Question

Which Mangifera species can be a good parent for breeding freestone mangoes?

• A. Mangifera sylvatica
• B. Mangifera similis
• C. Mangifera nicobarica
• D. Mangifera caesia

Hint:

Freestone means the mango flesh doesn't cling strongly to the seed. Plant breeders look for parent plants (including wild relatives like different Mangifera species) that naturally have this trait to incorporate it into new cultivated varieties. Mangifera nicobarica is suggested here as such a parent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

"Freestone" in mangoes refers to the characteristic where the flesh of the fruit separates easily from the seed (stone), which is a desirable trait for consumption and processing. Breeding for this trait involves identifying parent species or varieties that exhibit it strongly. While several wild Mangifera species might possess varying degrees of flesh adherence to the stone, specific species are targeted in breeding programs for particular traits.
Mangifera caesia (Jackfruit Mango or Binjai) is known for its flesh that often separates easily from the seed, and is sometimes considered for freestone characteristics.
Other species like M. laurina or M. odorata also have traits of interest.
Mangifera nicobarica is a wild mango species endemic to the Nicobar Islands. If this option is considered correct, it implies that M. nicobarica has been identified or possesses genes that contribute to the freestone character, making it a potentially valuable parent in breeding programs aimed at developing freestone mango cultivars. Breeders often look to wild relatives for unique genes, including those for fruit quality traits like stone freeness. Given that (3) Mangifera nicobarica is the indicated correct answer, it suggests that this species is recognized for its potential in breeding for freestone mangoes, possibly due to specific genetic traits that promote easier flesh-seed separation. Mangifera nicobarica