Mango trees, prized for their delicious fruit and lush foliage, can benefit from multiple grafting techniques to enhance fruit quality, increase yield, and grow different mango varieties on a single tree. Here’s a guide on various mango grafting techniques that you can use to cultivate a versatile and productive mango tree.
Materials Needed
- Healthy mango rootstock and scion wood
- Sharp, sterilized grafting knife
- Grafting tape or rubber bands
- Grafting wax or sealant
- Pruning shears
- Alcohol or bleach (for sterilization)
- Garden gloves
Step-by-Step Grafting Techniques
1. Cleft Grafting
Ideal for: Grafting one or more scions onto a large rootstock.
- Select Scions and Rootstock: Choose healthy, disease-free scion wood and rootstock.
- Prepare Rootstock: Cut the rootstock horizontally and then make a vertical cut about 2-3 inches deep to split the rootstock.
- Prepare Scion: Cut the base of the scion into a wedge shape, about 2-3 inches long.
- Insert Scion: Insert the wedge-shaped scion into the split rootstock, ensuring the cambium layers (the green layer under the bark) align.
- Secure Graft: Wrap the graft with grafting tape or rubber bands and seal with grafting wax to prevent moisture loss and infection.
2. Approach Grafting
Ideal for: Grafting two trees of similar size.
- Select Scions and Rootstock: Choose two healthy plants of similar size.
- Prepare Graft Sites: Make matching cuts on both the rootstock and the scion. The cuts should be 2-3 inches long.
- Join Plants: Align the cut surfaces of the rootstock and scion, ensuring the cambium layers touch.
- Secure Graft: Wrap the grafted area with grafting tape or rubber bands and secure with grafting wax.
3. Bark Grafting
Ideal for: Grafting onto a thick rootstock.
- Select Scions and Rootstock: Choose healthy scion wood and a thick rootstock.
- Prepare Rootstock: Cut the rootstock horizontally and peel back the bark to expose the cambium.
- Prepare Scion: Cut the base of the scion into a flat, elongated shape.
- Insert Scion: Slip the prepared scion under the bark flap of the rootstock, ensuring the cambium layers align.
- Secure Graft: Wrap the graft with grafting tape and seal with grafting wax.
4. Whip and Tongue Grafting
Ideal for: Grafting small scions onto small rootstock.
- Select Scions and Rootstock: Choose young, flexible scions and rootstock.
- Prepare Graft Sites: Make matching slanting cuts (about 1-2 inches long) on both the scion and rootstock.
- Create Tongues: Make a downward cut on each slanting cut to create tongues that will interlock.
- Join Plants: Fit the tongues together, ensuring the cambium layers align.
- Secure Graft: Wrap the graft with grafting tape and secure with grafting wax.
Tips for Successful Grafting
- Sterilization: Always sterilize tools before grafting to prevent disease transmission.
- Timing: Perform grafting during the active growing season, typically in late spring or early summer.
- Aftercare: Protect the grafted area from direct sunlight and wind. Regularly check for signs of growth or infection.
- Hydration: Ensure the rootstock and scion remain well-hydrated throughout the grafting process.
Conclusion
Mastering these mango grafting techniques allows you to enhance your mango tree’s productivity and enjoy a variety of fruits. With careful preparation, attention to detail, and proper aftercare, you can successfully graft multiple scions onto a single rootstock, creating a unique and fruitful mango tree.