Mango malformation is a serious disorder in mango trees caused by fungal infections, genetic factors, or hormonal imbalances. It primarily affects vegetative growth and flowering, leading to reduced fruit yield. There are two main types of mango malformation:
1. Vegetative Malformation
- Leads to abnormal, bushy, compact shoots with shortened internodes.
- The leaves become small, thick, and clustered.
- Usually seen in young trees or nursery plants.
2. Floral Malformation
- Causes dense, compact, and deformed panicles (flower clusters).
- Flowers remain small, do not develop properly, and often fail to set fruit.
- Severely reduces fruit yield.
Causes of Mango Malformation
- Fungal Infection – Fusarium mangiferae is the main pathogen linked to floral malformation.
- Hormonal Imbalance – High cytokinin and low gibberellin levels can contribute to the disorder.
- Genetic Factors – Some mango varieties are more susceptible than others.
- Environmental Stress – Extreme temperatures, poor nutrition, and irregular watering can trigger malformation.
Management of Mango Malformation
- Pruning and Fungicide Application –
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- Prune diseased parts, cutting 15-20 cm below the affected portion.
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Follow up with fungicide sprays:
- Carbendazim (0.1%)
- Captafol (0.2%)
- Hormone Application: Spraying NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) 200 ppm can reduce floral malformation.
- Proper Nutrition: Balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients helps prevent stress-related malformation.
- Resistant Varieties: Some mango varieties show better resistance and should be preferred in susceptible regions.