An evaluation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasm for future breeding programme.
Kaur M., Bal J. S., Bali S. K.
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
African Journal of Agricultural Research 9 : 1530-1538
Abstract : Evaluation of physical and chemical characteristics of fruit crops has been successfully used for selection of improved cultivars for breeding programs. The study was conducted at typical subtropical conditions in North-West India for evaluating the variability of mango germplasm to conserve the elite ones and identify the superior genotypes based on fruit quality for multiplication and for future crop improvement. Fourteen genotypes were tested for their physiological and chemical characteristics. Randomized complete block design was used and critical difference was used to compare quality characteristics of fourteen mango genotypes. Maximum fruit weight was found in Chausa whereas maximum reducing and total sugars were observed in Malda. Dashehari ranked first in respect of yield per tree, that is, 148.90 kg/tree. Local Selection-I was the earliest to mature. Among all genotypes Chausa, Kala Gola, Hundel and Gola showed tendency towards regular bearing. The Alphonso, Malda and Chausa was identified for superior traits like total soluble solids/acid ratio (TSS/acid ratio); Chausa and Langra Banarasi for high pulp percentage and pulp stone ratio; Rattaul for excellent flavour; 'Local Selection-I' for regular bearing and Dashehari for higher yield. These identified genotypes may be good donor in future hybridization programme to evolve the superior varieties.