In the heart of India, a groundbreaking study is reshaping the future of mango cultivation, offering promising solutions to longstanding challenges in productivity and tree architecture. Dr. Shikha Jain, a leading researcher from the Division of Fruit and Horticultural Technology at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, has unveiled compelling findings on the influence of different rootstock-interstock-scion combinations on mango (Mangifera indica L.) traits. The research, conducted over three years (2021-2024), could significantly impact the commercial mango industry, particularly in optimizing tree size and enhancing fruit quality.
The study, published in the esteemed journal ‘Frontiers in Plant Science’ (which translates to ‘Frontiers in Plant Science’ in English), explored three distinct grafting combinations using Olour as the rootstock and scion. The combinations included a control group without an interstock, and two experimental groups with Amrapali and Mallika interstocks. The results were striking, demonstrating that the choice of interstock and scion can profoundly influence plant physiology, nutrient dynamics, and overall tree vigour.
Dr. Jain’s research revealed that the Olour/Mallika/Olour combination exhibited the highest leaf width, net photosynthetic rate, and total chlorophyll content, indicating robust plant performance. “This combination showed remarkable physiological traits, suggesting it could be a game-changer for commercial mango cultivation,” Dr. Jain explained. Conversely, the Olour/Amrapali/Olour combination displayed dwarfing potential, with lower girth, leaf weight, and photosynthetic activity, which could be advantageous for high-density planting systems.
The study also highlighted the significant impact of interstocks on stomatal density and leaf nutrient content. The Olour/Mallika/Olour combination had the highest stomatal density, which could enhance gas exchange and improve fruit quality. “These findings underscore the critical role of interstocks in modifying plant vigour and nutrient acquisition,” Dr. Jain noted.
For the commercial mango industry, these results open up new avenues for optimizing orchard management. Growers can now consider using specific interstock-scion combinations to tailor tree size and productivity to their needs. For instance, the dwarfing potential of the Amrapali interstock could be particularly beneficial for urban farming or high-density plantations, where space is a constraint.
Moreover, the enhanced physiological traits observed in the Olour/Mallika/Olour combination could lead to improved fruit yield and quality, directly benefiting farmers and consumers alike. “This research provides a scientific basis for selecting the right combinations to achieve desired outcomes in mango cultivation,” Dr. Jain added.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jain emphasizes the need for further studies to assess the long-term field performance of these combinations under various agro-climatic conditions. “Understanding how these combinations perform over time and in different environments will be crucial for their widespread adoption,” she said.
As the mango industry continues to evolve, Dr. Jain’s research offers a promising path forward, combining traditional grafting techniques with modern scientific insights. By harnessing the power of interstocks, growers can optimize tree architecture, enhance productivity, and ultimately, deliver better-quality fruit to the market. This study not only advances our understanding of mango cultivation but also paves the way for innovative solutions in the broader horticultural sector.