Mango fruits are susceptible to many post harvest infestations. These diseases are mainly due to fungi and bacteria.
Harvest injury, defective handling, inappropriate temperature and humidity affect the storage life of the fruits.
Presence of blemished fruits with good ones also contributes to the decay and damage. If there is a surface bruise or injury to the fruit, micro-organisms such as bacteria, yeast and molds invade into it and cause internal decay.
High temperature and humidity accelerate process of post harvest decaying by microorganisms.
Some measuresControl of diseases occurring on leaves, stems and flowers (pre-harvest) are important in reducing losses.
Similarly, post-harvest temperature management and proper handling during storage and transportation are equally important, since high temperature and injuries or wounds would lead to further losses.
Post harvest treatments do not provide complete disease control measures if pre-harvest diseases are not taken effectively.
— During flowering stage, spray with Mancozeb at 2.5 grams/litre on weekly basis to control fungal diseases.
— During flowering stage, if there is rain, it would be better to apply Prochloraz (462 gram/kg) mix along with Mancozeb at an interval of 3- 4 weeks.
FungicidesPost harvest dip treatment of fruits with fungicides can control the diseases during storage with the help of the following treatments.
Three sprays of Carbendazim (0.1per cent) or Thiophante-methyl (0.1per cent) at 15 days interval should be done in such a way that the last spray falls 15 days prior to harvest.
Treatment of fruits in Carbendazim (0.1 per cent) in hot water at 52 degree Fahrenheit for 15 minutes can also help control the infestation.
At the time of harvesting, infested fruits should be removed and destroyed manually.
— Use correct equipment at the time of harvesting fruits to avoid damage.
(Dr. A. Vijaya Bhaskar Rao is Scientist (Plant Pathology),email:av_bhaskar12@yahoo.co.in,mobile: 098498 17896, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.)
