The Gomati mango (Mangifera indica 'Gomati')

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.