Neil mango (Blue mango)- a custodian farmer variety

Neil mango/Blue mango belongs to the species, Mangifera indica, a cultivated mango species is owned by a custodian farmer Shri. Chintaharan from Neil Island. The special feature of this genotype is characteristic blue colour in the peel of the fruit and hence named as Neil mango or Blue mango. ICAR-CIARI has taken efforts for morphological and biochemical characterization of this genotype. Fruits are large in size and the individual fruit weight ranges from 700 -800 g. Fruits are delicious with yellow pulp and the average TSS recorded is 19.6oB. Another unique feature of this genotype is the occurrence of polyembryonic seedlings. This is an additional advantage of this mango as purity of the genotype can be maintained by seed propagation. The phytochemical characterization of fruit pulp showed their richness in carotenoids, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity. There is no report of serious pest and disease in this mango genotype. This Neil mango is a potential genotype and should be conserved for further utilization for commercial purpose and also breeding programmes.

Benefit:This is a unique genotype of the Island maintained by Shri. Chintaharan which has potential for commercial utilization.

Source :Contact person with Name, Designation e-mail and phone no: Dr. K. Abirami, Senior Scientist, Email: K.Abirami@icar.gov.in, Phone: 9933278631