Cross-pollination is transfer of pollen between genetically different plants. For grafted mangoes, two separate trees of the same cultivar may still be the same genotype, while two different cultivars can provide genetically different pollen. Cross-pollination affects the embryo's parentage rather than changing the cultivar identity of the flesh on the current crop. It may be useful in breeding, but adding another tree does not automatically solve every flowering or fruit-retention problem.
A cultivar is a cultivated plant selection maintained for recognizable characteristics. Named mango cultivars are commonly preserved by grafting, because seedlings from their fruit can differ genetically and horticulturally. A cultivar name is therefore more than a description such as sweet or yellow. Keep accurate labels and source records, and do not apply the mother's cultivar name to an unverified seedling. Environmental conditions can change appearance and performance without necessarily making a genuine graft a different cultivar.