Mango Field Gene Bank in Gurudas College, Kolkata, West Bengal

Field gene banks provide an easy and ready access to the plant genetic resources, for characterization, evaluation or utilization. Murshidabad and Malda districts of West Bengal are famous for their traditional mango varieties. More than 200 mango varieties were recorded during the time of the royals of Murshidabad and Malda districts. The cuttings of 25 mango varieties viz., Bara Sahi, Begam Fuli, Bel kusum, Bimli, Biswanath, Bombai, Champa, Chousa, Churmur, Dobani, Do Phala, Golap Bhog, Golap Khas, Himsagar, Kishen Bhog, Lakhna, Langra, Mallika, Molam Jam, Motichur, Rani Pasand, Sadullah, Sahi, Saranga, Surma Fazli. were transferred to a small plot of land of about 600 sq. yards, later fenced off and named as ‘Amrakunja’ in the Golden Jubilee Complex campus, Gurudas College, for conservation and propagation in July, 2016, with the verbal assurance of the then Teacher in Charge (Fig. 1). It has been found that within a span of 2 years all the 25 varieties survived and thrived (Fig. 2). This field gene bank of mango plants is decided to be maintained by members of Vasudha, the Nature Club of Gurudas College, Kolkata.