On leaves, anthracnose presents as dark, sunken lesions that often lead to defoliation, weakening the tree and reducing its ability to photosynthesize effectively. Defoliation can also make the tree more susceptible to other pests and diseases, further compounding the negative effects on productivity. During the flowering stage, the fungus can cause a condition known as blossom blight. This results in blackened, withered flowers that fail to set fruit, drastically reducing the potential yield of mango crops. Blossom blight can severely affect orchards, as fewer flowers mean fewer fruits, leading to economic losses for growers.
The most destructive symptoms of anthracnose, however, manifest on the mango fruit itself. Large, sunken black lesions appear on infected fruits, making them unsellable in fresh markets. As the lesions expand, the fruit often rots, rendering it completely unusable. Post-harvest losses due to anthracnose are a major concern, as the disease can remain latent in green fruit and become active as the fruit ripens. This latent infection often goes unnoticed during the harvesting process, only becoming apparent after the fruit has been stored or shipped, resulting in significant economic losses during distribution.
The disease spreads primarily through spores, which are dispersed by rain, wind, and irrigation water. These spores germinate upon landing on susceptible plant tissue, initiating infection. Managing mango anthracnose requires an integrated approach. Regular applications of copper-based fungicides during key growth stages, particularly flowering and fruiting, can help control the spread. Additionally, cultural practices such as maintaining orchard hygiene by removing infected plant debris, promoting air circulation through proper tree spacing, and using resistant mango cultivars can reduce the incidence and impact of anthracnose. Effective management practices are essential to protect mango yields and ensure the sustainability of mango production.
Mango Anthracnose: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
