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Home , Ataulfo (mango), Bombay (mango), Brooks (mango), Cogshall (mango), Dasheri, Earlygold

ORIGIN AND CLASSIFICATION OF VARIETIES IN

R. A. Hamilton Emeritus Professor, Department of College of Tropical and Human Resources University of Hawaii at Manoa

Mangos ( indica) are widely grown of polyembronic mango that became popular in as a home garden in the warmer, drier areas Hawaii was the "Chinese" mango (,No.9'), of all major islands of Hawaii. The fruit is mostly originally from the West Indies, but so called consumed fresh as a or dessert fruit. because it was frequently grown by persons of Small quantities are also processed into mango Chinese ancestry. Indian are mostly preserves, pickles, , and sauce. mono embryonic types originating on the Indian subcontinent, a center of mango diversity. Many Production monoembryonic mango cuitivars have been Most mangos in Hawaii are grown in introduced to Hawaii as a result of their dooryards and home gardens. Although introduction and selection in , an important commercial production has been attempted, center of mango growing in the . Finally, acreages remain small. Production from year to several cuitivars, mostly seedlings of mono­ year tends to be erratic, which has resulted in embryonic cuitivars, have been selected and limited commercial success. Shipment to the U.S. named in Hawaii (Tables 1 and 2). mainland is presently prohibited due to the presence in Hawaii of tephritid fruit flies and the Introduction and Selection mango weevil, Cryptorhynchus mangiferae, which is The exact date of the first introduction of not found in other mango-growing areas of the mangos into Hawaii is not known. In attempting to United States. Opening of the U.S. market trace the date of introduction, a number of through development of an effective treatment to different lines of evidence and interpretations are disinfest mangos of the mango weevil and fruit encountered. The first documented date of flies would improve the potential for commercial introduction appears to be 1824, when Captain production. It is not known when or if this will Meek of the brig Kamehameha brought several occur. small mango plants from . These plants were divided between Don Marin, a Spanish Cultivar Types horticulturist in Honolulu, and Reverend Joseph Mango in Hawaii are classified by Goodrich, a missionary in Wailuku, Maui. embryo type: polyembryonic and monoembryonic. According to the published diary of Andrew Polyembryonic varieties develop multiple embryos, Bloxam, a midshipman aboard the HMS. Blonde, of which all except one arise from nucellar (i.e., a British Navy frigate, three small mango maternal) tissue in the developing seed. Because were brought to Honolulu from Valparaiso, Chile, of this, most seedlings from poly embryonic on this ship in 1825. These trees were planted and are genetically identical to the mother . The presumably survived. Bloxam's diary also provides single gametic embryo of such seeds, originating a list of some of the economic plants already from the sexual process of pollination, is often so growing in Hawaii prior to 1825, which did not underdeveloped and weak that it fails to include mango. Although both the 1824 and 1825 germinate. Monoembryonic variedes produce dates seem well documented, some authorities seeds with a single gametic embryo developed as a have stated that mangos were introduced to result of the sexual process. Among seedling trees Hawaii before 1824. Dr. Willis T. Pope stated that of monoembryonic varieties, vary widely in mangos were probably imported from by quality and appearance. Don Marin sometime between 1800 and 1824. It In addition to type of embryo produced, has not been possible to provide more definite mango cultivars can also be classified according to information or a specific date relating to this origin (see Table 1). Some mangos in Hawaii presumed earlier introduction. Subsequently, derived from early polyembryonic introductions however, in an unpublished manuscript, Pope are known as "Hawaiian" mangos. Another type mentioned 1824 as the probable date of the first

- 28- Table 1. Classification of mango varieties in Hawaii.

Origin

Recommenda- Hawaii Florida Other countries tion status and states for Hawaii

Suggested for Harders none Manzanillo (Mexico) commercial use Rapoza

Suggested for Ah Ping Basti No.3 Late Harumanis* () home gardens Exel Fernandin Edwards (Panama) Gouveia Keitt (Trinidad) Harders Itamaraca Kensington* () Kurashige* Pirie Manzanillo (Mexico) MomiK Otts (California) Paris Selection Tete Nene (Puerto Rico) No. 1* Pope Rapoza White Pirie

Undergoing Adams Alphan Apple* (Kenya) testing Buchanan Amin Ibrahimpur (Mexico) Fukuda Amin Sahai Fascel Borbon (Paraguay) Milda Chowsa Jacquelin * (syn. Manila)() Waianae Beauty Extrema (Paraguay) Wong Zafrani Simmonds Fall () Husnara Smith-Haden Fire Red (China) J anardin Pasand Francis () (Panama) Padiri Zill Late Keowsavoy* () Pulihora Mandeler (China) Taimuria (China) Zardalu Mun (Thailand) Nangsangwon* (Thailand) Oakrong* (Thailand) Wa Great ( China)

*Polyembryonic cultivar. introduction of mango plants into Hawaii. were introduced into Hawaii sometime before Another report of an early introduction is 1825, probably from several different sources. found in an undated publication by John Cook. In Before 1899, when S. W. Damon of Honolulu this account of historical events of the times, Cook introduced several grafted trees of Indian stated that the first mango tree planted in the varieties, most mango trees in Hawaii were territory was growing in Kalihi on the property of seedlings of the polyembryonic type commonly Captain Alexander Adams. Captain Adams is said referred to as "Hawaiian" mangos. These were to have grown this tree from seed he obtained on a also called 'Manini' mangos, after the name given trading vessel from South China which he visited to the horticulturist Don Marin by Hawaiians. in Honolulu harbor. Because these seedlings apparently came from From these accounts, it appears that mangos several different sources, individual trees of the

- 29- Table 2. Characteristics of some of the best mango cultivars recommended for growing in Hawaii.

Fruit Fruit Cultivar Origin Bearing season size (oz) quality Bearing character

Ah Ping Hawaii June-July 16-32 Good Moderate yield, regular Fairchild Panama June-July 8-12 Good Moderate yield Gouveia Hawaii July - August 12-16 Excellent Moderate yield Harders Hawaii June-August 10-12 Good Regular Keitt Florida August - October 15-30 Excellent High yield, regular Manzanillo Mexico June-July 20-30 Good Moderate yield, regular MomiK Hawaii June-July 10-12 Good Moderate yield, regular Pope Hawaii July - September 10-16 Good High yield, regular Rapoza Hawaii August - October 25-35 Excellent Heavy yield, regular

"Hawaiian" mangos often differ in tree Many of the older varieties grown before 1940 characteristics as well as fruit form, shape, and have become obsolete or extinct. Table 3 lists . mango cultivars tested to date but not presently Although poly embryonic seedlings of the recommended. Some of these cultivars are "Hawaiian" type mangos have been widely superior in other regions but do not perform well distributed on all six major inhabited islands, they or produce acceptable fruit when grown in Hawaii. have never been grown on a commercial scale. Individuals may prefer varieties that cannot be More than 40 poly embryonic seedling selections generally recommended. Many cultivars listed in have been described and given names (Tables 1 Table 3 may have value for certain persons and and 3). Some of the better "Hawaiian" varieties purposes. are still being grown as dooryard fruit trees, but none of them have become important varieties. Cultivars Grown in Hawaii Seedlings of the general "Hawaiian" type are 'Haden' originated from a '' seedling found growing along roadsides and in pastures and grown in Florida in 1902. It has been the most marginal lands throughout the state. The fruit of widely planted mango in Hawaii. The fruits are these "Hawaiian" seedling mangos is usually medium-large, weighing 16 to 24 oz. The attractive somewhat fibrous, with a odor, and not skin color of 'Haden' fruit, crimson over a deep much sought after except by children. Although yellow undercolor, has helped to support this not marketable as dessert fruit, "Hawaiian" cultivar's popularity. Although 'Haden' was mangos are often processed into mango seed undoubtedly superior to most local cultivars at the preserves, pickled mango, and chutney. time of introduction in Hawaii, it has since been In 1903 the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment ranked considerably below several other cultivars Station was established, and testing of mango in taste panel studies (Table 4). The fruit flesh is varieties for adaptation, quality, and productivity somewhat fibrous and tends to separate from and began. Up to the present time, nearly 200 varieties deteriorate around the seed, resulting in marginal have been evaluated. Many of these have been quality and poor shelf life. 'Haden' seeds are discarded for various reasons including relatively large, and the trees usually develop an unsatisfasctory production, inferior quality, undesirable alternate-year bearing habit. All the unattractive color, and susceptibility to cultivars recommended here for commercial or anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum home garden planting are superior to 'Haden' in gloeosporioides. Anthracnose resistance, or at least fruit quality and bearing habit. some degree of tolerance, is necessary in mangos 'Gouveia' was named in 1964 for Mrs. Ruth grown in Hawaii. This is because rainy weather Gouveia of Palolo Valley, Oahu, who planted the and high humidity frequently occur during the seed from which the original seedling tree grew. flowering season. Under these conditions 'Gouveia' is probably a seedling of the 'Pirie' susceptible varieties usually set few or no fruits. cultivar. The trees produce excellent quality,

- 30- medium-sized fruits that are distinctively aromatic locations where wet, humid weather conditions and highly flavored. 'Gouveia' is best adapted to usually result in poor production by other "ideal" mango-growing areas, which are warm, varieties. sunny, and relatively dry. The quality and bearing 'Rapoza' was selected about 1984 by R. A. do not develop well in marginal areas which are Hamilton and J. H. Rapoza from a seedling of cool and humid during flowering and fruit setting. '' grown at the University of Hawaii's 'Harders' is an excellent variety for both Poamoho Research Station in the mid-1970s. It commercial and home garden plantings. It produces large, attractive, excellent quality fruits originated from a tree of unknown parentage weighing 25 to 35 oz. It is generally late bearing, grown in Manoa, Oahu, recognized by Robert M. the fruits maturing over a long period from mid­ Warner, a University of Hawaii horticulturist in July to October. the mid-1970s. 'Harders' produces attractive, 'Manzanillo', which originated in the state of highly colored, medium-sized fruits of very good , Mexico, is probably a 'Haden' seedling. It quality. The trees bear regularly and frequently was introduced to Hawaii in 1978. 'Manzanillo' produce off-season fruit in late fall and winter. produces large, attractive, mild-flavored fruits 'Ah Ping' originated as a seedling planted by which are of good quality half-ripe as well as when Mrs. Chun Ah Ping of Mapulehu, Molokai. The fully ripe. The fruits usually mature in June and fruits are medium-large, ranging from 16 to 32 oz, July. and have a very attractive skin color similar to that of 'Haden'. Fruit appearance is excellent and Discussion and Summary quality is good. The fruits generally ripen in June There is more interest developing in new fruit and July. crops and new mango varieties than at any time in 'Pope' is a consistently high-yielding, regular­ the past 50 years. Mangos have been grown in bearing cultivar selected by R. A. Hamilton and Hawaii for about 150 years but have not yet named in 1960 in honor of Willis T. Pope, developed into a viable commercial industry. horticulturist at the Hawaii Agricultural Climatic factors often adversely affect mango Experiment Station from 1920 to 1937. 'Pope' production in Hawaii and lead to poor quality and originated in Hawaii from a seedling of the variety loss of crop from anthracnose and powdery 'Irwin', from Florida. 'Pope' mangos mature in mildew. Mangos nevertheless remain a favorite July and August. Fruits are medium in size (12 to home garden fruit in Hawaii. Restrictions against 18 oz). The undercolor of ripe fruit is greenish exporting fresh mangos to the U.S. mainland yellow, which in the popular conception is less remain in effect, but both Canada and Alaska desirable than yellow undercolor. Fruit quality is accept mangos exported from Hawaii without much better than 'Haden'. restriction. ' 'Keitt' originated in Florida as a seedling of Insect and disease problems limit production, 'Mulgoba'. 'Keitt' is presently the best export and some of these can be controlled. To date, variety in the Americas. It bears well and late in however, very few control measures are applied to Hawaii, usually maturing one to two months after most of the mangos produced, which are grown midseason cultivars. The fruits weigh from 15 to mostly in small plots or as dooryard fruit trees. 30 oz, and the flavor and quality are excellent. These problems are being addressed at this 'Momi K' originated from a seedling grown in conference by other speakers. Waipahu, Oahu, by Mrs. (Oliver) Ka Lei Momi Present plantings of mangos are mostly Kinney. It was evaluated by University of Hawaii confined to a few old varieties such as 'Haden' and horticulturists in 1957. The trees bear regularly, 'Pirie', which have serious shortcomings as producing moderate crops of very good quality, commercial varieties. A number of new selected or mild-flavored, medium-sized fruits, maturing in imported varieties offer better possibilities. The June and July. older varieties 'Pirie' and 'Haden' are, however, so 'Fairchild' was introduced to Hawaii from much better known and widely planted that no Panama by Walter Lindsey in the 1920s. It rapid change is likely to occur. New varieties produces small yellow fruits of very good quality bearing better crops of improved quality fruits weighing 8 to 12 oz. This cultivar is considered with longer shelf life are only beginning to be relatively tolerant of anthracnose and produces in planted experimentally. areas considered marginal for mango production. It takes many years for new varieties to attain It is recommended for home gar dens in cool commercial status. In the case of macadamias, it

- 31- has taken about 20 years for new varieties to are not well informed about better alternatives become accepted and planted on a commercial and because 'Pirie' and 'Haden' are what their scale. customers ask for. I doubt if this will change In the case of mangos it may take even longer, quickly, although 'Rapoza', 'Harders', and other because old dooryard mango trees are seldom excellent home garden varieties are beginning to replaced after they are in production. There are be propagated and sold on Oahu. presently nine excellent, relatively new mango Mangos continue to be a favorite fruit in varieties recommended for planting in Hawaii: Hawaii. The search continues for better adapted one each from Florida, Mexico, and Panama, and varieties with higher quality fruits and more six local selections (Table 2). This list does not reliable bearing behavior than 'Haden' and 'Pirie'. include 'Haden' and 'Pirie', which are considered Superior new varieties have been developed and obsolete, although there are thousands of trees of are already available for planting. These new these two varieties bearing in dooryard plantings varieties can eventually replace the two older but throughout the state. less desirable varieties which now predominate Garden shops and nurseries continue to only because they were introduced first. advertise and sell 'Pirie' and 'Haden', because they

Table 3. Mango cultivars tested but not presently recommended.

(Note: The varieties listed in this table have been evaluated but are not considered satisfactory by present standards of color, flavor, firmness, uniformity, productivity, or disease tolerance. Most of these varieties are no longer cultivated. It is understandable that individuals may be partial to certain varieties on this list and therefore continue to grow them for home use.)

Alphonse Ewa Lotts Sandershaw Amini Farrar Ludwig Schobank Ameeri Fiji Long Manini Banganapalli Fiji Short Maya Shibata Batu Ferringhi Freitas McDougal Smith Bennet's Alphonse French Wine Mulgoa Smith-Wooten Bicknell Georgiana Mulgoba SomKeo Won Bishop Hansen Mundappa Steward Blackman Harries Murashige Suvarnarekha Borsha Helens Nam Doc Mai Tamuriya Himayuddin Neelum Tenney Bombay Yellow Holt Nimrod Texeira Brindabani Irwin Non Plus Ultra Tolbert Calidad Jamshedi Oahu Cambodiana Joe Welch (syn. Ono Totapari Cherukurasam Mapulehu) Van Raj Chinese Kalihi Opureva Victoria Cigar Waterhouse Kinney Paris Whalen Crescent Larnach Whitney Cowasji Patel Lazarus Prince Wooten D'or Chutney R2T2 Lewis Roberts Ehrhorn S-T

- 32- Table 4. Taste panel scores for some mango cultivars grown at Poamoho Research Station, Oahu (from UH Cooperative Extension Service Circular 435, 1969).

Skin Flesh Size and Proportion of Cultivar Flavor Texture color color shape seed to flesh Total

Gouveia 29.0 21.0 12.5 4.3 4.5 4.8 76.1 Pope 26.5 24.1 12.6 3.8 4.1 4.5 75.6 MomiK 25.7 22.5 14.0 3.7 3.0 4.4 73.3 Pirie 29.1 22.3 9.2 3.3 3.0 3.0 69.9 Zill 23.6 18.8 11.9 3.4 3.1 4.2 65.0 Haden 17.7 17.6 15.3 3.4 3.7 2.9 60.6 Joe Welch 17.2 18.9 11.3 3.2 4.2 4.1 58.9

Highest possible score 35.0 30.0 20.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 100.0

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