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