Scolecostigmina mangiferae

The causal agent of this disease is the fungal pathogen Scolecostigmina mangiferae. It is recognized as a significant foliar pathogen that affects the health and photosynthetic capacity of mango trees in various tropical and subtropical production areas globally.

The primary host for this fungus is the mango tree (Mangifera indica). While it predominantly affects the foliage, in severe cases, it can cause stress to the entire canopy, leading to reduced vigor and impacting the overall yield of the plantation.

Symptoms of the infection typically manifest as small, brown, angular to circular spots on the leaf blades. As the infection progresses, these spots often expand, becoming darker, sometimes developing a necrotic center or a chlorotic halo, eventually causing leaf senescence and premature defoliation.

Disease development is heavily influenced by environmental factors such as high humidity, frequent rainfall, and moderate temperatures. The spores are disseminated primarily through wind currents and water splashes during heavy rains, which facilitate the rapid spread of the pathogen throughout the orchard.

Control measures focus on reducing the primary inoculum and maintaining tree health. Key management strategies include:

• Pruning to improve air circulation and light penetration within the canopy.
• Removing and destroying fallen infected leaves to reduce spore survival.
• Applying preventive copper-based or systemic fungicides during vulnerable growth stages.
• Monitoring the orchard regularly for early signs of leaf spot outbreaks.

Proper sanitation and balanced nutrient management are essential to help the trees resist secondary infections and recover from the stress caused by the fungal attack.