Genetic Diversity Studies in Certain Indigenous Mango (Mangifera indica L) Varieties

The large seedling diversity of mango has not been fully evaluated. The evaluation of seedling diversity was carried out for morphological traits in the Chittoor area of Andhra Pradesh in India. The statistical analysis carried out for fruit characteristics showed significant differences among the varieties for various fruit characteristics. Molecular characterization was carried out using microsatellite markers. Most of the indigenous varieties from Kalepalli region are grouped in the same cluster. It is interesting to note that the morphological characterization and molecular characterization follow almost the same pattern suggesting the genetic control of these fruit characters. The study shows that the diversity observed within a geographic region is derived from the varieties that are being grown in that region. The promising seedling varieties selected with desirable traits would help the farmer in benefit sharing as and when they are registered. In addition it would help in ‘on farm conservation’ and use of these varieties in crop improvement programmes.