Management of Anthracnose Disease in Mango

Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects mangoes, causing significant yield losses worldwide. It is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which infects all above-ground plant parts, including leaves, flowers, twigs, and fruits.The word anthracnose means 'coal', so fungi that produce dark spots are often given this name.

• Type of Infestation: Disease
• Common Name: Anthracnose 
• Scientific Name: Colletotrichum  gloeosporioides
• Category of Plant Disease: Fungal Disease
• Mode of spread: Spores, Infected plant material, Water, Animals
• Affected parts of plant: Leaves, Flowers, Twings, Fruit

Favorable factors for Anthracnose Disease in Mango:

• High humidity and rainfall: Spores require moisture for germination and infection. Therefore, prolonged periods of humidity above 90% and frequent rainfall, especially during flowering and fruit set, create ideal conditions for anthracnose development.
• Warm temperatures: The optimal temperature range for fungal growth and infection is between 25°C to 30°C. Hotter temperatures can also stress the plant, weakening its defenses and making it more vulnerable.   

Symptoms:

Initial Symptoms:

• Leaves: Small, raised, blister-like spots, often brown or black, initially appearing on either leaf surface.
• Flowers: Brown or black discoloration and death of blossoms, starting with petals and sepals.
• Twigs and stems: Dark brown or black lesions, initially small and elongated, may appear on young twigs and stems.
• Fruits: Tiny, sunken, brown or black spots on the fruit surface, often starting near the stem end or around lenticels (breathing pores).

Severe Symptoms:

• Leaves: Extensive browning and distortion of leaf tissue, with large necrotic areas and potentially complete defoliation.
• Flowers: Complete browning and shriveling of all flower parts, leading to significant flower drop and reduced fruit set.
• Twigs and stems: Large, sunken cankers with rough, cracked surfaces may form on twigs and branches.
• Fruits: Deepening and enlargement of lesions, often coalescing into large, irregular black blemishes.

Control measures for Anthracnose Disease in Mango: