Arunika / CISH-Arunika

Arunika / CISH-Arunika is a mango hybrid developed from a cross between ‘Amrapali’ and ‘Vanraj’ by a team of scientists comprising Dr. Shailendra Rajan, Dr. S. S. Negi, and Dr. Ram Kumar, with Dr. B. K. Pandey and Dr. R. P. Shukla as collaborators, in 2008 at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Central as well as State Variety Release Committees accorded approval for the release of Arunika in 2024.

Arunika, with an enchanting combination of crimson-red and yellow, is aromatic, flavourful, and very sweet. At Amrakunja Nursery & Farms, the TSS has been found to be as high as 27°Brix, whereas CISH, Lucknow, reports a TSS of 24.6°Brix. The colour of its fibreless, firm pulp resembles that of Amrapali—it is deep orange. The peel is very thin, and the stone is monoembryonic. Arunika is a table-purpose variety. Its average weight is 220-250 grams. If harvested at the 80% ripening stage, Arunika shows a decent shelf life of 7–8 days, based on field experience at Amrakunja Nursery & Farms. Arunika is a mid-to-late season mango. In West Bengal, India, Arunika is harvested from the second to the third week of June. In Uttar Pradesh, India, it is harvested in July.

Arunika is a regular and heavy bearer and bears fruit in bunches. It has a tendency to bear fruit even on juvenile plants. Arunika mangoes are remarkably rich in the bioactive compounds mangiferin and lupeol. According to an article published in The Times of India, eating Arunika mangoes may help lower blood sugar levels. Arunika mangoes are also reported to have significant medicinal benefits, including potential anticancer properties.

The Arunika hybrid produces trees with a dwarf, compact canopy, yielding approximately 70 kg per plant after 10 years under improved cultural practices.

Arunika is ideal for high-density farming. Its appealing fruit colour and superior quality make it suitable for both domestic and export markets.

Arunika plants are suitable for planting in commercial farms, small orchards, kitchen gardens, and rooftop gardens.

ColourEnchanting combination of crimson-red and yellowAverage Weight 220-250 gramsSweetnessTSS 24-27 BrixShelf LifeDecent— approximately 1 weekSeed Type Monoembryonic-ropagation by grafting onlyBearingRegular and very heavy bearer in India — bears in bunches