Genetic Variability and Morpho-Agronomic Characterization of Some Mango ( <i>Mangifera indica</i> L.) Cultivars and Varieties in Nigeria

Mango stands as a critical tree crop with significant economic value on a global scale. This is attributed to the advantageous effects of its mineral content, abundance of vitamins, and biologically active compounds, all of which contribute to the overall health and well-being of consumers. Therefore, it needs special attention for its emergence through the phenotypic characterization of the existing varieties. To do this, we characterized agro-morphologically different mango varieties in some parts of Nigeria. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the genetic variation and morpho-agronomic traits of different mango varieties in Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative data from mango leaves were recorded from 10 mature leaves and mango fruits in 4 States of different agroecological zones of Nigeria. The genetic variability, phenotypic and genotypic variances, coefficients of genotypic and phenotypic variation, broad sense heritability, and genetic advance, based on morpho-agronomic traits, were evaluated. Analysis of variance and descriptive analysis through the coefficient of variability revealed an extensive diversity and the prospect of genetic selection for profitable characters. Broad sense heritability for all the characters varied from 44.61% for petiole length to 98.48% for pulp weight and fruit weight, indicating moderate to high inheritability. Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) was high in all the traits studied and ranged from 28.27% to 172.58%. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), demonstrating the extent of environmental effects. Edible rate is significantly and positively corrected with fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, peel weight, pulp weight, seed length, seed width, pulp%, and pulp thickness.