Doreen Nakintu, a resident of Janda in Zirobwe, often wonders about the best type of mangoes to plant.
She has heard that grafted fruit trees may produce different yields and might not last as long as those grown from seeds. But is this true?
According to agronomist Henry Sekyewa, the choice between grafted and seed-grown fruit trees depends on several factors, including growth rate, yield, fruit quality, and longevity. Understanding these differences can help farmers make informed decisions that align with their farming goals.
Grafted fruit trees
Grafting is a method of plant propagation where tissues from two different plants are fused to create one plant with desirable characteristics.
This technique was initially practised by research centres but has since been adopted by many farmers across Uganda. Today, most seedlings available from private farmers are grafted. Commonly grafted fruits in Uganda include oranges, mangoes, and avocados.
Sekyewa explains that grafted trees have several advantages.
“Grafted fruit trees grow faster and start bearing fruit much earlier than those planted from seeds. For example, a grafted mango tree can start producing fruits within two to three years, while a seed-grown tree may take up to seven years.”
Grafting allows farmers to control the quality of the fruit. “With grafting, we can ensure that the tree produces high-quality fruits similar to the parent plant. This is important for commercial farmers who need uniform produce for the market,” Sekyewa says.
However, he says grafted trees may have a shorter lifespan compared to seed-grown trees. Since they rely on a rootstock that may have different growth characteristics, they can sometimes be weaker, especially if the grafting is not done properly.
Sekyewa explains that farmers need to select high-quality grafted seedlings and ensure proper care to maximise their productivity.
Seed-grown fruit trees
On the other hand, planting fruit trees from seeds is a more traditional method that some farmers still prefer. While seed-grown trees take longer to mature, they often develop stronger root systems and tend to live longer than grafted trees.
According to Sekyewa, “A tree grown from seed can live for several decades, sometimes over 50 years, while some grafted trees may start declining after 20 to 30 years.”
However, he explains that seed-grown trees have one major drawback, there is no guarantee that they will produce fruits identical to the parent plant. Fruits from such trees may vary in taste, size, and quality.
“This is why many farmers prefer grafted trees, as they provide consistency,” Sekyewa notes.
Sekyewa advises, “Proper care, soil management, and pest control are essential, regardless of whether a tree is grafted or grown from seed. Farmers should also source their seedlings from reputable suppliers to ensure the best results.”
