A decade of mango cultivar evaluation by Westfalia Technological Services, South Africa.
Lagadec M. D. le, Bruwer T., Köhne J. S.
Author Affiliation: Westfalia Technological Services, P.O. Box 1103, Mojadjiskloof, 0835, South Africa.
: 113-118
Abstract : The Westfalia Technological Services' (WTS) mango cultivar evaluation program commenced in the early 1990's. It has grown rapidly over the years and now consists of over 140 cultivars and selections. It also includes a first phase selection orchard comprising of 1700 seedling trees. The program extends over 10 hectares distributed in three geographical areas of South Africa. Eight of the mango varieties from the program have progressed to a larger scale evaluation phase and a further three varieties have attained pre-commercial status. The WTS mango cultivar evaluation program involves tree performance as well as pre- and post harvest evaluation of fruit quality. Cold storage trials are conducted on all varieties and post cold storage fruit evaluations are carried out. Furthermore, WTS is involved in testing mango selections for several companies, research institutes and private individuals. WTS manages Plant Breeders' Rights both locally and in select foreign countries for certain promising mango cultivars. Some of the more promising mango cultivars are discussed in detail.