Mango: The King of the Tropics

Mangoes (Mangifera indica Linn.), a member of the Anacardiaceae family are frequently referred to as the “king of fruits” in tropical regions. This evergreen, medium- to large-sized can grow to a height of 10 to 40 m. Inflorescences are polygamous, bearing hermaphroditic and purely staminate flowers borne in the same inflorescences. Botanically, Mangifera’s fruit is a fleshy, compressed drupe. Due to the wide variability existing in the region, South Asia is usually acknowledged as the native region of mango, and India is supposed to be the progenitor of commercial mango cultivars. Later, intensive breeding programmes started in South Florida, resulting in many commercial cultivars, and hence has been considered the secondary center of origin and domestication for mango. Many related species of Mangifera possess ethnocultural significance, are used in cancer therapy, utilized for vigorous growth traits, special aroma, biotic and abiotic stress resistance, etc. Mango germplasm Conservation and maintenance are considered crucial for its utilization in breeding programmes since many of them have been listed as endangered and even extinct. Efforts are being taken internationally, nationally, and locally to conserve these valuable germplasm resources. There is a rich diversity of varieties in mango broadly classified into the Indo-Chinese group, which has roots in Southeast Asia, and the Indian mango varieties. Recent advances in mango breeding involve the use of molecular markers and linkage maps, invitro culture, somatic embryogenesis and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformations. Further improvement in various qualitative characteristics of mango is possible only through the utilization of wide genetic resources and its propagation. Hence strategies have to be worked out for extensive field surveys, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, supply of quality planting materials, rootstock breeding, high-density planting, etc.