The two basic propagation options for mangoes are by seed or grafting. The best propagation method will depend on the cultivars required and the growing condition
Propagation Using Seeds
Mango seeds are commonly used to produce rootstock or in the production of new cultivars. Seeds can be polyembryonic or monoembryonic. Polyembryonic seeds can produce between 3 and 10 seedlings from one seed, the majority of which will exhibit the characteristics of the parent plant. Monoembryonic seeds produce only one seedling from each seed and it usually does not breed true to type. Monoembryonic mango varieties are usually vegetatively propagated by grafting onto polyembryonic rootstocks.
Seeds are collected from fully ripe fruit before chilling. The kernel is then removed from the endocarp and is planted within 24 hours of collection due to a rapid degeneration in seed viability. Mango seeds should be planted to a depth of 2 cm (0.8 in) and should be positioned on their sides to promote a straight growth habit.
Mango seeds are commonly used to produce rootstock or in the production of new cultivars. Seeds can be polyembryonic or monoembryonic. Polyembryonic seeds can produce between 3 and 10 seedlings from one seed, the majority of which will exhibit the characteristics of the parent plant. Monoembryonic seeds produce only one seedling from each seed and it usually does not breed true to type. Monoembryonic mango varieties are usually vegetatively propagated by grafting onto polyembryonic rootstocks.
Seeds are collected from fully ripe fruit before chilling. The kernel is then removed from the endocarp and is planted within 24 hours of collection due to a rapid degeneration in seed viability. Mango seeds should be planted to a depth of 2 cm (0.8 in) and should be positioned on their sides to promote a straight growth habit.
Monoembryonic seeds should be planted to a depth of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) in 1 to 5 gallon pots containing a well-draining potting soil. Polyembryonic seeds are usually planted in beds to allow space for the multiple seedlings. It is common to plant above a root barrier to facilitate the removal of seedlings from the bed when the time comes to pot them.
Generally only 3-4 of the most vigorous seedlings are selected and potted up. Potted seedlings are usually raised under 50 to 80% shade and hardened to the sun prior to plating in the field.
Propagation by Grafting
Vegetative propagation Desirable mango varieties can be vegetatively propagated by budding and grafting to ensure that the new tree shares the genetic characteristics of the parent. Twigs for propagation are best collected from healthy, mature trees when the trees are beginning a growth flush but when most of the terminals are still dormant.
Propagation by Grafting
Vegetative propagation Desirable mango varieties can be vegetatively propagated by budding and grafting to ensure that the new tree shares the genetic characteristics of the parent. Twigs for propagation are best collected from healthy, mature trees when the trees are beginning a growth flush but when most of the terminals are still dormant.
The twigs for propagation quickly lose their viability so it is important to keep them moist and cool after cutting and make the grafts immediately. The twigs should be of the same girth as the rootstock wood onto which it will be grafted and at least the thickness of a pencil to support the cuts. There is no preferred method of grafting the wood onto the rootstock and methods tend to vary by region.
Veneer grafting, V-grafting and chip budding are all suitable methods for joining the scion wood to the rootstock. Graft unions are usually complete 2–3 weeks after they are made. Depending on the grafting method, the buds on the grafted scion may require forcing. This is achieved by cutting the rootstock horizontally 2–5 cm (0.8–1.9 in) above the graft on the same side as the scion. When a scion bud has grown several centimeters, the rootstock wood can be cut back close to the scion.
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