Variability in physico-chemical characters of mango genotypes collected from Kuttanad tracts of Kerala

An extensive survey was conducted during 2011–13 to identify the elite mango (Mangifera indica L.) types among its natural population existing in Kuttanad tracts of Kerala. The ripe fruits of 28 selected genotypes were analyzed for physical and quality parameters. There was significant variation among the collections. Individual fruits ranged from 60.17–920.03 g, pulp weight 40.13–780.98 g, fruit length 8.32–19.20 cm, fruit diameter 14.29–31.28 cm, fruit volume 58.65–918.75 cc, and specific gravity 1.00–1.05 g/cc. Similarly, the chemical parameters also varied significantly. The TSS varied from 9.83–21.0°Brix, ascorbic acid 2.40–91.33 mg/100 g, acidity 0.16–0.92% and total sugars 7.43–51.70%. Wide range of variability in physico-chemical parameters amongst suggested that superior genotypes could be selected for commercial cultivation based on their usage.