Introduction: The Mango Seed Challenge
Mango (Mangifera indica L.), belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, is the most important commercially grown fruit crop in India, known as the king of fruits. India boasts the richest collection of mango cultivars and leads the world in mango production, accounting for about 50% of the global output. Mango cultivation, believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, has been a staple in southern Asia for nearly six thousand years.
The economic importance of mangoes is immense due to their wide adaptability, high nutritional value, variety, taste, and flavor. Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, with good varieties containing 20% total soluble sugars, 0.2-0.5% acid content, and about 1% protein content.
India holds the top position globally as the largest mango producer, contributing 46% of the world’s mango-growing area and 40% of its total production. In Tamil Nadu alone, mango cultivation spans across 125,104 hectares, yielding approximately 537,780 metric tons with an average productivity of 4.30 metric tons per hectare. Notable mango cultivation districts in the state include Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Vellore, Dindigul, Thiruvallur, and Theni.