Identifying Graft vs. Rootstock Growth on Mango Trees

The Graft Union Challenge

Mango trees are grafted onto seedling rootstock. The graft union is often a visible bulge or change in bark texture. New shoots arising above the union are the desired variety (e.g., 'Pineapple' mango); those from below are rootstock and will produce inferior fruit.

How to Tell the Difference

• Wait for leaves to mature—grafted and rootstock foliage often differ in shape, size, or color.
• If uncertain, let the shoot grow a few months; the distinction becomes clearer.
• Rootstock suckers emerge at or below soil level; remove them immediately.

Cold Weather Complication

A hard freeze can damage the scion (grafted top), prompting rootstock sprouts. If the scion is dead, the tree will revert to rootstock. Scrape the bark above the graft: green cambium means the scion lives. If brown, the tree is now a rootstock seedling.