Mango rotting in southern Senegal, a big phytosanitary challenge.
Diedhiou P. M., Diop S. A. G., Mbaye N., Diedhiou I., Diallo Y., Djiba S., Faye R., Samb P. I.
Author Affiliation: Université Gaston Berger, Route de Ngallele, BP 234, Saint-Louis, Senegal.
International Journal of Biosciences (IJB) 5 : 183-188
Abstract : Shipments of Senegalese mango to Europe has a steady increase since 2002. This derives from greater efforts to comply with international standards rather than an increase of mango production. Within the country however, the southern regions (Ziguinchor and Sedhiou), with a much greater production potential are currently weakly exploited due mainly to fruit rotting after harvest. Mango fruit were sampled between May 10th and August 25th in 25 villages located along five main roads in the southern regions, departing from Ziguinchor to assess the extent of damages. The study showed a 100% rate of mangoes rotting for most of the villages during the rainy season. The damages were caused by anthracnose (90%) and fruit flies (74%). No infestation due to these pests and diseases was recorded before onset of rainfall. Samples taken on all road axis had 100% rotting rate except for villages in the Ziguinchor-Carrefour Ndiaye axis (Axis 4) for which 3% of fruits ripened free of infestation. The huge losses due to post harvest rot are leading to orchards and mango business abandonment upon onset of the rainy season.