Vol. 130 (2017): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Krome Memorial Institute (Tropicals)

‘Rosigold’, an Early-maturing Cultivar for the Florida Estate Farm

Published 2017-06-15

Abstract

Rosigold’ is a Florida mango cultivar selected by the United States Department of Agriculture in Miami, FL. The mango has an average weight of 400 g, with a pastel pink and red blush overlaying a lemon-yellow ground color. The flavor is mild, but highly appreciated by ethnic and traditional customers alike. ‘Rosigold’ has a low cold requirement for bloom initiation in South Florida. When grown at a proper level of nitrogen, that is, one conducive to high quality and responsiveness to environmental conditions, ‘Rosigold’ will bloom multiple times and ripen one, two, or even three distinct crops prior to the rains of summer in South Florida. Trees are readily available from local nurseries grafted on ‘Turpentine’ rootstock. These trees will remain small and manageable throughout the life of the orchard. Consumer acceptance and eating quality is excellent with ‘Rosigold’ and the fruit can be marketed to both ethnic and mainstream customers at attractive prices. The bloom and fruit are damaged by anthracnose and powdery mildew, but by producing during the dry season, the fruit can be grown sustainably, with little use of fungicides. ‘Rosigold’ is an excellent option for local growing of mangos for high-priced markets focused on quality.