Description
The Gomati mango (Mangifera indica 'Gomati') is a grafted variety of the mango tree, known for its high-quality fruit. Here is a detailed description of the Gomati mango grafting plant:
Plant Characteristics
- Height: As a grafted plant, the Gomati mango typically reaches a height of 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) when mature, though it can grow taller in optimal conditions.
- Canopy: Dense, rounded, and symmetrical with a spread of similar width.
- Leaves: Evergreen, lanceolate to oblong in shape, glossy, and dark green. New leaves are often reddish or bronze in color.
Flowers
- Appearance: Small, white to pale yellow, and fragrant.
- Arrangement: Panicles (large clusters) at the ends of branches.
- Blooming Period: Usually blooms in late winter to early spring.
Fruit
- Type: Drupe.
- Shape: Typically oval to oblong.
- Size: Medium to large, ranging from 250 to 400 grams.
- Skin: Smooth, thin, and turns golden-yellow to orange when ripe.
- Flesh: Firm, juicy, fiberless, and deep orange in color.
- Taste: Sweet with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Growth Requirements
- Climate: Prefers tropical to subtropical climates.
- Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 24-30°C (75-86°F). Sensitive to frost.
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, but does not tolerate waterlogging.
Grafting Details
- Rootstock: Typically grafted onto a hardy, disease-resistant rootstock to improve vigor and resistance to soil-borne diseases.
- Scion: The Gomati mango variety is used as the scion, ensuring the desired fruit characteristics.
- Method: Common grafting methods include cleft grafting, veneer grafting, and approach grafting.
Cultivation
- Propagation: Primarily through grafting to maintain the specific characteristics of the Gomati variety.
- Pruning: Regular pruning to remove dead or diseased branches, and to shape the tree.
- Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to pests like mango hoppers, mealybugs, and diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew.
Uses
- Culinary: Consumed fresh, used in juices, desserts, pickles, and culinary dishes.
- Nutritional: Rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
- Other: Grafted mango trees are often used in home gardens and commercial orchards for their reliable fruit production and manageable size.
Advantages of Grafting
- Early Fruiting: Grafted mango trees often start bearing fruit earlier than seed-grown trees.
- Consistent Quality: Grafting ensures the consistency of fruit quality and taste.