Powdery mildew of mango: Etiology, epidemiology and integrated management strategies

Abstract

Mango flower and fruit drop in early developmental stage is one of the key reasons for low fruit set which is largely attributed to diseases and pest incidence. Powdery mildew of mango, incited by the fungus Pseudoidium anacardii formerly known as Oidium mangiferae Berthet, is one of the most widespread diseases of mango world over that can cause up to 80–90% crop loss. The fungus attacks the young tissues of inflorescences, young fruits and leaves. The affected flowers and fruits drop pre–maturely reducing fruit set. High costs of fungicides and their application for its management have further amplified economic importance of this disease. Hence, extensive information on symptomatology, disease cycle, perpetuation and management has been generated worldwide in recent years. There has been a tectonic shift in powdery mildew management strategies which were so far dominated by a couple of sulphurbased fungicides. More effective molecules and non–chemical sustainable strategies have been devised in recent past. There has also been more acceptance of integrated disease management (IDM) strategy for powdery mildew on mango involving disease surveillance-based forewarning, cultural methods, biological control, application of safer and more effective fungicides and some salts. This review discusses the recent worldwide information generated especially on pathogen, disease progress, management strategies and role of nanotechnology in respect of powdery mildew of
mango.