On the Picard number of Fano 6-folds with a non-small extremal contraction (Q2301984)

Let \(X\) be a Fano \(n\)-fold and let \(\rho_X\) denote its Picard rank. A generalisation of Mukai's conjecture due to \textit{L. Bonavero} et al. [Comment. Math. Helv. 78, No. 3, 601--626 (2003; Zbl 1044.14019)] states that \[ \rho_X(i_X-1)\leq n \] with equality precisely when \(X\simeq (\mathbb P^{i_X-1})^{\rho_X}\), where \(i_X\) denotes the minimum anticanonical degree of a rational curve on \(X\). Several special cases of the conjecture are known. The paper under review shows that the conjecture holds when \(n=6\), \(X\) admits no unsplit dominating family of rational curves, and \(X\) admits either an extremal contraction of fibre type, or \(X\) admits no small extremal contraction. The proof relies on a careful analysis of possible families of rational curves on a Fano \(6\)-fold.