CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIGENOUS MANGO GERMPLASM ADAPTED TO SODIC SOILS OF AYODHYA, UTTAR PRADESH

Abstract

Morphological characterization provides an essential first record for locally maintained mango germplasm and future breeding programs. Nine indigenous mango genotypes, designated AMR-1 to AMR-9, were characterized from the salt effected sodic soil in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India, during 2023–2025. Crown shape, growth habit, foliage density, leaf blade shape, leaf apex, leaf base, leaf margin and six external fruit characters were scored using the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute mango descriptors. Spreading growth habit occurred in seven genotypes (77.8%); five genotypes (55.6%) had intermediate foliage density and four (44.4%) had dense foliage. Eight genotypes (88.9%) had lanceolate leaf blades, whereas AMR-3 was elliptic. All genotypes had an acuminate leaf apex and acute leaf base, and AMR-9 alone had a wavy margin. Fruit morphology was more variable: elliptic fruit occurred in three genotypes, ovoid and obovoid fruit in two genotypes each, and roundish and oblong fruit in one genotype each. AMR-9 combined an erect tree habit, dense foliage, a wavy leaf margin and an oblong fruit with an acute apex. The descriptor profiles document visible differences among the sampled trees and provide a basis for conservation and further evaluation.