Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) has revealed nine new mango varieties in a press conference on June 8, 2022.
According to Carolyn E. Alcasid, Program leader of the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippine mango products are exported to 48 countries, with Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong as major importers of the Philippines’ national fruit. She also mentioned that as of the moment, only the “Carabao” mango is the only export variety in the country. However, this variety’s market potential is hampered due to factors such as quality inconsistency, short shelf life, and preference for other varieties.
Alcasid mentioned that the identification of promising mango selections in the country could provide opportunities, allowing the production of other varieties to suit different consumer preferences, especially during the Carabao mango production’s off-season and lean months.