MANGOSTEEN
MANGOSTEEN (Garcinia mangostana Linn. of the family Guttiferae) is one of
the most delicious and best flavored fruits in the world. It is one tropical fruits that
is most readily accepted by the West. It is a seasonal fruit that has a great export
market.
The edible portion of the mangosteen fruit is 1/3 of the whole fruit. The aril is
about 25-30% of the fruit and contains 19.8% soluble solids, 4.3% reducing sugar,
and 17.5% total sugar. Analysis of the rind indicates that it is rich in pectin.
USES AND FOOD VALUE
Its composition is taken from the 1990 edition of the Food Composition Table
prepared by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute is as follows:
Edible Portion 26.0%
Moisture 79.7 g
Food Energy 71.0 calories
Protein 0.7 g
Fat 0.8 g
Carbohydrates 17.3 g
Fiber 1.3 g
Ash 0.2 g
Calcium 18.00 mg
Phosphorus 11.00 mg
Iron 0.30 mg
Thiamin 0.06 mg
Riboflavin 0.01 mg
Niacin 0.40 mg
Ascorbic Acid 2.0 mg
The pulp, which is very light and soft and has an exquisite flavor, is best eaten
fresh, preferably after chilling the fruit. The pulp and seed, when boiled with sugar,
make an excellent preserve or topping for ice cream or sherbet. The seeds have a
delicious nutty flavor.
The leaves and bark, claimed to be medicinal, are used as astringent to cure
aphtha or thrush. They are also used as a febrifuge or antipyretic while the pericarp
is regarded as very effective in curing chronic intestinal catarrh.
The pericarp contains 7-15% tannin and it is used for dyeing. A decoction of
the root may be taken to achieve regular menstruation. Leaf infusion is applied to
wounds and a decoction of the pericarp may be administered to cure dysentery
or simply used as a lotion. Dried rind is used as an astringent. The seed contains
about 30% of valuable oil.
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SOIL AND CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS
Mangosteen thrives best in warm, humid environment. Ideal temperature is
20oC-30oC. A temperature of less than 20oC slows down growth. Ideally, rainfall
should be well distributed throughout the year, but trees are known to grow
successfully even under dry conditions with irrigation. The soil should be rich,
porous, deep and wet but well drained. Heavy clay with a generous admixture of
sand and silt, and a water table of about two meters are best. It also grows well up
to an elevation of zero to 500 meters.
The tree also thrives well along river banks, canals, ponds, and lakes. It grows
best in areas with a well-distributed rainfall.
CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT
A. LAND PREPARATION
Before planting, condition the land and make it fit for the reception of the
trees. In clearing, all tree stumps should be removed along with as many roots as
possible. If a mangosteen orchard is to be established, land preparation follows
the system for other fruit crops. This consists of deep plowing once or twice,
followed by several harrowing, until the desired soil tilth is attained. Stakes are set
at a distance of 8-10 m corresponding to the recommended distance of planting
for mangosteen. Holes are then dug at the positions occupied by the stakes where
mangosteen seedlings are set and covered with soil.
B. SOWING THE SEEDS AND CARE OF THE SEEDLINGS
Seeds are sown in seed boxes, seed flats or pots, bamboo tubes or plastic
bags, under a cover. In a week or two, the seeds sprout and the seedlings are to
be kept in a nursery under partial shade and watered 3 to 4 times a week. Usually,
the seedlings take about two years to become large enough for transplanting to a
permanent field. At this stage, the plants are about 30 cm tall.
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C. PLANTING AND SPACING
Mangosteen seedlings are ready to be transplanted to the field when they are
two years old, at which age, they are about 25-30 cm tall. The seedlings are to be
carefully removed from the containers and set in the holes to avoid disturbing the
root system. The most suitable period to transplant is just after the rainy season
has set in. Planting in an area where there are light shimmers is very helpful in
ensuring satisfactory establishment of the young plants.
On level land, the trees are planted using the square system: spacing at least
8 m x 8 m between rows and between trees in a row. Some 156 seedlings to a
hectare are needed.
The size of the holes should be 0.6m x 0.6m x 0.6m and filled with farm manure.
Plants are then set out at the center of the hole. Gradually fill in the hole with loose
topsoil. Gently press the soil until it firmly grips the plant.
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D. WEEDING AND CULTIVATION
Ring-weeding at one meter radius and loosening the earth are practiced to
preserve the fertility of the soil, as well as to allow the development of the plants.
Areas between rows are plowed for better weed control and cultivation.
IRRIGATION
Artificial irrigation is practiced during dry months. Water the plants as soon
as they are transplanted and sustain during the times when precipitation is not
adequate in order to keep the soil moisture at a high level.
In the seedling stage, however, standing water over the roots can kill the plant
outright.
FERTILIZATION
Mangosteen trees respond well to manuring. Diluted organic fertilizers which
can be absorbed slowly is desirable. Also, application of a nitrogenous fertilizer
can accelerate vegetative growth of the plants.
Fertilizer application varies with the age of the plant. Since ammonium sulfate
is applied at planting time, succeeding application should follow a circular outline
following the tree’s canopy. Dig 4 to 6 holes following the circular plan on the
ground. Put the fertilizer into the holes, cover to prevent volatilization, and to
reduce runoff in case of heavy rains.
At planting time, apply 200-250 grams complete fertilizer per tree three inches
below the roots and five inches at the side of the seedling.
For young trees, mix and apply in two equal dosages 300-500 grams 14-14-14
or 12-24-12 and broadcast or apply, by digging a shallow furrow around each tree,
200-300 grams urea (45-0-0). Apply the first dosage at the start of the rainy season
and the second dosage at the end of the rainy season.
During the fruit-bearing stage, mix then apply in two equal doses 1.5 to 3.0 kg
14-14-14 or 12-24-12 plus 200-300 grams Muriate of Potash (0-0-60). Apply in same
manner as that for young trees.
Gradually increase the amount of fertilizer every year as the trees grow bigger
and as fruit production increases.
FERTILIZER
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INTERCROPPING AND COVER CROPPING
Planting intercrops and cover crops in the mangosteen orchard is more or less
confined to the early years because, as the trees develop in size and status, not
much unshaded space is left in between rows of their proper growth.
Mangosteen, in Sulu Archipelago, is usually planted with intercrops of peanut
and other leguminous field crops, or with companion plants like abaca and
banana, or marang and lanzones trees. Other crops that may be intercropped also
are “dapdap” or durian trees which can serve as partial shades.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Mangosteen is subject to several pests, the most common of which are mites,
aphids, fructifier ants, and mealy bugs. Others, such as tussock caterpillars freed
on the leaves while coconut scales from colonies underneath the leaves which
causes leaf yellowing in patches thus impairing plant growth.
Occasionally, sooty molds are found covering the leaves. Diseases due to
anthracnose and bacterial leaf sheath have also been reported. As a preventive
measure, the plants may be sprayed two to four times a year with common
fungicides at dosages recommended. Read the label before application.
HARVESTING, CURING, AND STORING
Mangosteen usually flowers in 10 to 15 years but if given proper care, asexually
propagated trees bear fruit in eight to nine years. It takes about five to six months
from flowering stage to fruit ripening.
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Harvesting is normally done from the month of August to October. The fruit is
mature when its color changes from greenish brown to reddish purple and when it
is rather soft to the touch.
Great care must be practiced when harvesting fruits. Be sure that the fruits
are mature at harvest time, otherwise, they may fail to develop an excellent flavor.
Handle the fruits with great care while harvesting. Handpicking is a good
method since the pericarp, which is still slightly soft and harvest is easily subjected
to injury when the fruit fails. As an alternative method, use a long pole with a
hook at the tip and a catching basket attached at the end where the fruits will be
collected.
The method of harvesting employed in Sulu is handpicking the fruit with its
peduncle intact. Fruits are then bound together in elongated clusters of 15 pieces.
MEDICINAL USE
DIARRHEA – Boil the required amount of seeds in two glasses of water for 15
minutes, or until only ½ of the liquid is left. Cool and strain. Divide the decoction
into four parts. Drink one part every 2 to 3 hours. Pack in sterilized bottles.
Adult .........................................................................4 tsp.
7–12 yrs. old .............................................................2 tsp.
2–6 yrs. old ...............................................................1 tsp.
For children 7-12 years, use half of the adult dose.
PROCESSING POSSIBILITIES
MANGOSTEEN PRESERVE
Ingredients:
200 pieces mangosteen
1 kilo sugar
Procedure:
1. Remove the pericarp. Apply pressure with the thumb to remove the
seeds.
2. Add 1 kilo white sugar to the fruits.
3. Boil for 35 to 50 minutes with constant stirring until the concoction
turns light brown.
4. Packed in sterilized bottles.
References:
1. Alakbar, P. 1971, Culture of Mangosteen, Special Report on the Culture of Mangosteen Based on the Practice
Employed in the Province of Sulu BPI, Sulu.
2. Guide in Mangosteen Growing, 1985 Bureau of Plant Industry, Manila.
3. Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables, 1985 Revised Edition, Laboratory Service Division, BPI, Manila.
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