Dot

Dot was selected by the Zill family of Boynton Beach, FL and named after Dorothy Zill, wife of Laurence Zill and mother of Walter, Gary and Marlys Zill.

 

Originally it was speculated to be a Carrie seedling, though USDA pedigree analysis estimated it was a progeny from the 'Zill' cultivar, to which it also probably bears more resemblance in terms of shape and ripening traits. It may have been a cross between Zill and Carrie. Dot was used in Gary Zill's breeding project and is the maternal parent of the Pina Colada mango.

 

Dot is known for its exceptionally rich, robust and delicious flavor that many people treasure. Its flavor is unique and difficult to classify by group, though we identify it as classic in flavor. It is ovate in shape and typically yellow at maturity, sometimes with a little pink blush. The fruit are medium-sized, averaging close to or just under a pound in weight. The flesh is yellow, fiberless, very aromatic and contains a monoembryonic seed.

 

The trees are moderately vigorous-to-highly vigorous growers with spreading, open canopy. They tend to be precocious and flower regularly, and are consistent producers. They are highly anthracnose prone though and tend not perform well in deeper humid interior areas. Interestingly, Dot appears to be highly resistant to mango bacterial black spot and rot fungi. The flowers are very prone to powdery mildew however.

 

The fruit are early-to-mid season, and ripen between June and July. Their season tends to be fairly extended compared to most mangos, almost always lasting several months..

 

They must not be allowed to ripen on the tree or will turn overripe and musky, and they will hang on well past peak ripeness if not harvested on time. They are best picked as soon as they show a small amount of yellow color break. But a properly ripened Dot is truly incredible to taste! We regard it among the finest flavored mangos we grow.