Effect of rootstock on fruit firmness in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars

The present investigation was carried out to study the influence of the mango rootstocks (K5, Kurukkan and Olour) on scion cultivars (Dashehari and Mallika), based on the fruit firmness traits. Maximum bioyield point (1411.04 g), stiffness (484.33 g/sec), and flesh firmness (599.00 g) were recorded in the Dashehari/Kurukkan combination. Skin elasticity was highest in Dashehari/K5 combination (6.67 mm). The present study showed that apart from the well-known influence of rootstock on stress responses and fruit quality traits, specific scion-stock combinations also have strong influence on fruit firmness traits. The results indicated that Kurukkan rootstock is promising for mango cultivars for fruit firmness. Dashehari fruits had higher firmness than Mallika irrespective of the rootstock. Fruits with higher firmness values retains desirable texture after harvest and are expected to retain better shelf life than softer fruits.