Occurrence of mango anthracnose on inflorescence in Multan (Punjab) and it's in vitro control through various fungicides.

Mango (Mangifera indica) is the most important fruit crop in the world as well as in Pakistan, called the king of fruits. Anthracnose of mango on inflorescence caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes is among those diseases responsible for low yield of crop in Pakistan. The apparent symptoms can be observed on both vegetative and reproductive structure. Tiny dark brown to black spots appear at first which enlarge and join together and kill the blossoms before the production of fruit. Survey of mango orchards showed the prevalence of Mango anthracnose at all visited locations. Maximum disease incidence was recorded in Band Bosan (43.66 %) followed by Shujabad (37.99 %) and Qadir Pur Rawan (36.99 %) whereas minimum was in Nawab Pur (34.66 %). With respect to the farmers information most of the orchards showed heavy soils, sub soils with hard pan, a high soil pH, unbalanced fertilizer applications, poor irrigation, intercropping with other crops and zero pruning. Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes was isolated with maximum infestation frequency (61.66 %). Efficacy of different fungicidal chemistries (Topsin-M, Antracol, Captan, Benlate and Bavistin) was evaluated in vitro by the poison food technique against Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes. Topsin-M was significantly superior to all other chemistries at 100, 75, 50 and 25 ppm concentrations followed by the Bavistin and Benlate whereas Antracol and Captan could not prove to be responsive against the fungus. Antracol performed relatively well to some extent at 100 ppm concentration as compared to the Captan. All the fungicides showed higher efficacy with the increase in the concentration levels. These investigations provide fresh information on the current status of mango anthracnose on inflorescence in orchards of mango zone in Pakistan, regarding chemical control against Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes under in vitro conditions and serve as a guide for the future management strategy against this holistic disease of mango.