Mango Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)
Anthracnose is one of the most destructive fungal diseases in mango, affecting leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is most severe in humid and rainy conditions, leading to fruit rot, poor flowering, and post-harvest losses.
Symptoms:
- Leaves & Twigs: Small, dark brown spots that expand, causing leaf blight.
- Flowers: Blackening of inflorescences, leading to flower and fruit drop.
- Fruits (Pre-Harvest): Small, black sunken spots that enlarge over time.
- Fruits (Post-Harvest): Black lesions that spread rapidly, making fruits unmarketable.
Management Strategies:
1. Cultural Control:
- Prune infected branches and remove fallen leaves to reduce fungal spread.
- Improve airflow in orchards by maintaining proper spacing and canopy management.
- Avoid overhead irrigation to reduce leaf wetness.
2. Biological Control:
- Use biofungicides like Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis as preventive sprays.
3. Chemical Control:
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Pre-Flowering Spray:
- Copper-based fungicides (Copper Oxychloride 50% WP)
- Mancozeb 75% WP
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Flowering & Fruit Development Stage:
- Systemic fungicides: Carbendazim 50% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC, Hexaconazole 5% SC
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Pre-Harvest Protection (15-20 Days Before Harvest):
- Thiophanate-methyl 70% WP or Azoxystrobin 23% SC
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Post-Harvest Treatment:
- Hot water treatment (52°C for 5 minutes) to reduce fungal spores.
- Dipping fruits in Carbendazim 0.1% solution prevents storage rot.
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