Characterization of local cultivars of mango (Mangifera indica L.) on the eastern coast of Lake Maracaibo.
Zulia I., Bellorín L., Camacho R., Quijada O.
Author Affiliation: INIA-CIAE, Apartado 1316, Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela.
Proceedings of the Interamerican Society for Tropical Horticulture 45 : 67-70
Abstract : The mango is a tropical species found all over Venezuela. It is considered among the most commercially-important tropical fruit. In Venezuela there are 9500 ha and there is a large diversity of cultivars due to the planting of seedlings. The objective of the study was to characterize the local cultivars along the eastern coast of Lake Maracaibo. The morphological characteristics of the canopy, the leaves and the weight and quality of the fruit were evaluated. Ten ripe fruit were chosen from ten mature plants. A descriptive analysis was performed and nine local cultivars (Manga, Burro, Piedra, Valenciano, Perita, Rosa, Bolillo, Bocado, Brillit) were characterized. The results showed a high genetic variability among the plants, with cultivars 'Brillit', 'Burro' and 'Mango Piedra' having the highest fruit weight and flesh to seed ratios.