schorching of newflush and flowers of mango

Scorching of new Leaf and flower bud in mango

Anthracnose disease and leaf hopper infestation are the two major reasons for scorching leaf and flower bud in mango. Usually after rains, new flush bud appears on the branch tips. It is a common experience in most people that new flush change into brown and black and drop. Due to the damage of flower bud number of fruits is reduced.

Leaf hoppers (Idioscopus spp.)

Leaf hoppers lay eggs on leaves of new flush and nymphs suck the young leaves and flowers. As a result leaves and flowers become brown or black and immature drop is occurred. Both adult and nymphs suck tender part and reduce the vigor of the plant and secrete sweet stichy substance which leads to development of fungi Meliola mangiferae causing sooty mould covering leaf surface whish reduce photosynthesis.

Prevention/Control

Fire: This should be used carefully without damaging to the trunk to control hoppers on the

         trunks as lot of hoopers are found on the trunk of the plant.

Pruning: This is also important to get more sunlight to the plant as hoppers prefer shade and 

                high relative humidity. Pruning middle top of the canopy make main trunk and                 

                branches expose to the sunlight. Old and diseased branches should alsoberemoved.

Insecticide: When infestation is occurred chemical control is needed to overcome the

                    problem. Two sprays at new leaf growth stage and at flower initiation is   

                    recommended.

Antracnose (ColletotrichumSpp.)

Disease is severe at the beginning of flowering and it attack to inflorescence, leaves, fruits and young twigs. Small brown/black spots are observed and later they enlarge .Infected parts wither and die.

Prevention/Control

Sanitation is important and pruning of dead or diseased branches is also important.

Fungicides like Mancozeb ,Maneb ,Propineb and any other fungicide recommended for anthracnose control can be used. One or two spays starting at flowering is sufficient to control leaf and flower scorching problem in mango.

Fungicides and insecticides should be selected which can control other pests like powdery

mildew and mango weevil.