Neofusicoccum mangiferae

Neofusicoccum mangiferae is a highly destructive fungal pathogen belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family. It is recognized as a causal agent of dieback, stem cankers, and fruit rot in a wide variety of woody plants. The fungus is particularly well-known for its ability to persist as an endophyte before triggering disease symptoms when the host plant is stressed.

The host range of this pathogen is extensive, extending far beyond its primary host, mango. It significantly impacts citrus orchards, grapevines, avocado, macadamia, and numerous forest and ornamental trees. This versatility makes it a significant threat to both commercial agricultural systems and natural ecosystems.

Symptoms typically manifest as localized lesions on stems and branches, leading to the formation of cankers and internal wood discoloration. In severe cases, the entire branch or tree canopy may show sudden wilting and dieback. When infecting fruits, the fungus causes dark, sunken rot lesions that spread rapidly during post-harvest storage.

Environmental conditions such as high humidity, heavy rainfall, and warm temperatures are critical for the dispersal and infection processes. Spores (conidia) are spread by water splash and air currents, infiltrating the host through pruning wounds, insect feeding sites, or natural openings. Stress factors like drought, salinity, or nutrient deficiency often lower the plant's natural defenses, encouraging the fungus to switch to a pathogenic stage.

Management requires an integrated approach to reduce the pathogen's inoculum pressure. Key practices include:

• Rigorous pruning of infected tissue followed by tool sterilization.
• Application of protective copper-based fungicides before expected rain events.
• Optimizing tree health through balanced irrigation and fertilization to minimize stress.
• Removing and destroying infected plant debris to prevent secondary spread.