Assessing the Genetic Diversity of Indonesian Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Germplasm Based on Morphological Character

Research Center for Horticulture, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, Indonesia National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Jl. Raya Jakarta – Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong, 16811, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: shadiati@yahoo.com

Abstract

The dissemination of mango (Mangifera indica L.) into Indonesia has led to remarkable genetic and phenotypic diversification. This diversity primarily results from the species' open pollination system, which enables natural hybridization and promotes the emergence of new cultivars with distinct characteristics. Over extended periods of adaptation to diverse agroecological conditions, these genotypes have evolved into stable local cultivars that reflect strong environmental interactions and selection pressures. Currently, Indonesia conserves approximately 187 local and introduced mango cultivars in a centralized germplasm collection. This extensive diversity serves as a valuable genetic resource for pre-breeding, breeding, and conservation programs aimed at enhancing mango productivity, adaptability, and fruit quality. Morphological and phenotypic characterization provides a cost-effective and reliable method for assessing genetic variation, serving as a preliminary step before employing molecular or genomic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of 187 Indonesian mango accessions based on phenotypic traits. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that nine quantitative characters contributed predominantly to total variation, explaining 48.023% of the diversity (PC1). In contrast, qualitative traits showed no single character with a dominant influence on overall variability. Cluster analysis based on qualitative characteristics further grouped the 187 accessions into three major clusters, indicating the existence of phenotypic similarities that may reflect underlying genetic relationships. These findings highlight the substantial genetic richness of Indonesian mango germplasm and its potential utilization in future genetic improvement and conservation strategies.