References on Mango

Subedi A., Bajracharya J., Joshi B. K., KC H. B., Gupta S. R., Regmi H. N., Baral K. P., Shrestha P., Thagunna P., Tiwari R. K., Sthapit B. R.

Abstract : Mango is one of the important tropical fruits of Nepal. The terai, inner terai, siwalik, low and mid-hills are the regions for rich mango diversity. Home gardens, farmers' orchards, roadside areas, religious or cultural places and river gorge areas are the major areas where both local and commercial varieties of mango are under cultivation or exist as wild species. However, in recent decades many historical mango orchards have been depleted in response to biotic, economic and other pressures. Despite the significant contribution to peoples' livelihoods, no proper assessments of diversity and associated knowledge system have been systematically documented. Also lacking is precise information about the current status of local germplasm or landraces, the location of diversity-rich areas and the ways farmers manage and utilize the crops. Therefore, the global project on Strengthening scientific basis of in situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity on-farm, Nepal component has identified mango as one of the mandatory crops and under the project, an ecogeographic survey was carried out to measure the extent, distribution and diversities of mango. Siraha, Dhading, Kavre, Parbat, Baglung, Doti, Surkhet, Banke and Dadeldhura districts, representing the tropical and subtropical ecosystems of Nepal, were selected for study on the basis of ecogeographic representation and richness in mango germplasm. Literature review, a brainstorming meeting, key informant interviews, mango descriptors, ADO consultation and a field visit by a multidisciplinary team were used as methodological tools during the study. Generated data from the study were analyzed and interpreted by Geographical Information System (GIS) software. A customized GIS software for locating and assessing plant diversity - DIVA-GIS (http://www.diva-gis.org) - was employed to map collecting sites, analyze the diversity richness and other ecological factors influencing mango diversity. Another customized GIS software - Flora-Map (http://www.floramap-ciat.org) - was used to suggest the probability of suitable areas of rich mango diversity for conservation and future exploration. The eastern terai represented by Siraha district and western mid-hill region represented by Baglung and Parbat districts were rich in diversity in farmer-named varieties. Cluster analysis has shown three distinct ecogeographical regions: terai mango, eastern hill mango and western hill mango. Very old orchards of mango with many indigenous genotypes were recorded from Siraha, Kavre, Parbat and Dadeldhura district and suggested for in situ conservation. Throughout the study sites local mango tree trunks were found heavily logged for timber and fuel wood purposes. Low production and high fibre contents in fruits were found as the major factors for the very low commercial production of local mangoes. Lower central and eastern terai of Nepal and most of the Indian region and East Asian countries have shown the affinity with Nepalese mangoes and suggested as probable areas for the further distribution of Nepalese mango genotypes.