Mango genetic breeding programme in Brazil and a new mango cultivar (BRS Ômega) for Brazilian cerrados.
Pinto A. C. de Q., Braga M. F., Junqueira N. T. V., Ramos V. H. V., Faleiro F. G., Andrade S. R. M. de, Cordeiro M. C. R., Neto Dias J., Lage D. A. da C.
Author Affiliation: Embrapa Cerrados, BR 020 Km 18 Rod. Brasília/Fortaleza, Caixa Postal: 08223, CEP 73310-970, Brazil.
Comunicado Técnico - Embrapa Cerrados : 8 pp.
Abstract : Eighty percent of the mango production and exportation industries in northeastern Brazil are dependent on cv. Tommy Atkins, which is highly susceptible to malformation and pulp breakdown, besides being inferior in terms of fruit taste. The breeding programme of Embrapa cerrados involves the development of mango cultivars superior to Tommy Atkins with regard to productivity, resistance to diseases and physiological disorders, and fruit quality. Roxa Embrapa 141, Alfa Embarapa 142, Beta and Lita, characterized by excellent quality for fresh consumption and processing, were released between 1998 and 2002. Seven new hybrid selections were evaluated for adaptability to Brazilian conditions. BRS Ômega (hybrid selection CPAC 23/86) had a mean yield of 345 fruits per plant. This cultivar had red purplish to red yellowish fruits with a very and firm pulp. In general, this cultivar had lower disease and pulp breakdown incidence, and superior pulp quality than Tommy Atkins and Heidi.