Anthracnose is one of the most common and damaging diseases in mango. It affects leaves, flowers, young shoots, and even fruits, causing dark spots, rotting, and heavy yield loss. The disease spreads quickly during humid or rainy conditions, especially in coastal and tropical regions. Understanding how the disease develops and using proper control methods can help farmers protect their mango orchards and improve fruit quality.
Anthracnose is caused by a fungus that survives on infected leaves, twigs, and fallen plant parts. When moisture is high, the fungus becomes active and spreads through wind, rain splash, or irrigation droplets. The first symptoms appear as small black or brown spots on leaves and flowers. On flower panicles, the disease causes drying, poor fruit set, and sometimes complete flower death. On fruits, anthracnose shows up as sunken black spots, which expand and cause rotting during storage or transport.
The first step in managing anthracnose is proper orchard sanitation. Farmers should remove fallen leaves, infected twigs, and dried flower panicles from the orchard, as these parts act as sources of infection. Pruning is also important. By removing dense or overlapping branches, farmers can improve airflow and sunlight inside the tree canopy. Better air circulation reduces humidity, making conditions less favorable for the fungus.
Another important step is timely orchard management. Avoiding overhead irrigation helps reduce water droplets on leaves and flowers, which can spread the disease. Drip irrigation or basin irrigation reduces the chances of infection. Applying organic manure and maintaining balanced nutrition strengthens the tree and improves natural resistance against diseases.
Flowering stage management is crucial because anthracnose severely affects flowers. Before flowering begins, farmers can spray protective fungicides as a preventive measure. These sprays create a barrier on leaves and flowers, reducing fungal infection. Spraying should be repeated at proper intervals during flowering, especially if the weather is cloudy or humid. Using recommended fungicides at the correct dose helps reduce flower drop and increases fruit set.
For managing anthracnose on fruits, pre-harvest sprays play a major role. Spraying during the fruit development stage helps prevent infection that later appears during storage. Mango fruits that look healthy on the tree may still have infection inside if preventive sprays were not applied. That is why regular monitoring and timely spraying are essential.
Post-harvest handling is also important. Fruits should be harvested carefully to avoid injuries, as wounds make it easier for the fungus to enter. Washing fruits with clean water and drying them properly before packing reduces fungal growth. Farmers should avoid storing fruits in humid conditions.
Using resistant or tolerant varieties, where available, is another effective long-term solution. Some local varieties show less infection compared to others.
By combining orchard sanitation, pruning, proper irrigation, preventive fungicide sprays, and good handling practices, farmers can control anthracnose effectively. Managing the disease at the right time—especially during flowering and early fruit formation—helps reduce losses and ensures better quality mangoes that fetch a good market price.
