Background:
Mango is not only the most important fruit crop of India which leads in production and it is a source of livelihood for millions of farmers. It has its role in livelihood support and also in export. India exports mango to over 40 countries worldwide. India conquers first place in mango production in the world and accounts for almost half of the global production and area. The area under mango cultivation is 2,312 thousand ha with the production around 15.03 million tons. This contributes 40.48% of the total world mango production. There are nearly 1000 mango varieties in India, however, only 3% of these have predominance in the trade and export business. There are about 20 varieties grown commercially. Most of the Indian mango varieties have specific eco-geographical requirements for optimum growth and fruiting. Most of these commercial varieties are alternate bearers and have large canopies. Changing climatic conditions are likely going to negatively affect mango production by limiting vegetative growth, flowering and fruit set, fruit growth, and fruit quality. Mango has an established export market and poses bright opportunities for export in the international market, whether in fresh or processed forms. Therefore, the development of mango hybrids having desirable characteristics viz., regular and precocious bearing, dwarfiness, high percentage of pulp, fibreless flesh, large fruits with red blush, good keeping quality, and wider adaptability is the need of hour:
Technology Details:
Mango hybrid Arunika is developed by crossing between Amrapali and Vanraj. Arunika is a regular bearer, high yielding, late in maturity, attractive fruit color with excellent shelf-life. The tree produces a semi-dwarf and compact canopy. Fruits are smooth, orange-yellow with red blush, weigh about 190-210g, medium-sized, ovate oblique, pulp orange yellow. keeping quality excellent with a pleasant flavor. Pulp orange-yellow, firm pulp with scanty fibre, pulp about 65%, TSS 24.6°B. The hybrid is exceptionally rich in mangiferin and ? carotene. It takes 2-3 years to get into the bearing stage and takes 120-140 days from fruit set to fruit maturity. Variety is suitable for table purposes. The hybrid has potential for both internal and export markets because of its attractive red fruit color. It has wider adoptability, suitable for all mango growing regions in both subtropical and tropical conditions except in high rainfall areas. No major diseases and pests in this variety. Partial tolerant to anthracnose. Arunika is suitable for cultivation in mango-growing areas of the country viz., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Orissa.