Evaluation of promising mango cultivars.
Lagadec M. D. le, Conradie W.
Author Affiliation: Merensky Technological Services, Mariepskop Estate, Private Bag X3009, Hoedspruit 1830, South Africa.
: 81-83
Abstract : During the 1998/1999-mango season, 33 experimental mango cultivars were evaluated at Mariepskop Estate, Hoedspruit, South Africa. Of those cultivars, 4 were evaluated for South African Mango Growers' Association, namely 'Chené', 'Joa', 'Manzanillo' and 'Osteen'. 'Chené' is a red skinned cultivar with exceptional taste but the taste deteriorates in cold storage. Furthermore, the fruit size tends to be rather small. 'Joa' fruit are red, elongated in shape with a good taste. This cultivar appears to be bacterial black spot [Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae] resistant but the fruits are highly susceptible to scale insect damage. 'Manzanillo' appears to be a good cultivar in areas with low disease pressure. The fruit resembles a well-coloured 'Kent' fruit. 'Manzanillo' fruits are of excellent internal and external quality but are susceptible to bacterial black spot and anthracnose [Glomerella cingulata]. 'Osteen' produces very large, deep red skinned fruit with excellent taste. It is a late season cultivar with potential for extending the mango season. This cultivar is, however, highly susceptible to bacterial black spot and prone to severe lenticel damage. To determine the suitability of these cultivars in the various mango-growing regions, MTS proposes to establish these cultivars on farms in the Lower Letaba and Tzaneen area. Fruits from these cultivars will be re-evaluated in the coming season.