Orchard sanitation as a means of controlling postharvest diseases.
Saaiman W. C.
Author Affiliation: Mariepskop Estate, Private Bag X3009, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 17 : 73-74
Abstract : The aim of this trial was to try to reduce the incidence of postharvest diseases (anthracnose and soft brown rot caused by Nattrassia mangiferae and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides [Glomerella cingulata]) by removing all possible sources of inoculum from the trees and orchards. Kent mango trees in the Letsitele Valley were used in this trial. Sanitation was performed by removing all non-bearing flower panicles as well as all dead leaves and branches. Trees that received no sanitation served as control trees. Sanitation caused a big reduction in the incidence and severity of both anthracnose and soft brown rot when compared with trees that received no sanitation.