Canopy management under high density planting system (HDPS) of mango is one of the crucial components for yield sustainability and quality improvement. Many farmers have planted mango under HDPS, however they are not getting desired yield due to improper management of canopy. Hence a Field Day on ‘Canopy Management in Mango’ was organized on 16th August, 2021 at the farmer’s field located in Dhenkanal, Odisha. More than 20 mango growers participated in the program. Dr. D. Kar, KVK Scientist also attended the program. On behalf of CHES (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar, Dr. Kundan Kishore welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of plant architecture and canopy management in mango under HDPS. Dr. Kar also highlighted the role of KVK in dissemination of production technology of mango in Dhenkanal, as the district is considered as one of the potential belt of mango production. The plant architecture and canopy management technology were demonstrated by Dr. Kundan Kishore in the high density orchard of Sh. Subrat Dash, the mango grower of Dhenkanal. Sh Dash has high density plantation of mango (var. Amrapali) with a plant population of 1666 plants/ha. But he was not getting desired yield even in 5-year old plantation (<6t/ha). It was observed that dense canopy and consequently more light interception by upper layer of canopy was the major cause of poor production. In order to keep the orchard productive, alternate rows of plants were suitably pruned (6 feet height). Sh. Dash, was also suggested to prune the remaining rows next year. This approach of pruning will not cause complete crop loss for a year. Moreover, mid-term correction in canopy architecture was also done by removing unwanted branch and maintained the pants in open centre training system for obtaining better yield and fruit quality of mango. Participants expressed satisfaction over the training program and realized the importance of pruning in mango and told that they will suitably prune their mango orchards. The program was coordinated by Dr. Kundan Kishore with the help of mango growers such as Sh. Deepak Panda and Sh. Subrat Dash, and project workers of CHES.
