Micrografting in mango cultivars.
Zaccaro R. P., Donadio L. C., Lemos E. G. M.
Author Affiliation: Departamento de Produção Vegetal da FCAV Jaboticabal, UNESP, SP, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 28 : 533-535
Abstract : A research was carried out to produce mangoes trees free from Fusarium subglutinans [Gibberella fujikuroi var. subglutinans], causal agent of mango malformation by using the apical meristem to substitute it for the meristem of the commercial cultivar 'Tommy Atkins'. This micrografting methodology was denominated meristem substitution through which cultivars Coquinho, Espada, Ouro and Ubá were used as rootstocks. The micrografts were collected from 'Tommy Atkins' mother plant without malformation symptoms. First, branch apices having lengths of 3 cm were cut off. Each apical meristem was placed in an antioxidant solution consisting of ascorbic acid, citric acid and cysteine, to avoid the oxidation of the phenolic compounds. The apical meristem with 2-mm length was cut. The apical meristem and leaves of the rootstock were also cut off, then the apical meristem of 'Tommy Atkins' was placed on the extremity of the rootstock, and covered with parafilm. This demonstrated that micrografting technique may develop matrix plants for planting in a cloned garden under protected greenhouse conditions.