Grafting is a popular method used to propagate mango trees. It involves joining a scion from a desirable mango cultivar onto a rootstock from a different mango plant. This method has been used for centuries and is an effective way of producing uniform, disease-resistant and high-yielding mango trees.
The first step in mango grafting is selecting the scion wood. The scion wood is containing the buds and the leaves of the mango cultivar that you wish to propagate. The scion wood should be harvested during the dormant period, which is usually in late winter or early spring. The wood should be selected from healthy, disease-free trees that produce high-quality fruit.
After cutting the scion wood, the next step is to prepare the rootstock. The rootstock must be chosen carefully, as it will determine the tree’s size, resistance to pests and diseases, and its ability to tolerate different soil conditions. Most commercial mango cultivars are grafted onto seedling rootstocks, and you can use trees grown from the seed of the desired cultivar as rootstocks.
Once the rootstock and scion wood are ready, the next step is to perform the grafting process. The most common grafting method used for mango is the cleft grafting method, which involves making a V-shaped cut in the rootstock and inserting the scion wood. The cut surfaces should be matched, and the scion wood should be secured in place with grafting tape.
After completing the grafting process, the plant should be kept under high humidity and low light conditions for a few weeks until the graft has taken. Once the graft has taken, the plant can be gradually exposed to higher light levels and lower humidity.
The mango tree produced through grafting will usually start bearing fruit in three to five years, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Regular pruning and maintenance are necessary to keep the grafted tree healthy and productive.
In conclusion, grafting is an effective way to propagate mango trees, producing a uniform, disease-resistant, and high-yielding tree. With enough care and maintenance, a grafted mango tree can provide high-quality fruit for many years.