Mango is one of the most popular and commercially profitable fruit crops in the world. However, the mango crop is vulnerable to various pests and diseases, one of which is mango malformation.
Mango malformation, scientifically known as Fusarium mangiferae, is a fungal disease that affects the mango tree’s flowers and foliage, causing them to form distorted, abnormal growths, reducing the quality and quantity of the mango yield, and ultimately resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.
Farmers must understand the symptoms of mango malformation and the measures to control it effectively. Symptoms include deformed flowers, stunted or distorted twigs, leaves that are smaller, twisted or misshapen, and swollen shoots which form irregular and irregular flowers. Farmers may also notice the absence of leaves or the appearance of black spots on the tree.
Controlling mango malformation requires various practices, which include maintaining proper orchard hygiene, pruning of infected branches, using chemical fungicides, and planting disease-resistant mango varieties.
Proper orchard hygiene, which involves removing and destroying any affected plant parts, helps limit the spread of the disease. Pruning of infected branches can also help remove infected growths, and it’s essential to dispose of them far from healthy trees, where the disease spores cannot contaminate healthy trees.
Farmers can also use chemical fungicides to control mango malformation. Still, it’s essential to note that repeated use of chemicals can lead to fungicide resistance, making control of the disease more challenging over time. Therefore, it’s advisable to use such chemicals sparingly and only when necessary.
Planting disease-resistant mango varieties is also a good way to control mango malformation. Several resistant varieties exist in the market, and farmers can consult with local agriculture extension officials to identify and plant the most suitable ones for their region.
In conclusion, controlling mango malformation requires proper orchard hygiene, pruning of infected branches, limited use of chemical fungicides, and planting disease-resistant mango varieties. Farmers must maintain healthy orchards to limit the spread of the disease while maximizing mango yield and profitability.