Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the export mango industry.
Campbell R. J., Ledesma N.
Author Affiliation: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 11935 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, FL 33156, USA.
Proceedings of the Interamerican Society for Tropical Horticulture 50 : 116-119
Abstract : The mango continues to grow in importance as a local and international commodity throughout the world. However, with this increase in importance, significant commercial challenges have arisen for producers of export mangos in the Western Hemisphere. Prices paid to the growers are below profitable levels for commercial export cultivars such as 'Tommy Atkins', 'Haden', 'Keitt' and 'Kent'. The Tropical Fruit Program of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has been active in the selection of mango cultivars that can serve multiple roles for estate agriculture and niche commercial markets. These cultivars include, 'Cogshall', 'Fairchild', 'Mallika', 'Neelum', 'Manilita', 'Graham' and 'Rosigold'. These cultivars are generally small in tree size, have considerable disease tolerance and have fruit with excellent quality. They also have specific appeal with distinct ethnic groups. To further expand its role the FTBG Tropical Fruit Program will begin to release new hybrid cultivars suitable for niche markets and estate agriculture. These new cultivars have been selected for superior horticultural traits, disease tolerance and excellent fruit quality.