Abstract
Collection, characterization and utilization of genetic resources are crucial for developing varieties to meet current and future needs. Although mango is an economically important fruit tree, its genetic resources are still undocumented and are threatened in their natural habits. In this study, the variability of 452 mango accessions from three regions in China (Nujiang, Lancang river and Honghe) was assessed using 41 descriptors including qualitative and quantitative traits, with the aim to identify mango accessions with excellent agronomic and quality traits. To this end, descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed. Based on Shannon–Weaver diversity index, qualitative traits including pericarp color, fruit aroma, flesh color, and fruit flavor recorded the highest variability in the germplasm. Fruit related traits including pulp weight, peel weight, and fruit weight were the most diverse traits in the germplasm with a high coefficient of variation (CV > 40%). Significant differences (MANOVA test, p < 0.000) were observed among the three regions for most of the quantitative traits. Biologically significant and positive correlations were found among agronomically important traits such as fruit weight and pulp weight, fruit weight and edible rate. The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed tree clusters, indicating a low diversity in the germplasm. The majority of the descriptors contributed to the differentiation of the accessions. Accessions with good fruits quality (high fruit weight, pulp weight, and edible rate) were found in Cluster 2. Accessions in this cluster could be used for fruit quality improvement in mango breeding programs. Our study sheds light on the diversity of a large collection of natural mango population in China and provides relevant information for efficient conservation and harnessing of mango genetic resources.
Highlights
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is grown throughout the tropics and in many subtropical areas of the world
The present study revealed a relatively low genetic diversity for traits related to the tree crown, leaf, and inflorescence contrary to the fruit related traits showing higher diversity within the mango germplasm
The diversity was evaluated in a collection of 452 mango accessions from China
Summary
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is grown throughout the tropics and in many subtropical areas of the world. It is cultivated at the equator and up to the latitudes of 37◦ N in Sicily and to 33◦ S in South. Called “King of fruits” [2], is the most important commercially grown fruit crop worldwide. It is a versatile fruit used in various ways either raw or processed into juice, smoothies, sliced canned. Global mango production is about 51 million tons on an average harvested area of 6 million ha with an average yield
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