New research aims to identify the needs of one of India's and Australia's most loved fruits – mangoes. 

Researchers from Western Sydney University were awarded an Australia-India Council (AIC) grant to investigate mango varieties and their pollinators in Australia and India. The project will also make industry recommendations on planting regimes in response to climate change. 

Research lead Dr James Makinson from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment said changing climatic conditions in Australian and Indian mango growing regions require a renewed approach to pollination to future-proof the industry.

“The project will determine which insect floral visitors are important for optimising crop yield in different regions, and how these species will respond to climate change,” said Dr Makinson.

“Comparing floral biology of mango varieties by measuring traits such as nectar volume, concentration and pollen nutrient profiles, will provide insights into pollination attractiveness and reliance which will in turn inform our recommendations.”

Image: Dr James Makinson with PhD student Gaurav Singh