'Esmeralda' interstocks reduce 'Ataulfo' mango tree size with no reduction in yield: results of the first five years.
Vazquez-Valdivia V., Salazar-García S., Peréz-Barraza M. H.
Author Affiliation: Campo Experimental Santiago Ixcuintla-INIFAP, Apdo Postal 100, Santiago Ixcuintla, NAY, 63300, Mexico.
: 291-296
Abstract : The goal of this study was to develop an economic and long-term strategy to control tree size of Ataulfo mango using low vigour Esmeralda interstocks. Five years after orchard establishment, trunk transverse area was reduced with all interstock lengths used (21-30 cm, 31-40 cm, or 41-50 cm long interstocks). Control trees consisted of Ataulfo grafted directly onto Creole rootstock. The greater interstock lengths caused a larger reduction in canopy volume. No significant differences were detected for either annual or cumulative yield. The traditional planting distance for mango trees in the state of Nayarit is 10 × 10 m (100 trees/ha). Using the combination Ataulfo/Esmeralda/Creole seedling rootstock it may be possible to have 400 trees/ha and a cumulative 3-year yield of 39 t/ha, compared to 11 t/ha for traditional orchards. This strategy of tree size control facilitates orchard management practices and increases the rate of return on investment.