Grafting Different Types of Fruit Plants: Success Rates and Compatibility

Grafting, often used to propagate fruit plants, is a technique that involves joining two different types of plants to create a new, genetically diverse graft. While the idea of grafting a guava tree onto a mango tree might seem intriguing, it is not typically successful due to the genetic and botanical differences between these species.

Compatibility and Success Rates

Grafting works best when plants are closely related. For instance, grafting different varieties of guava or mango is more likely to succeed than trying to graft between guava and mango. The success of grafting is highly dependent on the compatibility between the rootstock (the plant providing the root system) and the scion (the plant being grafted).

Common multi-grafted trees include all types of Citrus and stone fruits from the Prunus genus, such as cherries and almonds. These trees can support multiple grafts because they are closely related, making grafting a viable option.

Can a Guava Tree be Grafted onto a Mango Tree?

No, grafting a guava tree onto a mango tree is generally not successful. This is due to the genetic and botanical differences between the two species. For example, guavas belong to the Psidium genus, while mangos belong to the Mangifera genus. These two genera are not compatible for grafting because they are from different botanical families.

Even within the same family, grafting can be challenging. My dad, a wise old grafter, has successfully grafted cherries and apples to a single tree. However, this success is more likely to occur between closely related varieties within the same genus or family. For instance, grafting a lemon on an orange, grapefruit, lime, or other citrus varieties is more likely to be successful. It is essential to choose scions from plants that are close relatives of the rootstock to ensure that the graft takes.

Rootstock and Scion Selection

The compatibility between the rootstock and the scion is crucial for successful grafting. For example, when grafting different varieties of mangoes, you can use a rootstock and scion from the same family (the Anacardiaceae family) for a higher success rate. Similarly, grafting fruits like loquats and quinces, which are closely related, increases the likelihood of a successful graft.

It is important to note that only the wood from two plants that are very closely related will graft successfully. For instance, mangos and guavas are genetically too distant for grafting, as mangos are more closely related to cashews than to guavas. Additionally, guavas are more closely related to eucalyptus trees than to mangos, making such a graft unviable.

Successful Grafting Scenarios

Here are some examples of compatible grafting combinations that are more likely to succeed:

Mango on mango Guava on guava Cherry on cherry Loquat on loquat or quince (since they are closely related) Pear on pear Claret ash on desert ash Cultivated rose on wild rose rootstock

While it is possible to experiment with grafting, the success rate is higher when working with closely related species. Understanding the genetic relationships between different fruit plants is key to successful grafting. Whether you are an amateur gardener or a professional horticulturist, knowing which plants can be grafted together can enhance your gardening projects and help you create unique and diverse fruit-bearing trees.

For those interested in grafting, research compatible varieties within the same genus or family to minimize risks and maximize success rates. With the right knowledge and skills, you can create awide range of unique and interesting fruit-bearing trees.