Abstract
An investigation on the growth, fruiting behaviour and physico-chemical characters of some mango germplasm was carried out at the Germplasm Centre (GP) of Fruit Tree Improvement Project, Department of Horticulture as well as the laboratories of Horticulture, Soil Science, Bio-chemistry, Genetics and Plant Breeding of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The experiments were conducted during the period of 2000 - 2001, 2001 - 2002 and 2002 - 2003. Seven mango germplasm viz. Amrapali, Mallika, Hybrid-10, Mixed Special, Sindhu, Neelumbori and Gopalbhog of 4-6 years old plant were studied. A wide range of variations were observed among the germplasm in different characters. The highest tree volume was recorded in Gopalbhog and that of minimum in Sindhu. The growth rate of scion was faster in Gopalbhog followed by Mallika, Neelumbori and minimum rate was recorded in Sindhu. This indicates that the Gopalbhog had the tallness, Mallika and Neelumbori semi dwarf, and the rest of the germplasm were dwarf in nature. The length and number of leaves in new flushes was the highest in Gopalbhog. While the lowest length and number of leaves in new flush was recorded in Amrapali and Mallika, respectively. The earliest flowering occurred in Hybrid-10 and that of the latest in Mixed Special, Neelumbori and Gopalbhog. The maximum flowering duration was recorded in Hybrid-10 and Amrapali and minimum in Gopalbhog. The number of flowers per panicle was the highest in Amrapali and the lowest in Neelumbori. The number and per cent of hermaphrodite flowers per panicle was the highest in Mixed Special and Amrapali and that of the lowest in Neelumbori and Hybrid-10. The maximum anthesis takes place at 8.00 AM in all the germplasm except Hybrid-10, where it occurs at 11.00 AM. The highest number and per cent of anther dehisced in all germplasm at 11.00 AM. The length and breadth of panicle was the highest in Mixed Special and the lowest in Neelumbori. On the basis of flowering intensity, Gopalbhog had distinct "on" and "off" year production tendency and rest of the germplasm having regular bearing tendency. The pollens varied from oval, oblong oval, spherical and triangular shape. The viability of pollen was the maximum at the date of dehiscence and decreased gradually with increasing storage duration. The receptivity of stigma was the maximum at the date of flower opening. The biggest and smallest fruits recorded in Hybrid-10 and Sindhu, respectively. Per cent edible portion was the highest in Hybrid-10, Mallika and Sindhu, and the lowest in Gopalbhog. On the basis of organoleptic evaluation Amrapali seems to be the best germplasm followed by Gopalbhog but Sindhu and Mixed Special acquired the worst. Total, reducing and non-reducing sugar was the highest in Amrapali and the lowest in Mixed Special. The harvested fruits per panicle were the highest in Sindhu and the lowest in Mallika and Hybrid-10. The maximum fruit dropping occurred within four weeks of fruit set. The yield per hectare was the highest in Amrapali followed by Mixed Special and the lowest in Hybrid-10. The maximum storage duration under normal storage condition was recorded in Amrapali and Mixed Special; and the minimum in Hybrid-10 and Gopalbhog. The study showed that the germplasm Amrapali was the best in respect to fruit quality, yield and regular bearing habit.