The Influence of Variety and Propagation Methods on Mango Scion Development in the Nursery

In the search for optimum graft – break in the vegetative techniques used to rapidly mass produce grafted mango seedlings, four grafting methods (veneer, cleft, side-tongue and splice), one budding method (patch) and bud woods/ scions from two improved mango varieties (Ogbomosho and Saigon) were evaluated using split plot in randomized complete block design. The ease of grafting/budding of the two improved mango varieties on the rootstocks was also evaluated using the time interval taken to graft/bud assessment. The result showed varietal differences in the time taken to graft/bud and propagation techniques deployed. However it was observed that irrespective of variety used, veneer method of grafting was found to be easier than other methods of propagation used. It is pertinent to state that 30 and 90 days after grafting/budding the highest percentage graft – take was recorded for veneer method on Ogbomosho variety (100% and 66.10% respectively) and on Saigon variety (100% and 69.64% respectively). Side-tongue method of grafting was next to veneer method in performance. The implication of these results is that method of grafting significantly influence graft – take. Also percentage graft – take was found to reduce with time as dehydration of bud woods occur this significantly influence percentage graft- break. Cleft, patch and splice methods showed dismal performance in graft – take and break in this study. Veneer and side- tongue are recommended in this study.