Question

mango tree graft area   QUESTION: I have a lot of new growth on my mango tree. I can't tell if it is above the graft.  I am hoping it is above the graft since it seems quite hardy, but would appreciate any input you can give me.  I am attaching a photo.

ANSWER: Hi Lisa, its hard to tell from the photo, but unless there was trauma to the graft area it should be above it; wait and see how it develops, the leaf structure of some Mangoes is different when put side by side, so you should be able to tell if it is of a different variety. Suckers that develop from the bottom, even soil level are definitely from the rootstock, but as I said, the picture is indeed a difficult call. I would let it develop, it won' harm anything and could be interesting to see what develops from it, keep me apprised. Regards..Nick


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The only potential trauma was the really cold weather we had.  Looking at the tree, I couldn't decide if the growth was above or below the graft.  When I got the tree, that whole area appeared to be covered in black.  It almost looked like a graft and then another about 2 inches above.  I just don't want the root stock to take over.  (It is losing most of the previous leaves).

It is a pineapple mango and I searched for years before I finally found one.

Answer
Hi Lisa, I understand your concern, the rootstock could only take over if you allowed it, many people don't understand what a grafted tree is (kudos to you!), and they allow the new growth to spread and indeed take over the beneficial variety, but this takes a considerable amount of time, so just to play it safe, I would snip off the new growth once it is determined that it is in fact a rootstock invasion. Check the leaves as they develop and compare them to the original grafted tree. Nick