Scientists revive forgotten mango varieties in Sangareddy

Scientists in Hyderabad are working to revive forgotten mango varieties through grafting and preservation efforts. The Fruit Research Station in Sangareddy is at the center of this movement. Varieties like ‘Gundu Mamidi’ and ‘Amma Chettu’ have unique flavors and cultural importance but have disappeared from commercial markets. Grafting is a technique that helps preserve the genetic material of these old trees. A principal official at the station, A Bhagavan, noted the challenge of preserving non-commercial varieties. He emphasized the importance of maintaining genetic diversity for future generations. The station has over 400 varieties of non-commercial mango trees, making it a key site for genetic preservation. Local communities and enthusiasts are also crucial in this revival. Many, including NRIs from places like Hanumakonda and Warangal, use grafting to propagate old trees. K Suresh, an NRI from Canada, shared how he preserved a 100-year-old tree from his village and created 1,500 grafted saplings to share with others. These ancient trees carry rich cultural stories. Rammohan Rao Errabelli from Kalleda village talked about one such tree he maintained. He highlighted the need for institutional support to catalog and preserve these old trees for the future. The preservation of these mango varieties offers significant value beyond nostalgia. Researchers see them as vital genetic resources that could provide insights into disease resistance and adaptability. As climate change impacts agriculture, these varieties may prove critical for future mango cultivation. Interestingly, many cherished mango varieties were once promoted by local rulers, like zamindars and nawabs. K Sudhir shared that the Kurnool Nawab was influential in popularizing the Banginapalli variety, which is now commercially successful.