Studies on variation in morphological traits of mango trees (Mangifera indica) growing on Kogi State University campus, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica) is an economically important tropical fruit consumed all over the world due to its large fruit with a soft, sweet pulp. In this study, morphological characters of sixty (60) randomly selected mango trees growing on Kogi State University campus, Anyigba were examined. These characters were examined by comparison with those highlighted in mango descriptor by International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). The characters studied were crown shape, tree growth habit, leaf blade shape, leaf altitude in relation to branch, leaf apex shape, leaf margin, leaf base shape, and colour of fully developed leaf. Results revealed that 53.30% of the selected trees had broadly pyramidal crown shape; the highest percentage observed, none of the trees had spherical crown shape. There was no Drooping tree growth habit while spreading tree growth habit was the highest in 68.30% of the selected trees. Ovate, lanceolate and oblanceolate leaf blade shapes were not observed in any of the selected trees while oblong was the highest leaf blade shape observed in 50% of the selected trees. For leaf Apex Shape; Acuminate was observed in 65% of the selected trees, Acute in 35% and obtuse in none of the selected trees. Most of the trees had entire leaf margin with a percentage of 98.30% of the trees having the entire leaf margin. There were morphological variations among the selected trees for all the characters studied.