A Study on Elite Mango Genotypes in Odisha—An Avenue for Crop Improvement

Abstract

A study was carried out among the local mango types in Odisha to explore their genetic variations for further utilization in crop improvement, as the genetic diversity serves as a way for the population to adopt the changing edapho-climatic condition. From 17 districts of Odisha, a total of 548 seedling trees were observed, but only 30 mango elites were selected on the basis of organoleptic test for taste, flavor and aroma. Different physico-chemical characters, like fruit size, shape, colour, flavour, aroma and other characteristics, varied widely among these genotypes. The results of the study with respect to 30 numbers of local mango genotypes revealed that the maximum individual fruit weight (510 g) and pulp percentage (78.4%) was recorded in Kali. The other desirable traits of the minimum stone percentage (5.9%) and the maximum pulp to stone ratio (12.5:1) was observed in Nakei. The minimum peel percentage (10.0%) and the maximum total soluble solid (TSS) percentage (26%) was recorded in the fruits of Mitha and Lori, respectively. Attractive fruit skin colour was observed in the genotypes Nakei and Belua (yellowish), followed by Sundari (yellow with orange tinge) and Kadalia (greenish yellow). But in case of check mango cultivars Amrapali and Mallika, desirable traits, like the maximum TSS, pulp percentage, pulp to stone ratio and the minimum stone percentage was exhibited by Amrapali, whereas Mallika had the maximum fruit weight. The shape and skin colour are neither attractive nor preferred in both the commercial cultivars, so above cited eye catchy traits can be incorporated into these two superior mango genotypes from the local genotypes to meet the market demand and export potential.