Mango - Malkova
Mangifera indica 'Malgova'
Common Names: Malgova, Malkova, Malgoa
Local Name: Malgova (Tamil), Malgoa (Malayalam)
Family: Anacardiaceae
Origin: South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen tree
Variety: Malgova — large, round, premium dessert mango
Average Lifespan: 40–100+ years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Large spreading tree with dense, rounded canopy |
| Plant Size | 10–15 meters tall; canopy spread 8–12 meters |
| Leaves | Simple, alternate, lanceolate, 15–30 cm long; new leaves reddish-copper turning dark green |
| Flowers | Small, yellowish-white in large terminal panicles (20–40 cm long) |
| Flower Characteristics | Both male and bisexual flowers on same panicle; mildly fragrant |
| Fruit | Large, round to oblique, 350–600 g; thick skin with sweet, fiberless pulp |
| Fruit Color | Green turning yellowish-green with red blush when ripe |
| Seed Characteristics | Large monoembryonic seed; oblong, fibrous husk |
| Root System | Deep taproot with extensive lateral root system |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical; needs dry period for flowering |
| Temperature Range | 24–30°C ideal; tolerates up to 45°C; frost-sensitive |
| Rainfall Requirement | 750–2500 mm annually; dry spell needed before flowering |
| Soil Type | Deep, well-drained alluvial or laterite soil |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.5–7.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun (8+ hours daily) |
| Spacing | 8–10 meters between trees |
| Irrigation Method | Basin or drip irrigation; reduce watering during flowering |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Young trees can be grown in large pots (50+ liters); will limit size |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | 3 times per year — pre-flowering, post-fruit set, post-harvest |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | FYM (25–50 kg/tree/year), neem cake, bone meal, vermicompost |
| Pesticide Frequency | 2–3 sprays during flowering and fruiting season |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil, panchagavya, garlic-chili spray |
| Mulching Practice | Organic mulch around base; keep away from trunk |
| Training System | Open center or modified leader system |
| Pruning Time | After harvest (July–August) |
| How to Prune | Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches; tip-prune for compact growth |
| Common Pests | Mango hopper, fruit fly, stem borer, mealybug, leaf webber |
| Common Diseases | Anthracnose, powdery mildew, bacterial canker, sooty mold |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Copper-based fungicides, proper spacing for air circulation, remove fallen debris |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | December–February (South India) |
| Fruiting Season | April–July |
| Days to Harvest | 100–130 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit shoulders fill out, skin color lightens, slight aroma develops |
| Average Yield per Plant | 100–200 fruits per tree (mature); alternate bearing common |
| Pollination Type | Cross-pollination by insects (flies, bees) |
| Pollination Notes | Only 1–2% of flowers set fruit; wind and insects both contribute |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Pollination Details | Primarily insect-pollinated; houseflies are major pollinators |
| Propagation by Seeds | Possible but does not produce true-to-type; used for rootstock |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Difficult; air layering possible but not common |
| Propagation by Grafting | Veneer grafting or softwood grafting on polyembryonic rootstock (preferred method) |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Low to moderate once established; deep roots access groundwater |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Deep root system prevents erosion; leaf litter enriches soil |
| Organic Practices Used | Panchagavya, jeevamrutha, mulching with coconut fronds |
| Companion Plants | Leguminous cover crops, turmeric, ginger (as intercrops when young) |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Provides habitat for birds, bats, and insects; large canopy offers shade |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala |
| Market Uses | Premium table fruit, juice, pulp |
| Processing Uses | Pulp, juice, mango pickle, dried mango |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₹100–300 per kg (premium variety) |
🌿 Cultural Significance
| Symbolism | Mango is the national fruit of India; symbol of love and prosperity |
| Traditional Uses | Leaves used in Hindu ceremonies; wood for sacred fires; fruit in festivals |
🍈 Nutritional Information
| Calories | 60 kcal per 100g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 36 mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 1082 IU per 100g |
| Iron | 0.16 mg per 100g |
| Potassium | 168 mg per 100g |
| Antioxidants | Rich in beta-carotene, mangiferin, quercetin |
| Other Key Nutrients | Folate, vitamin B6, copper, vitamin E |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Anxiety & Sleep | Not a primary use for mango |
| Immune Support | High vitamin C and A content boosts immunity |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Mangiferin compound shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects |
| Heart Health | Fiber and potassium support cardiovascular health |
| Digestive Health | Enzymes like amylase aid digestion; fiber promotes gut health |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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