Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world, and it’s no surprise why. The fruit is jam-packed with nutrients, and it tastes absolutely delicious. However, like any other fruit, mangoes are susceptible to black spots, which can be quite frustrating for growers. In this post, we will explore control measures for fruit black spots in mango plants.
What are fruit black spots in mangoes?
Fruit black spots in mangoes are a type of fungal infection caused by either anthracnose or bacterial black spot disease. These infections result in small, black spots on the fruit’s skin, which eventually spreads and covers the entire mango. The infected fruit may become rotten and fall off the tree, leading to significant economic losses for farmers.
Control measures for fruit black spots in mango plants
1. Use disease-resistant mango cultivars: One of the most effective ways of controlling fruit black spots in mangoes is to plant disease-resistant mango cultivars. These cultivars have been specifically bred to resist certain diseases, including anthracnose and bacterial black spot disease. Farmers can choose to plant varieties such as Tommy Atkins, Kent, and Keitt, which are known for their resistance to these diseases.
2. Prune infected branches: Another control measure for fruit black spots in mango plants is to prune infected branches. This helps to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the tree, and it also reduces the number of pathogens that can infect the tree. Farmers should ensure that they disinfect their pruning tools to avoid spreading the disease to other trees.
3. Apply fungicides: Fungicides are chemical compounds that are effective in controlling fungal infections in plants. Farmers can use fungicides to prevent and control fruit black spots in mangoes. Fungicides should be applied based on the manufacturer’s directions to ensure the effective control of the disease.
4. Remove infected fruit: Infected fruit should be removed from the tree and discarded properly. This helps to prevent the disease from spreading to other fruits, and it also reduces the number of pathogens present in the tree.
5. Keep the orchard clean: Farmers should keep their orchards clean by removing debris such as fallen leaves and fruit. These debris serve as breeding grounds for pathogens that can cause fruit black spots in mangoes.
In conclusion, fruit black spots in mangoes can cause significant economic losses for farmers. However, by using disease-resistant mango cultivars, pruning infected branches, applying fungicides, removing infected fruit, and keeping the orchard clean, farmers can effectively control this disease and increase their yield.