Rootstock influence on fruit yield, growth and mineral nutrition of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. 'Keitt')

Fruit yield, tree size, and trends in leaf-nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) have been studied for two years (2001-2002) in a mature orchard of mango trees (Mangifera indica L. cv. 'Keitt'), grafted onto four rootstocks: Gomera-1, Gomera-3, Turpentine, and 13/1. The fruit yield was the highest on Gomera-3 and lowest on Turpentine, the fruit being significantly smaller with Gomera-1 than the other rootstocks. In addition, the height, canopy volume and the trend of the trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) were greater with Gomera-3. Higher macronutrient contents of cv. 'Keitt' were found on Gomera-3 and lower on 13/1 rootstock trees. A similar trend was found with the micronutrients but lower contents on Gomera-1. Thus, leaf-nutrient content correlated with fruit yield of cv. 'Keitt' on Gomera-3, indicating the effectiveness of this combination.