Start out with easy crops like courgettes and tomatoes | Photos by the writer
Q. We have a 15-year-old desi mango tree in our Karachi garden. It produces fruit each season but we have to pick it before it is ripe, otherwise the fruit rots inside. The tree leaves start drying out and falling off at the end of May or early June and new leaves immediately start appearing.
This year we had an additional problem: the tree is exuding a thick, sticky liquid substance. We are considering cutting the tree down but do prefer to save it if you can suggest a remedy.
A. There may well be two distinct problems here. The tree was initially infected with anthracnose blight which is responsible for the fruit rot and leaf fall and this blight has, over time, weakened the tree, making it susceptible to a disease called gummosis, which is responsible for the oozing, dripping substance.
Hard-prune the tree, taking care that all branches with cracked or discoloured bark are removed. Clean up all fallen twigs, leaves and other debris from around its base and dispose of them well away from your garden. Where thick branches have been removed, paint the cuts with a mixture of turmeric and heeng (asafoetida) powder, mixed to a paste with neem oil. Then mulch around with a four- to six-inch layer of top quality organic compost or well-rotted manure. This should not be in direct contact with the base of the tree and it will help the tree regain its strength.
New growth should appear fairly quickly. Give the tree at least six months to begin recovering, keeping it well-fed and watered throughout. If, however, the tree does not respond to treatment then, sadly, it was already too far gone to save. If it has to be removed do not replace it with another fruit tree, as pathogens may remain in the soil and infect that one as well.
All your gardening queries answered here
Q. What are the basics of vegetable gardening for beginners?
A. Dedication to the task in hand, patience whilst crops grow, a mind that is open to learning and a body prepared for physical hard work all year round. Take small steps, starting out with easy to cultivate crops such as courgettes, tomatoes, lettuce and spinach, and keep your eyes on this column.