varieties grown in Thailand, four are
grown for export: Nam Dokmai, Nam Dokmai Si Thong, Maha Chanok and Chok
Anan (DOA 2012). For the export business, year round production is necessary to
satisfy demand, and this is achieved due to staggered production activities based on
chemical flower induction using paclobutrazol (Hegele et al. 2006), as practiced
across many intensively managed orchards in central Thailand. However, in the
northern parts of the country, climate peculiarities still impose restrictions on year
round production. Among the different mango varieties Chok Anan takes a special
position, as it is the only variety which flowers naturally up to three times per year.
However, its importance in terms of exports has decreased, as, due to phytosantitary
problems in the past, it cannot be sold in Japan, which is the most important mango
export market for Thailand. On a national level, constant supply can be obtained
through sequential on-season production at different locations distributed over
different climate zones in the country, and nowadays, 20 grower groups operate
in well-organized clusters, these being: joint ventures among growers, the Department of Agriculture (DOA), the Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE),
chemical supply companies, and exporters (Chomchalow and Songkhla 2008).
Thus, on-season production still contributes the greatest share to total mango
production in Thailand.
6.2.2 Influence of Irrigation on Mango Yield
Mango is rather drought tolerant and so fruit growth can take place even under
extreme drought conditions; however, high yields of a good quality can only be
obtained through the use of irrigation. In general, irrigation affects yield formation
in two ways: by enhancing fruit growth or by increasing the number of fruit. The
Fig. 6.1 Mango export
revenues in Thailand since
the year 2000. Based on data
from the Office of
Agricultural Economics,
Bangkok in Thailand (http://
www.oae.go.th)
218
W. Spreer et al.
Mango is an important export fruit for Thailand, for since 2005, the revenues
generated from mango exports have more than doubled, reaching more than 55
million USD in 2011 (Fig. 6.1).
Of the more than 50 described mango varieties grown in Thailand, four are
grown for export: Nam Dokmai, Nam Dokmai Si Thong, Maha Chanok and Chok
Anan (DOA 2012). For the export business, year round production is necessary to
satisfy demand, and this is achieved due to staggered production activities based on
chemical flower induction using paclobutrazol (Hegele et al. 2006), as practiced
across many intensively managed orchards in central Thailand. However, in the
northern parts of the country, climate peculiarities still impose restrictions on year
round production. Among the different mango varieties Chok Anan takes a special
position, as it is the only variety which flowers naturally up to three times per year.
However, its importance in terms of exports has decreased, as, due to phytosantitary
problems in the past, it cannot be sold in Japan, which is the most important mango
export market for Thailand. On a national level, constant supply can be obtained
through sequential on-season production at different locations distributed over
different climate zones in the country, and nowadays, 20 grower groups operate
in well-organized clusters, these being: joint ventures among growers, the Department of Agriculture (DOA), the Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE),
chemical supply companies, and exporters (Chomchalow and Songkhla 2008).
Thus, on-season production still contributes the greatest share to total mango
production in Thailand.
6.2.2 Influence of Irrigation on Mango Yield
Mango is rather drought tolerant and so fruit growth can take place even under
extreme drought conditions; however, high yields of a good quality can only be
obtained through the use of irrigation. In general, irrigation affects yield formation
in two ways: by enhancing fruit growth or by increasing the number of fruit. The
Fig. 6.1 Mango export
revenues in Thailand since
the year 2000. Based on data
from the Office of
Agricultural Economics,
Bangkok in Thailand (http://
www.oae.go.th)
218
W. Spreer et al.