Author: Vishvash Uikey, Dinesh Kumar Kuldeep, Anil Nagwanshi, Maneesh Kumar, Mohan Giri and Reema Khobragade
Mango (Mangifera indica), one of the most significant tropical fruits, presents a remarkable diversity in its cultivars, each exhibiting unique morphological and physicochemical properties. This comprehensive review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the distinct characteristics of various mango cultivars, their impact on usage, preference, and the challenges and future perspectives in their cultivation and conservation. The morphological characteristics, including fruit size, shape, skin color, and texture, were evaluated, noting that these attributes significantly influence consumer appeal and marketability. The physicochemical analysis focused on sugar content, acidity, flavor profile, and nutritional constituents. This review established that variations in sugar content and acidity directly correlate with sensory properties like sweetness and tartness, affecting consumer preferences and determining suitability for different culinary uses. Furthermore, the nutritional analysis underscored the health benefits associated with mango consumption, highlighting the fruit's richness in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The study also addressed the challenges in mango cultivation, primarily focusing on the impact of climate change and disease and pest susceptibility. The variability in climate resilience among different cultivars and the emerging threats of new diseases and pests were identified as key concerns. In response, the potential of breeding programs and genetic modification efforts in developing improved traits for resistance, quality, and adaptability were discussed. The future research directions were mapped, emphasizing the exploration of underutilized cultivars to broaden the genetic base and adapt to changing environmental and market conditions. The role of technological advancements in cultivation, such as precision agriculture, and post-harvest processing techniques to enhance fruit quality and shelf life was highlighted as crucial for the sustainable growth of the mango industry.
Cultivars, Physicochemical, Nutrition, Breeding, Sustainability, Genetics
This review has highlighted the diverse morphological and physicochemical characteristics of mango cultivars and their significant impact on cultivation, commercial use, and consumer preferences. The variability in size, shape, skin texture, and internal qualities like sugar content, acidity, and nutritional value underscores the complexity and richness of this fruit. However, the challenges posed by climate change and disease susceptibility necessitate focused research and innovative breeding strategies. Exploring underutilized cultivars and integrating advanced technologies in cultivation and post-harvest processing are vital steps toward a sustainable future for the mango industry. This review not only sheds light on the current state of mango diversity but also sets a foundation for future studies and initiatives aimed at optimizing the cultivation and utilization of this globally cherished fruit.
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Vishvash Uikey, Dinesh Kumar Kuldeep, Anil Nagwanshi, Maneesh Kumar, Mohan Giri and Reema Khobragade (2023). A Review on Fruit Morphological and Physicochemical Characters of Different Cultivars of Mango. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 1395-1401.