The symptoms of mango anthracnose are highly distinctive, affecting leaves, flowers, and fruits. On leaves, the disease manifests as dark, sunken lesions, often located near the edges. These lesions can expand and coalesce, leading to severe defoliation. Flowers infected by the fungus may turn brown, wither, and fall prematurely, drastically reducing the fruit set and potential harvest. The most striking symptoms are observed on mango fruits. Infected fruits develop large, black, sunken lesions that may crack and ooze, rendering the fruit unmarketable. In advanced stages, the infection causes fruit rot and premature fruit drop, further compounding yield losses. These symptoms can also continue to progress post-harvest, severely affecting storage and marketability.
The disease cycle of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is facilitated by its ability to survive on plant debris and infected tissues. Rain splashes and wind play a crucial role in disseminating fungal spores to healthy tissues, particularly during periods of high humidity and temperature. This adaptability allows the fungus to persist and re-infect mango orchards year after year, making management a challenging task.
Effective management of mango anthracnose requires an integrated approach. Chemical control remains one of the most commonly used strategies. Copper-based fungicides, such as copper oxychloride or copper hydroxide, are widely recommended and should be applied at key stages—particularly during flowering and early fruit development. Systemic fungicides, including azoxystrobin or tebuconazole, have also shown efficacy in managing the disease. However, reliance solely on chemical treatments can lead to fungicide resistance.
Cultural practices play a vital complementary role in disease management. Regular pruning to improve air circulation and reduce canopy humidity is essential. Removing and destroying infected plant debris can limit the fungal inoculum. Additionally, the use of resistant mango varieties, where available, offers a sustainable long-term solution. Post-harvest treatments, such as hot water treatment and biofungicides, have also gained traction in reducing losses during storage and transportation.
In conclusion, mango anthracnose poses a significant threat to mango production worldwide, but an integrated management strategy combining chemical, cultural, and biological methods can effectively minimize its impact. Ongoing research into resistant varieties and eco-friendly control measures holds promise for sustainable mango farming.
Managing Mango Anthracnose: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions
