Morphological characterization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasm based on Bioversity International Descriptor

Crop breeding has gained importance in the present era in the Horticulture Industry. Selection of parent varieties is an important aspect of such crop breeding technology. Therefore, in choosing the right parent species, Biodiversity International has guided us by considering several characters. Based on that the studies were carried out on mango genotypes developed at Horticultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Periyakulam to develop and document descriptors, during 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in row column design with three replications having 27 genotypes as treatments. Observations were recorded on various morphological parameters and qualitative characters. From the observations made, it was found that the mango genotypes expressed morphological variations from genotype to genotype. These morphological variations have the ability to distinguish between the mango genotypes with each other. Descriptors were developed for 27 mango genotypes after observations. Descriptors were developed and documented, which consisted of 32 characters including morphological and qualitative characters. Among the characters, three characters were developed for plant, six characters for leaf, six characters for inflorescence, 14 characters for fruit and three, characters for fruit pulp. The developed and documented descriptors will facilitate plant variety registration, identification of genotypes and also in tree improvement programmes.