Description

The original Ngowe tree (so it is believed) was brought from Zanzibar and planted in Lamu approximately 1897. This typical coastal cultivar, also known as Lamu mango, can now be found all along the coastline and has also adapted well to medium altitude locations.

Recognizing Ngowe mango variety

Ngowe is the most easily recognized of the local mango fruits. It is large, oblong and slender with a very prominent hook-like beak at the apex. From pale green, the fruit develops to a most attractive yellow to orange color when ripe. The deep yellow flesh is of excellent quality, virtually free from fibre, melting, and carries no turpentine taste.

The average fruit length measures 14 cm with a width of 9.5 cm, and a weight range of 425—600 g (mean: 523 g). The seeds are polyembryonic which means progeny develops more or less true-to-type. The trees are comparatively small and round in shape. Depending on location, harvesting may start in November and continue until March. Yields are medium and alternate bearing may occur.

Growth conditions of Ngowe mango

Low to mid-level elevations are the primary cultivation areas for the two local cultivars. They excel at altitudes of less than 1600 meters but perform well at an average elevation of 800 meters above sea level. They prefer sandy, well-drained soils and can survive with little rainfall. Their preferred weather conditions vary from hot to humid. Perhaps this is why the Coast and the Gulf of Mexico are so famous. The warm climate of the coastal areas is though to provide very favorable conditions for growth.

The export market for Ngowe mangos

SMEs rely on their produce agents to direct them through the harvesting and post-harvesting processing of ngowe and apple mangoes for export. This is to ensure that the EU’s and other countries’ strict criteria are met. They boost the value chain by focusing on the best fruits at the optimal maturity period, reducing farm losses as well as overseas rejections.

The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KePHIS) and other authorities search for minimum residual amounts after shipment to the coastal city of Mombasa for shipping (MRLs). The exporters also double-check their shipments for any harm caused by the surface journey. Depending on the state of packaging, they should predict at least 1% loss or none at all.

Ngowe Mango Facts

• origin: Kenya
• Fruit size: Large
• Weight in grams: 523
• Yield: Medium
• Fruit color:  Deep yellow flushed with orange/red
• Fresh color: Deep yellow
• Fibre content: None/low
• Seed type: Polyembryonic
• Fruit shape: Oblong
• Seed percentage: 7.8
• Eating quality: Good/excellent
• Regularity of bearing: Moderate
• Tree habit: Moderate/large
• County:Lamu, Muranga, Mbeere, Makueni
• Harvesting season: January, February, March
• Pest attack: Research ongoing
• Disease:  Powdery mildew
• Susceptibility:Low/moderate
• Advantages:  Good shipper, excellent fruit quality, moderate tree size
• Disadvantages: Tendency of alternate  bearing
• Irrigation: Yes
• Fertilizer: DAP,NPK, manure
• Pesticides: Research ongoing
• Fungicides:Research ongoing