PKM 1
Also known as: Chinnasuvernarekha x Neelum Hybrid
🛡️ Common Susceptibilities
Typical diseases and disorders affecting this variety:
Detect these early using our Plant Guard AI.
About PKM 1
PKM 1 (also written as PKM-1) is a highly successful, high-yielding hybrid mango variety developed at the Horticultural Research Station of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Periyakulam. It is a controlled cross between Chinnasuvarnarekha and Neelum, bred to combine excellent commercial yielding with top-tier eating quality.
Physically, PKM 1 is a medium-sized mango, generally weighing between 250 and 320 grams, with an attractive, neat round-oval shape and a smooth skin. Upon ripening, the skin turns a uniform, brilliant golden-yellow, highlighted by a beautiful, light reddish-orange blush near the shoulder.
The taste is highly sweet, rich, and slightly tangy, offering a wonderfully balanced flavor. The pulp is a deep orange, exceptionally firm, melting, and completely free of any fiber (none). It has a high pulp recovery rate of 75 percent and a total soluble solids (TSS) reading of 18-20° Brix.
The PKM 1 season is mid-to-late, commencing in mid-May, peaking during the month of June, and wrapping up by late July. It is extensively cultivated across the Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as several southern districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Compared to its parent Neelum and other hybrids like Sindoori, PKM 1 is significantly sweeter, has a higher pulp-to-stone ratio, and has a much more attractive red blush. While Neelum can be small and acidic in early harvests, PKM 1 delivers reliable, premium sweetness throughout its season.
Post-harvest characteristics of PKM 1 are exceptional, inheriting the sturdy genetics of Neelum. It possesses an excellent shelf life of 10 to 12 days at room temperature and is highly resistant to transit injury, making it a major commercial favorite for shipping across India.
Taste & Sensory Profile
Sweet, slightly tangy
Sweet, pleasant
Firm, smooth
Minimal
🔑 Authentication Markers
How to tell if it's a genuine PKM 1:
- ✓ Attractive red blush
- ✓ Medium oval shape
- ✓ High-yielding hybrid
Seasonal Availability
Best Uses
Comparison with Similar Varieties
| Variety | Similarity | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Neelum | High shelf life and late harvest | PKM 1 has a distinct red shoulder blush and superior sweetness; Neelum has dull yellow skin and is slightly smaller. |
| Sindoori | Reddish-orange blush and oval shape | PKM 1 is completely fiberless and has a much higher pulp recovery rate; Sindoori can be fibrous. |
| Alphonso | Firm, fiberless orange pulp | PKM 1 is a Periyakulam hybrid with high resistance to spongy tissue; Alphonso is highly susceptible to spongy tissue. |
Similar Varieties
These varieties might look similar but have distinct characteristics:
Heritage & Cultural Significance
PKM 1 was developed at TNAU Periyakulam (PKM) under the ICAR hybridisation program, representing a landmark achievement in southern Indian fruit breeding.
The cross (Chinnasuvarnarekha × Neelum) was carefully selected: Chinnasuvarnarekha contributes the gorgeous reddish blush and early sweetness, while Neelum contributes the high shelf life and regular bearing habit.
It has become one of Tamil Nadu's most popular commercial hybrids, actively replacing older, lower-yielding varieties in southern orchards.
Frequently Asked Questions
🩺 Safety & Quality Inspection Guide
Quick reference for identifying common healthy vs. problematic conditions:
Pro Tip: Surface spots like Anthracnose are often harmless to the fruit inside, while Bacterial Canker or Stem-end Rot usually require discarding the fruit.
🛡️ Chemical Ripening Check
Ensure your PKM 1 mango is naturally ripened. Use Food Guard to detect Calcium Carbide and other chemical ripeners.