Documentation and Characterization of the Indigenous Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Varieties of Malda and Murshidabad Districts of West Bengal

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important natural resource and also known as the 'king of fruits'. The districts of Murshidabad and Malda once famous for mango are now facing tremendous genetic erosion of the mango germplasm. More than 200 varieties of mango were recorded during the time of the royals of these districts. This number has sharply declined in recent times. The traditional varieties are low yielding and are replaced by new high yielding hybrids. These varieties are also facing extinction because of the aggressive cultivation of Amrapali, Chatterjee, Mallika, Himsagar, Langra varieties of mango. Hence, conservation of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasm is of utmost importance. For such conservation extensive survey and proper documentation are necessary. In this context, the present study is an attempt to document the mango varieties from Murshidabad and Malda districts of West Bengal. The mango germplasm diversity data generated will be valuable to communities, scientists and policy managers to formulate and implement conservation strategies of in situ, on-farm as well as ex situ conservation and management of these genetic resources.