Morphological and biochemical markers for varietal characterization and quality assessment of potential indigenous mango (Mangifera indica) germplasm

Production of quality mango is dilapidated in Pakistan due to infestation of pests, diseases, physiological disorders like mango sudden death syndrome (MSDS) and narrow genetic diversity. The objectives of study were to identify, characterize and recommend new mango scion cultivars to broaden the varietal spectrum, from enormous indigenous germplasm available in Punjab, which is at the verge of extinction due to spontaneous domestication. Data were gathered from three significant mango growing districts (Khanewal, Multan & Muzzaffargarh) of Punjab, Pakistan. The selected samples were described for various characteristics of tree (growth habit, shape), leaf (colour, size, shape & nature), inflorescence (shape, colour, size), fruit (skin, shape, size, weight, harvesting season, keeping quality), stone (fiber, body of stone) and pulp bio-chemical attributes (total soluble solids, titratable acidity). Of the 17 genotypes, only five (Kala C haunsa, Sufaid Chaunsa, Late Ratole No. 12, Camal Wala & Faiz Kareem) showed distinctive fruit characters and market potential. The studies helped to develop suitable morphological and biochemical markers for improvement of mango germplasm to establish suitable varieties for domestic and export markets.