The BARI Mango-4 (often called BARI Aam-4) is one of the most successful hybrid mango varieties developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). It was released in 2003 and has since become a favorite among both farmers and consumers due to its high yield and excellent taste.
Here is a detailed description of the variety:
1. Origin and Development
Type: Hybrid.
Parentage: It is a cross between the local Ashina (female) and the Florida variety M-3896 (male).
Purpose: It was developed to combine the "late-season" advantage of Ashina with the superior sweetness and color of the Florida variety.
2. Physical Characteristics
Fruit Shape: Large and roughly round to oval/oblong.
Fruit Size: Individual fruits typically weigh between 600g to 700g, making it significantly larger than many local varieties.
Color: The skin remains green or turns a light yellowish-green even when fully ripe. The internal flesh is a deep, vibrant golden-yellow.
Texture: The flesh is firm, very juicy, and almost entirely fiberless, providing a smooth eating experience.
3. Flavor and Quality
Taste: Exceptionally sweet with a rich tropical aroma.
Brix Level: It has a high sugar content, with Brix ratings typically ranging from 21% to 24.5%.
Unripe Quality: Notably, the unripe (green) fruit is also relatively sweet, unlike many other varieties that are very sour before ripening.
4. Cultivation and Yield
Harvest Season: It is a late-season variety. While most mangoes finish in June, BARI-4 typically ripens in late July to early August, helping to extend the mango season in Bangladesh.
Yield: It is known for "regular bearing" (fruiting every year) and high productivity, yielding approximately 20 tons per hectare.
Shelf Life: Because of its firm flesh, it has a good shelf life and can be stored at room temperature for several days after ripening, making it ideal for commercial transport.
5. Key Benefits for Growers
Disease Resistance: It shows good resistance to common pests like the fruit fly.
Adaptability: It grows well across various agro-climatic zones in Bangladesh, especially in the hilly regions and the northern districts like Naogaon and Rajshahi.
