Exploring the Traits of Two Popular Mango Varieties

Greg Howard
31st March, 2024

Exploring the Traits of Two Popular Mango Varieties

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • In Egypt, a study analyzed two mango cultivars, 'Keitt' and 'Ewais', using genetic and physical traits
  • One 'Ewais' mango was found to be genetically different from its group, suggesting it's a different cultivar
  • The SCoT marker technique was more effective than ISSR in identifying genetic differences in mangoes
Mangoes, known for their sweet taste and nutritional benefits, are a staple in many diets, especially in tropical countries like Egypt, where they are the second most common fruit. However, with the diversity of mango cultivars, accurately identifying and characterizing them is crucial for effective breeding and cultivation practices. A recent study by researchers at Ain Shams University has made significant strides in this direction[1]. The study focused on two specific cultivars of mango, ‘Keitt’ and ‘Ewais’, which are grown in Egypt. Researchers set out to achieve a precise molecular characterization of these cultivars and to assess their genetic relatedness. To do this, they used two molecular marker techniques: inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. These techniques are used to identify DNA sequences that are unique to certain genotypes, which can help differentiate between cultivars. In addition to molecular techniques, the researchers also examined pollen morphology, or the structure and form of pollen grains, which had not been previously studied for these Egyptian mango cultivars. They looked at both qualitative and quantitative morphological traits. The study also included phytochemical analyses, which involve studying the chemical compounds present in plants, to see if there was a correlation with the molecular and morphological data. Phytochemicals are responsible for the nutritive value, taste, flavor, and medicinal uses of mangoes, as highlighted in an earlier study that profiled the metabolites in Egyptian mangoes[2]. The findings of the Ain Shams University study were quite revealing. One of the six mango accessions, which was commercially identified as ‘Ewais’ cv., was found not to belong to this cultivar at all. This was confirmed through both molecular and morphological analyses, as well as through phytochemical profiles, which showed differences between this accession and the others. The study also compared the effectiveness of the ISSR and SCoT techniques in analyzing the mango genotypes. The results indicated that the SCoT markers provided more informative data, as evidenced by higher polymorphic information content (PIC) and resolving power (RP) values. This means that SCoT markers were better at detecting genetic differences between the mango accessions. These methods and findings are particularly important because mangoes are a heterozygous plant, meaning that each plant has two different alleles for a given trait. This genetic variability can make it difficult to accurately classify and breed mango cultivars without precise characterization. The research aligns with previous work that used SCoT markers to study genetic diversity in peanuts, another crop with a narrow genetic base[3]. The study from Ain Shams University goes beyond just identifying cultivars; it provides a comprehensive approach to understanding mango genetics. This includes looking at the physical characteristics of the fruit and the genetic markers, as well as the chemical makeup that contributes to the mango's qualities. This approach is essential for improving breeding programs, ensuring the correct identification of cultivars, and potentially enhancing the fruit's nutritional and medicinal value. Incorporating the earlier findings, such as the sensitivity of mango pollen development to low temperatures[4] and the composition changes in mango fruit during development and postharvest[5], this study presents a more complete picture of the factors that can affect mango breeding and cultivation. In conclusion, the Ain Shams University study provides a robust framework for the accurate characterization of mango cultivars. By combining molecular, morphological, palynological (study of pollen), and biochemical analyses, researchers can ensure the correct identification of cultivars, which is essential for advancing breeding programs and ultimately improving the quality and diversity of this beloved fruit.

GeneticsPlant ScienceAgriculture

References

Main Study

1) Molecular, morphological, palynological and biochemical characterization of six accessions of two Mangifera indica L cultivars (Keitt and Ewais) native to Egypt

Published 30th March, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-01939-y

Related Studies

2) A Comparative Metabolomics Approach for Egyptian Mango Fruits Classification Based on UV and UPLC/MS and in Relation to Its Antioxidant Effect.

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11142127

3) Start codon targeted polymorphism for evaluation of functional genetic variation and relationships in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-010-0459-6

4) Pollen wall development in mango (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00497-018-0342-5

5) Chemical Composition of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Fruit: Nutritional and Phytochemical Compounds.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.01073


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