Horticulturists plan study on preservation of ‘chinna rasalu’

Mango farmers in Krishna district raise various varieties of the fruit

A farmer looking at the mangoes, which are ready for harvest, in his orchard near Nuzvid in Krishna district. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Scientists of Dr.Y.S.R. Horticultural University Mango Research Station will take up a study on preservation of ‘chinna rasalu’, a juicy variety of mangoes by harvesting them at different stages.

Horticulturists will collect the juicy variety mangoes harvested in the local orchards and preserve them in the cold storage. The study will begin from May 1, says Horticulture Scientist and Mango Research Station Head D. Aparna.

“Krishna district is known for mango production with farmers raising

, ‘pedda rasalu’

, ‘cheraku rasalu’ and ‘navaneetam rasalu’. The most famous juicy variety in the market is ‘Nuzvid chinna rasalu’, which arrive next month,” says Ms. Aparna.

Scientists will conduct research on ‘cold storage of chinna rasalu, harvested at different stages. Horticulturists will do investigations on how many days the produce could be stored, if the fruit is harvested at a particular period and the possibilities of export of chinna rasalu’ to different places, she says.

“Farmers pluck the fruit at different stages which begins in April every year. If ‘chinna rasalu’ are plucked in April, the mangoes are good for making pickles. The same fruit gives sweetness and is good for consumption, if plucked in May. Our study is aimed at preserving Nuzvid chinna rasalu, which helps farmers and exporters,” says the scientist.

‘Research on ‘pre-harvest sprays to improve quality of fruit’, ‘Economically viable mango inter-crops in young orchards’, ‘Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices for pest and disease controlling in mangoes’ are under process in the Mango Research Station.

Training conducted

Training has been conducted for farmers on implementing better packages for getting good yield. Horticulturists will explain farmers on IPM and pre-harvest measures to be taken at different stages to improve the quality of fruits by organising training classes in the coming days, says the horticulturist.