Mango Glossary

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.

FT means For Trade: an item is being offered in exchange for something else rather than simply listed for a cash sale. Mango growers may trade scions, grafted plants, or seeds, but the parties need to agree on cultivar identity, quantity, condition, and timing. Plant-health and movement restrictions still apply to a trade. Keep labels attached and document the source, because a mistaken scion label can propagate an identification error through many later trees.

Genotype is the genetic constitution of an organism. A mango seedling formed through fertilization has its own genetic combination, whereas a grafted scion normally preserves the genotype of its source tree. Genotype is distinct from phenotype, the characteristics actually observed under particular conditions. Poor flavor from immature fruit or weak growth in a saturated pot does not by itself demonstrate that a correctly labeled graft has changed genetically. Identity questions need provenance and, where appropriate, more specialized evidence.

Juvenility is the early developmental phase during which a plant has not yet acquired the normal ability to flower. Mango seedlings can spend years in this phase, and their timing is not reliably predicted from height alone. A graft using mature cultivar material generally avoids starting the scion's development from a new seedling embryo, but the resulting tree still needs establishment. Adequate growth and suitable climate matter; applying extra fertilizer cannot guarantee that a juvenile seedling will bear immediately.