Breeding and Horticultural Innovations for High-Yielding and Climate-Resilient Mango Cultivars

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a globally important fruit crop whose productivity and quality are increasingly threatened by climate change–induced stresses such as heat waves, drought, salinity, and erratic rainfall. This review synthesizes recent advances in breeding, genomics, horticultural management, and precision agriculture aimed at developing high-yielding and climate-resilient mango cultivars. Particular emphasis is placed on physiological and biochemical markers of abiotic stress tolerance, including antioxidant systems, osmolyte accumulation, and heat shock protein regulation. The article highlights the transformative role of genomic tools such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker-assisted selection, pangenome analysis, and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in overcoming the limitations of conventional mango breeding, including long juvenile phases and high heterozygosity. Innovations in orchard management, notably high-density and ultra-high-density planting systems, dwarfing and stress-tolerant rootstocks, and advanced canopy architecture, are discussed as key drivers of enhanced land-use efficiency and yield stability. Furthermore, the integration of precision agriculture technologies IoT-based irrigation, UAV-assisted monitoring, and AI-driven decision support systems offers scalable solutions for resource optimization and stress mitigation at the tree level. Regional breeding strategies from major mango-producing countries are reviewed to illustrate diverse adaptation pathways. Overall, the convergence of molecular breeding, climate-smart horticulture, and digital technologies provides a robust framework for ensuring the long-term sustainability, resilience, and economic viability of mango production under changing climatic conditions.