Classification of Mango Cultivars (Mangifera indica L.) in Jazan, Sw Saudi Arabia Regarding Their Market Values

The morphological and morphometric characteristics of fruits and seeds were used to study the numerical classification of fourteen mango (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae) cultivars in Jazan, South West Saudi Arabia. A data matrix was created to accommodate thirty-four characters, which recorded comparative data. The cluster analysis (UPGMA) for classification, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and principal component analysis (PCA) for ordination were carried out using PC-ord, PAST, and CANOCO program packages, respectively. Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the significance of using characters of fruits and seeds for the discrimination of the examined mango cultivars. Three varieties groups were resulted: group (AI) shared commercially desired traits such vibrant colour, fragrant, juicy pulp, and compacted thin stone that make them ideal for both domestic and international markets when consumed fresh; group (AII) suited for processing mangos rather than for consumption due to certain unpleasant eating characteristics such as thick stone with a high number of long fibers, a low pulp percentage, loose pulp, and a high pulp fiber content; and group (B) which appeal to the export market for fiber less pulp, a low amount of short fibers on the stone, and good storage qualities as they remained fresh for ten days after harvest. It is the first time to study the relationships among the commercial cultivars of fruit crops like mango in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the appropriateness of various cultivars for fruit processing, exporting, fresh, or domestic consumption is advised.