Reduction of the mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana L.) production cycle: effect of soil type and fertilisers

Abstract

Abstract Background Shortening the vegetative cycle of slow-growing crops is a significant challenge for breeders, agronomists, and growers. This reduction is particularly crucial for the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) as it would make it easier for farmers to adopt this crop. The mangosteen tree is notoriously slow-growing, taking between 8 and 15 years to produce its first fruits. The plant's slow growth and late fruiting pose a significant obstacle to its adoption and spread in rural areas. In Côte d'Ivoire, these constraints have limited its cultivation to small farms owned by a few producers. However, it could be an alternative for diversifying agricultural income and contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas. This study aims to evaluate the effects of soil type and fertiliser on the agronomic parameters of mangosteen tree growth. The goal is to contribute to shortening its vegetative phase. Results The study results indicate that soil type and fertiliser have a significant effect on mangosteen growth parameters. Evaluating the agronomic performance of mangosteen, it was found that lowland soil promotes better plant growth. Growth rate and height growth were found to be significantly influenced (p = 0.03). After 36 months of monitoring, the growth rates for mangosteen trees grown on lowland soil were 53.08 ± 7.30%, while those grown on forest soil were 41.51 ± 13.43%. Additionally, the use of foliar and granular N-P-K fertilisers resulted in earlier fruiting, starting from the 5th year of cultivation. Conclusions The results showed that fertilisers play a crucial role in managing and shortening the juvenile phase of the mangosteen tree. Foliar and NPK fertilisers performed exceptionally well, resulting in earlier fruiting of mangosteen trees, starting from the 5th year of cultivation.