Comparative Study of Wild Mangoes of Andamans (India) for Nutritional Composition and Rootstock Potential

Out of reported five species of mango, M. andamanica, M. griffithi and M. comptosperma are reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Detailed explorations and studies were carried out in Andamans for their habitat, botanical description, and nutritional composition of fruits, rootstock studies and grafting success ofM. indica on these species. Nutritionally, M. andamanica and M. griffithi were found rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (99.5 mg/100 g and 37.9 mg/100 g, respectively), total sugars (17.80 and 9.09%, respectively), which is comparable with traditional varieties of M. indica. Seedlings M. comptosperma showed more vigour, success and survival after grafting of M. indica. Ex situ conservation of these wild species and M. andamanica in particular was carried out by collecting of stones and raising of seedlings in bulk for further improvement and exploitation.