Numerical taxonomic studies of mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties in Nigeria

Summary The major characters which account for the variation among the mango varieties in Nigeria were studied using PCA and SCLA. Thirty-one varieties were collected in all ecological zones of the country. Altogether 64 characters were observed and coded for analysis. The results from both methods divided the varieties into two or four groups. The PCA showed that the combination of qualitative and quantitative data as well as combination of few vegetative characters with many reproductive characters are important for mango classification. The primary and secondary characters in classification of mango varieties are discussed.