News in Brief:
– Manbulloo Limited has planted 24,000 new mango trees of three new varieties after 25 years of development by a breeding program.
– These new varieties are noted for their excellent flavour, consistent flowering, and high yield.
Manbulloo Limited, a leading mango grower in Australia, has recently cultivated three innovative mango varieties —Yess!, AhHa!, and Now!— in Northern Territory and Queensland. These new varieties are the culmination of 25 years of development and promise to bring exciting changes to the mango market.
The new mango varieties are the fruits of the National Mango Breeding Program, which has been working to create mangoes that are flavourful, high-yielding, and resilient. These new varieties were awarded to Manbulloo Limited for commercial rollout in 2022, a report says.
Manbulloo has planted about 4,000 trees at its Ballongilly farm near Katherine, Northern Territory. Additionally, 20,000 trees are being planted across Queensland among 26 different growers. This large-scale planting indicates the significant potential and expected success of these new varieties.
Benefits of the new varieties
The Yess! variety is known for its great flavor, consistent flowering, and heavy yield. It is particularly suited for the Northern Territory, where it matures earlier than in other regions. Meanwhile, the AhHa! and Now! varieties boast excellent taste and robustness, making them attractive for both domestic and international markets.
A significant challenge at Ballongilly farm has been protecting the young mango trees from wallabies, a small marsupial that eats the fruits. Farm manager Trevor Nelson mentioned to a media outlet that they have erected a large fence with a skirt to keep these animals at bay. This practical solution highlights the common challenge of wildlife management in farming.
Manbulloo’s managing director, Marie Piccone, stated that the initial focus would be on the domestic market, with plans to explore export opportunities. The exceptional taste and quality of these mangoes hold potential for markets worldwide, depending on profitability and demand.
Farmers worldwide can learn from Australia’s approach to developing and commercialising new fruit varieties. The long-term investment in breeding programs, large-scale collaboration among growers, and addressing local challenges like wildlife interference are key takeaways.
