Pestalotia mangiferae

Pestalotia mangiferae is a pathogenic fungus belonging to the kingdom Fungi and the genus Pestalotia. It is widely recognized as a major phytopathogen that primarily affects the foliage and fruits of mango trees, leading to significant physiological stress and aesthetic degradation of the host plants.

The fungus manifests as distinct leaf spots and necrotic lesions on ripening fruits. These lesions typically appear as dark, sunken areas that eventually expand, causing premature fruit drop and post-harvest decay. The reduction in leaf surface area caused by the infection directly impacts the plant's ability to synthesize nutrients through photosynthesis.

The life cycle of this pathogen involves the production of asexual spores known as conidia within acervuli structures. These spores are disseminated via wind, water splashes, and physical contact with contaminated tools. The pathogen survives in dormant stages within infected plant debris, twigs, and even in the soil surface during unfavorable seasons.

High humidity and moderate-to-warm temperatures are the primary environmental drivers for the development and spread of Pestalotia mangiferae. The fungus thrives in dense canopy environments where air circulation is poor, as moisture trapped on the leaves provides an ideal substrate for fungal spore germination and penetration into the plant tissues.

Management of this disease requires a multifaceted approach:

• Sanitation through pruning and destruction of infected plant material.
• Application of copper-based fungicides or systemic chemical treatments during vulnerable growth stages.
• Improving grove management through proper irrigation and balanced fertilization to enhance host resistance.