Mango tree named ‘C-20’

A new and distinct variety of mango tree (Mangifera indica), ‘C-20’ which is distinguished by the production of heavy and consistent crops of fruit which are 454 g average weight, oblong with a bluntly pointed apex and a large lateral beak. ‘C-20’ has a low and spreading growth habit with excellent disease tolerance and a small and manageable mature height of 457.2 cm. The skin color is bright yellow with a pink or crimson blush; thin, tender and adhesive skin, and a maturity date for harvesting and shipment of approximately mid June through July in South Florida. The flavor is excellent, rich and aromatic, with a strong component of coconut cream, a creamy smooth texture with no fiber or stringiness, a brix of 21% and a long flavor-life in storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of mango, botanically known asMangifera indica, and hereinafter referred to by the variety name ‘C-20’. ‘C-20’ was developed through a cross conducted in Boynton Beach, Fla. in 2000 between the female parent ‘Edward’ (unpatented) and the male parent ‘Gary’ (unpatented). ‘C-20’ was selected as a single plant in July of 2006 and was first propagated in August of 2008 via grafting in Boynton Beach, Fla. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a mango tree with superior tree size (small), disease tolerance, productivity and fruit quality.

‘C-20’ has been propagated for approximately three years via grafting and has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations via grafting from the mother tree.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety have not been applied for. ‘C-20’ has not been made publicly available or sold more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal horticultural practices in Boynton Beach, Fla.1. Small tree size;2. Good and consistent productivity in South Florida;3. Good disease tolerance;4. Oblong to oval shaped fruit with lemon-yellow skin that turns a pink to crimson blush when exposed to direct sunlight and low nitrogen and lemon yellow to orange flesh; and5. Soft and melting flesh with exceptional flavor of coconut cream and no fiber.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘C-20’. The data which define these characteristics were collected from asexual reproductions carried out in Boynton Beach, Fla. The plant history was taken on four- and five-year-old trees grown outdoors in Boynton Beach, Fla. in July, 2006 through 2009. Color readings were taken under natural light. Color references are primarily to The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London (R.H.S.) (2001 edition).

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL AND COMMERCIAL VARIETIES

‘C-20’ differs from the female parent ‘Edward’ (unpatented) in that ‘C-20’ fruits in July, is shorter in height and has oblong shaped fruits, while ‘Edward’ fruits in May to June, is taller in height and has oblate shaped fruit.

‘C-20’ differs from the male parent ‘Gary’ (unpatented) in that ‘C-20’ has oblong shaped fruit with coconut cream flavored flesh and has large leaves, while ‘Gary’ has oval shaped, small fruit and a small leaf size.

‘C-20’ differs from the commercial variety ‘Ataulfo’ (unpatented) in that ‘C-20’ has oblong shaped fruit, is shorter in height and has a fruit skin with a pink blush, while ‘Ataulfo’ has long and slender shaped fruit, is taller in height and has fruit skin with no blush.