Distribution and occurrence of mango anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloesporioides Penz and Sacc) in humid agro-ecology of southwest Ethiopia.
Ayantu Tucho, Fikre Lemessa, Gezahegn Berecha
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Plant Pathology Journal (Faisalabad) 13 : 268-277
Abstract : Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is grown in different agro-ecologies of Ethiopia and its production and productivity is limited by several biotic and abiotic factors. Mango anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is considered as the most important mango disease in the country that contribute significantly to pre and post harvest fruit losses. However, the distribution and occurrence of mango anthracnose both in the field and at market in mango producing areas of southwestern Ethiopia is not yet documented. In this study, distribution and occurrence of mango anthracnose in three potential mango producing districts and one urban area in Jimma region, SW Ethiopia were assessed. At the same time knowledge and attitude of farmers against mango anthracnose was also assessed. The results showed that mango anthracnose was 100% prevalent in the study area. Anthracnose incidence and severity varied across farmer's field and market places. The disease incidence under farmer's fields ranged from 41-72.1% on leaf and from 36.2-74% on fruit. We found higher (95.3 vs. 82%) and lower (70.7 vs. 64%) incidence and severity in the market, respectively. The disease was more severe in the market place than in the farmer's fields. It was confirmed that the identified fungus was C. gloeosporioides. So, for better understanding of the prevalence and distribution of this disease and to design appropriate management options, similar assessments across different mango growing agro-ecologies and along mango value chain is crucial.