Growing a grafted mango involves carefully joining a desirable mango variety (the scion) onto a hardy rootstock. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparing the Rootstock and Scion
- Rootstock Selection: Choose a healthy mango seedling as your rootstock. The rootstock provides the foundation for the grafted tree.
- Scion Selection: Select a scion (a cutting from a desirable mango variety) with healthy buds. The scion will determine the fruit quality of your grafted tree.
- Matching Thickness: Crucially, ensure the scion and rootstock are approximately the same thickness for a successful graft. This ensures proper cambium alignment.
2. Grafting Process
- Rootstock Preparation: Cut the mango rootstock seedling horizontally at a height of about 6-8 cm (2.5-3 inches) above the soil level. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a grafting knife.
- Splitting the Rootstock: Using a very sharp knife, carefully split the cut upper end of the rootstock down to a depth of about 3 cm (1 inch).
- Preparing the Scion: Make a wedge-shaped cut at the base of the scion. The cuts should be smooth and even, matching the angle of the split in the rootstock.
- Inserting the Scion: Gently insert the wedge-shaped scion into the split in the rootstock. Ensure the cambium layers (the green layer just under the bark) of the scion and rootstock are in close contact. This is essential for successful fusion.
- Securing the Graft: Wrap the graft union tightly with grafting tape or budding tape. This helps to hold the scion and rootstock together and prevents moisture loss. Ensure the tape is not too tight to strangle the plant's growth.
- Covering the Graft: Cover the entire graft union with grafting wax or parafilm to protect it from drying out and prevent infection.
3. Post-Grafting Care
- Humidity: Maintain high humidity around the graft area. You can achieve this by placing a clear plastic bag over the grafted plant. Ensure the bag doesn't touch the scion to prevent fungal growth.
- Shade: Keep the grafted plant in a shaded location, away from direct sunlight.
- Monitoring: Monitor the graft union regularly for signs of success, such as bud swelling or new growth.
- Removing the Tape: Once the scion starts to grow, gradually loosen and eventually remove the grafting tape. This typically takes several weeks to a few months.
4. Growing the Grafted Mango Tree
- Potting: After the graft union has healed, you can transplant the grafted mango tree into a larger pot.
- Watering: Water the grafted mango tree regularly, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer.
- Sunlight: Gradually acclimate the tree to more sunlight as it grows.
- Pruning: Prune the tree to maintain its shape and encourage fruiting.
- Pest and Disease Control: Regularly inspect the tree for pests and diseases and take appropriate action to control them.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully grow a grafted mango tree and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
