Two types of mangoes are grown in Kenya, the local and the exotic or improved varieties. The latter are usually grafted on local mangoes and are grown for the export market. Most local varieties tend to have high fibre content, commonly referred to as “stringy” and this characteristic makes them unpopular for local consumption.
The local varieties are Ngowe, Dodo, Boribo and Batawi. The exotic varieties are Apples, Kent, Keit, Tommy atkins, Van Dyke, Haden, Sensation, Sabre, Sabine, Pafin, Maya, Kenstone and Gesine
Recommended varieties in coastal regions and other warm areas
|
Variety |
Marketing season |
Fruit Size |
Fruit colour |
Flesh/ textures/sweetness |
|
1. Ngowe |
Early |
Large & Long |
Deep Yellow |
Excellent Flesh quality Fibre free |
|
2. Boribo |
Mid Season |
Large & long but not as slender as Ngowe |
Deep orange red |
Fibre free |
|
3. Apple |
Late |
Round |
Rich Yellow and Red |
Very sweet, fibre free |
|
4. Batawi |
Mid-season |
Very large & round |
Rich olive green to purpe maroon colour |
Good texture, little fibre & sweet |
New varieties – mostly for other warm areas
|
Variety |
Marketing season |
Fruit Size |
Fruit colour |
Flesh/ textures/sweetness |
|
1. Tommy Atkins |
Early |
400-600gm |
Red, |
Deep Yellow flesh, Firm, very sweet & moderate fibre |
|
2. Kent |
Mid-season |
450-800gm |
Green/red/yellow |
Soft, sweet & fibreless |
|
3. Van Dyke |
Mid –season |
280-400gm |
Red |
Medium texture with scanty |
|
4. Kensington |
Mid-Season |
250-300gm |
Red/Yellow |
Very Sweet, soft & fibreless |
|
5. Haden |
Early |
450-680gm |
Red/Yellow |
Medium texture with scanty fibre |
Preferred varieties for export are:
- Ngowe
- Apple
- Kent
- Boribo
Notes:
Tommy Atkins –Has long shelf life. Resistant to Anthracnose and Powdery mildews
Ngowe – susceptible to Powderly mildews
Haden – Can be Used as rootstock because of its good quality – medium to large size; very juicy, pleasant aroma
Kent – Late maturing
Apple – susceptible to Anthracnose and Powdery mildews
