Exploring variability for morphological and quality traits in natural seedling origin mango germplasm of South Gujarat

In order to determine the diversity in local seedling origin mango genotypes from different five districts (Navsari, Valsad, Dang, Tapi and Surat) of South Gujarat region during 2021–2023, which have been found in orchards or backyards by using IPGRI mango descriptor. The exploration of genetic resources was carried out to find alternative genotype against prevailing varieties in the state and it sustain mango production in future. A total of 113 mango seedlings were identified and characterized on basis of 7 qualitative, 12 quantitative and 6 biochemical parameters using Completely Randomized Design with three replications of quantitative characteristics. High variation among genotypes was observed with respect qualitative, quantitative and biochemical parameters. Ten superior genotypes were identified based on five commercially important traits viz., fruit weight (> 200 g), pulp percentage (> 60.00%), TSS (> 20 °Brix), shelf life (> 7 days) and overall acceptability (> 7 point). The genetic variability revealed that higher heritability coupled with higher genetic advance as per cent of mean for 12 quantitative characteristics namely mature fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, pulp weight, peel weight, stone weight, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars. The First three Principal component contributed 70.21% of total variation and characters such as mature fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, pulp weight, peel weight and stone weight most contributing towards diversity in germplasm. Hierarchical cluster analysis resulted the genotypes was grouped into three clusters and genotypes present in cluster III (20) and cluster I (39) had found most divers from each other.