Towards alternative disease control in mango.
Jager E. S. de, Hall A. N., Korsten L.
Author Affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 15 : 67-74
Abstract : Bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeast populations were isolated from the mango phylloplane by indirect leaf impressions. These were identified and enumerated. The population was found to be related qualitatively to microclimate, anatomical features of tissue and physical character variations of the mango phylloplane. Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus spp.) exceeded Gram-negative (Pseudomonas and Erwinia spp.) bacteria. The most common fungal genera isolated were Cladosporium and Alternaria. Yeasts dominating the mango phylloplane were of the genera Aureobasidium, Cryptococcus and Sporobolomyces. EM studies revealed that the 'relatively hostile' phylloplane substratum may limit phylloplane population establishment under certain environmental conditions. It might be concluded from this study that the dominant populations on the mango phylloplane persist due to their unique substrate utilisation capabilities. This enables them to successfully compete within mango microbial communities. It is concluded that better understanding of the role of environmental and biological factors in the regulation of microbial phylloplane populations may aid more effective biocontrol strategies.