In the Metapontino area (Basilicata), some people have decided to bet on exotic produce, planting about 5 hectares of mango trees a few kilometers from the Ionian coast. It seemed like an absurd idea, but three years after planting the plants, the time has almost come to harvest and market the first fruits.
Mango cultivation in the countryside of Pisticci (Matera)
"We have kept 5 to 7 mangoes on each plant. The rest were purposely dropped to give priority to plant growth. Our intention this year is not to harvest large quantities, but rather to test the product and the market with local crops. We expect to start harvesting at the end of August, when the skin will have reached its classic reddish color," explained Rocco Zuccarella, owner of Zuccarella Fattorie Ortofrutticole.
From left, Giuseppe Parisi (production manager) with Rocco Zuccarella
"We are seeing very good agronomic results. The plants are growing well and even the sizes of the few hanging fruits seem excellent. During the autumn/winter months, the crops under the greenhouse are completely covered, but when the night temperature drops below 10°C, the plants are also wrapped in a layer of TNT (non-woven fabric). It is becoming increasingly common for temperatures to fall below zero for just a few hours. This happens more and more often, even if only for a few hours, when temperatures drop below zero.
Mango plants
"One of these days hail nets of different colors will be installed, which will allow us to better control the reaction of the plant and the evolution of the fruit in the last vegetative stage before the harvest."
"For several years, in collaboration with some Sicilian companies, we have been marketing exotic fruit under the Zuccarella Esotica brand. This is intended for general markets and some Italian and Swiss supermarket chains."
"In the coming months, another 5-6 companies will plant new mango trees in the Metapontino area, for a total area of 25 hectares. We are thinking of establishing a consortium of exotic fruits, because it seems clear that these crops, are very suitable for our areas."
For more information:
Zuccarella Fattorie Ortofrutticole
Via Parisi - Scanzano Jonico (Mt)
+39 0835 954209
info@zuccarella.com