The Mango Information Network (MIN) is an information service designed to take care of the information needs of key players in the Philippine mango industry. Its central node is at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) at Los Baņos, Laguna, Philippines. It serves as a responsive node, equipped with advanced computer facilities connected to the internet via PCARRD's network connection to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). To serve more people across the archipelago, it has established satellite nodes in Zambales, Iloilo, and Davao.
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MIN Featured Technology
Combination of Potassium Nitrate Spraying and Smudging
When KNO3 spraying was introduced people stopped smudging. However, Mang Toto uses a combination of both methods of flower induction but at lower dosages.
He observed that smudging repels insects, which allows him to save on insecticides. Also, a general cleaning is done around the plantation and the field in order to get materials for creating the smoke for smudging.
Since two methods are being used the dosage for can be reduced. Traditionally, 12 kilos of potassium nitrate are used per drum of water and smudging is maintained for 24 hours. By combining the methods, Mang Toto only uses 5-6 kilos of potassium nitrate per drum of water and smudging is only done during the morning or afternoon.
Since insects such as the mango hopper and capsum bug are repelled by smudging, the amount of insecticide needed can also be reduced. Pesticides can be sprayed 10-14 days after flower induction instead of the usual seven. this allows the farmer to save on two spraying sessions.
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