Multi-trait Analysis and Anatomical Characterization of Mango Cultivars: Insights into Mealybug Resistance and Horticultural Performance

The mealybug (Ferrisia virgate) is a major agricultural pest, affecting various crops and potentially damaging mango trees. Purpose: Evaluate the relationships between the anatomical characteristics of the tested mango cultivar leaves and the mealybug infestation. Results: Zebda mango cultivar had the maximum number of F. virgata, possessed the thinnest upper and lower epidermal layers both on the main leaf and at the "wing". Its leaf midrib is thinner and narrower compared to other mango cultivars. Moreover, this cultivar exhibits smaller dimensions in several vascular tissues, including phloem resin canal, central vascular cylinder, and xylem vessel in the vascular bundle. These anatomical characteristics might contribute to higher pest susceptibility. In contrast, Taimour mango cultivar had the lowest F. virgata population density and characterized by thicker upper and lower epidermal layers, which may be a defensive response to the pest. This implies that certain anatomical characteristics may play a role in the resistance of mango trees to pests.