Varieties of Mandarin Oranges in India

Varieties

          In India, specific cultivars of mandarins are cultivated in different regions. For example, Coorg mandarin is typical to Coorg and Wynad regions of Karnataka, whereas Nagpur mandarin is ideally-suited to Vidarbha region. Similarly, Darjeeling mandarin, Khasi and Sumithra mandarins are basically adapted to Darjeeling, Khasi hills and Assam respectively.

       Of many exotic introductions, Kinnow mandarin has acclamatized very well in semi-arid irrigated zones of Punjab and its adjoining states, and in Nagpur and Akola regions of Maharashtra.

Important characteristics of some of the mandarins cultivated in India are:

Coorg

           The most important commercial variety in south India, it is particularly grown on a large scale in Coorg and Wynad tracts. The trees are very vigorous and upright with compact foliage, sparingly spinous. Fruits medium to large, bright orange in colour, oblate to globose in shape, base necked or depressed, rind thin to medium thick, easily peeled, segments 9–11; juice abundant; seeds 14–30, matures during February–March.

Khasi

           It is a commercially-grown variety of mandarin in Assam, Meghalaya and north-eastern states. It is locally known as Sikkim or Kamala mandarin. Its trees are medium to large with erect habit, dense foliage , both thorny and thornless. Fruits depressed, globose to ovate, orange-yellow to bright orange, surface smooth, base even, occasionally short-necked, segments 8–10; abundantly juicy, juice orange coloured; seeds 9–25.

Nagpur

           Occupying a premier position among Indian mandarins, it is one of the finest mandarins grown in the world. It is also known as Ponkan. The trees are vigorous, spineless with compact foliage; leaves narrowly lanceolate. Fruits medium-sized, sub-globose, cadmium coloured, surface smooth, base slightly drawn out with glandular furrows; rind thin, loosely adherent; segments 10–11; juice abundant, saffron coloured; seeds 6–7. It matures during January–February.

Kinnow

         It is a first generation hybrid between King × Willow Leaf. First introduced in Punjab, it has performed well and gained commercial significance. Plants are medium to large, erect, symmetrical, dense foliage with a few scattered spines; leaves broadly lanceolate. Fruits medium, oblate, base flattened, deep orange-yellow coloured on ripening; rind thin, adherent to segments; segments 9–10, very juicy; seeds 12–24; fruit maturity in mid-January; somewhat irregular-bearer.