Genetic Resources of Mango: Status, Threats, and Future Prospects

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important fruit crop cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The importance of conservation of wild species is very much essential to avoid the genetic erosion as many species of mango are already threatened by loss of their habitat. Recent reports have indicated that four species of the common mango, viz., M. pajang, M. zeylanica, M. lalijiwa, and M. odorata, have been listed as endangered, while another species Mangifera casturi has been listed as extinct even in its wild habitat. The collection and conservation of tree species like mango needs to be given a special attention due to its varied ecosystems, high level of extinction threats, socioeconomic, cultural, and nutritive value. The mango germplasm is being conserved through various in situ and ex situ approaches. The custodian farmers of the mango are adding to conservation efforts through their on-farm conservation of valuable germplasm. The availability of the draft genome of the mango is serving as a valuable tool for molecular characterization studies focused on the identification of candidate genes governing color and ripening of the fruit. The tropical fruit genetic resources are being documented as hardcopy in books, journals, and other print and electronic media making information readily available to the end users of the germplasm. Identification of the diverse germplasm for higher yield to develop broad-based cultivars suited for changing climate can help achieve food and nutritional security demands of the increasing global population.