Ford Mango: A Study in Cultivar Development

Origins and Parentage

The ‘Ford’ mango originated in South Florida. A 2005 pedigree study estimated that it was a seedling of the ‘Tommy Atkins’ variety.

Cultivation Challenges

Despite its origins, the ‘Ford’ mango did not gain popularity in commercial agriculture or among home growers. This was primarily due to its tendency for the fruit to split open while still on the tree, coupled with a lackluster eating quality.

Physical Characteristics

The fruit of the ‘Ford’ mango is notable for its large size, typically ranging from 2 to 5 pounds at maturity.

Conservation Status

While not widely cultivated, ‘Ford’ mango trees are preserved in several germplasm repositories for research and conservation purposes. Notable locations include the USDA’s germplasm repository in Miami, Florida, the University of Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida, and the Miami-Dade Fruit and Spice Park, also in Homestead.

Conclusion

In summary, the ‘Ford’ mango is a South Florida cultivar with a lineage tracing back to the ‘Tommy Atkins’ variety. Its propensity for fruit splitting and subpar eating quality have limited its adoption in both commercial and residential settings. Nevertheless, it remains part of germplasm collections, contributing to the diversity and study of mango cultivars.

Mango Characteristics

• Taste: Classic
• Sweetness: Poor
• Sourness: Mild
• Fiber Content: Little
• Fruit Size: Giant
• Eaten Green: No
• Production: Poor
• Season: Mid
• Growth Habit: Average
• Tree Size: Medium
• Disease Resistance: Average
• Seed Type: Monoembryonic