Fungus root problems in mango orchards are common across many parts of India, especially in areas with heavy soils or poor drainage. This issue affects the plant from below the ground, weakening the roots, slowing growth, and reducing flowering and fruiting. If not controlled in time, the disease can even kill young mango plants. But with early identification and proper management, farmers can protect their trees and maintain healthy yields.
The first signs of root fungus appear on the leaves and branches. Leaves start turning light green or yellow, lose their shine, and droop even when there is enough water in the field. New shoots grow slowly and look weak, giving the plant a stunted appearance. A very common symptom is wilting despite adequate watering. Because the fungus damages the roots, the plant cannot absorb water properly, so it looks dry and stressed. In severe cases, digging a little near the base of the plant will show brown or black, soft, and rotten roots. Healthy roots should normally be white and firm. Sometimes, farmers may also notice a mild foul smell coming from the soil — a sign that the infection has progressed.
Root fungus develops mainly when excess moisture stays around the roots for long periods. Poor drainage, heavy clay soils, waterlogging during monsoon, and over-irrigation are the most common causes. If water collects near the trunk or the soil remains wet for too long, fungus like Phytophthora or Fusarium can easily attack the roots. Using infected planting material or planting in contaminated soil can also spread the disease from one orchard to another.
Managing root fungus in mango requires improving soil conditions and stopping the spread of infection. The first step is to improve drainage. Farmers can create channels, raised beds, or gentle slopes so that extra water flows away from the tree. If the infection is noticed early, reducing irrigation and allowing the soil to dry slightly will help because the fungus thrives in wet soil.
Infected roots should be carefully exposed and trimmed using clean tools. Removing black, rotten roots and allowing the area to dry before covering it again helps the plant recover. Many farmers also use soil drenching with suitable fungicides recommended by local agricultural experts, which is effective when done at the early stage of infection.
Organic methods also support recovery. Applying well-decomposed farmyard manure, compost, neem cake, or bio-control agents like Trichoderma improves soil health and increases beneficial microbes that naturally fight harmful fungi. Maintaining a proper basin design is important — water should never remain standing around the trunk. During field work, farmers should avoid injuring the roots because wounds become easy entry points for fungus.
Preventing root fungus is always easier than curing it. Regular irrigation management, avoiding waterlogging, keeping the soil well-drained, and improving organic matter all help create strong root systems. Young mango trees, especially during the monsoon months, should be monitored closely for early signs of stress. With timely care and simple management practices, farmers can keep their mango orchards healthy and productive.
