Appemidi (Mangifera indica L.) from western Ghats of Karnataka, India

In India besides Indo-Burma (NE) region, the Western Ghats (WG) also happens to be one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, in recent times this biodiversity is under threat due to degradation and fragmentation of prominently diverse tropical rainforest. This biodiversity of Western Ghats includes varieties of mango (Mangifera indica), which are mainly used for whole fruited immature fruits popularly known as ‘Appemidi’ in Karnataka. An exploratory study was carried out to review the morphological traits (fruit and leaf) and biochemical traits (total phenols and total flavonoids) in fifty Appemidi genotypes. The sap (latex) of the fruit is also a rich source of organic compounds (total volatiles) mainly, suggesting its potential to be used essentially in the food industry (pickling). Divergence observed in these traits, gives intimating advantage for multi-type cultivar advancement focusing on food and pharmacy. With several of the genotypes becoming extinct due to negligence and exploitation there is an urgent need to conserve in situ as well as ex situ. Not only some of them can be promoted for cultivation but also these could be used further in the breeding programs as a source for desirable traits for pickling. The outcome achieved in the study can be utilized as input for domestication and promote extensive use of the species, eventually helping to conserve wild fruit species.