Effect of rootstock in tree growth, dry matter, flowering, yield and quality of ‘Manila’ mango

Abstract

Rootstock can modify tree size, flowering, and fruit yield and quality of mangoes. Using rootstock is an option for improving productive efficiency of the tree. The objective was to determine the growing, yield and fruit quality of mango ‘Manila’ grafted on different rootstocks to identify them potential use in high density plantations, as well as the effect of wind on fruit yield. ‘Manila’ mango cuttings were grafted onto short (‘Thomas’ and ‘Julie’), medium (‘Esmeralda’, ‘Irwin Morado’, ‘Gomera 1’ and ‘Chauza’) and tall (‘Criollo’) rootstock. Tree growth, leaf area, dry matter, flowering, and fruit yield and quality were determined. Also, the effect of wind on fruit yield was evaluated. Non-linear increase in tree height (m) was observed, while stem (cm) and canopy diameters (m) had linear growth. Leaf area (m2), dry matter (kg), flower production (panicles tree−1), fruit production (fruits tree−1), and total soluble solids content (°Brix) were affected positively by the rootstock. The rootstock cultivar ‘Julie’ promoted larger trees, more leaf area and dry matter, and higher fruit production, while ‘Thomas’ reduced tree size and stimulated lower production of panicles and fruits. Wind at speeds of more than 65 km h−1 can reduce fruit yield by more than 80% in the third year of production. Fruit size (cm) and weight (g) were not altered. Rootstock vigor was not necessarily reflected in tree size since short rootstock promoted different tree performance. According with tree size and yield was able to identify rootstocks with better adjustment to different planting densities.