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Causal organism
It is caused by fungus Lasidiodiplodia theobromae.
Symptoms
- In fruits the spots are seen as very dark, irregular in shape and with a distinct edge as they become hard and cracked.
- The external symptoms on the fruit are similar to Black Canker but it is distinguished by the large internal discolouration extends well into the fruit, producing a brown, dry, corky appearance.
- Affected fruit usually shrivel, dry out (mummify) and remain on the tree. Symptoms are sometimes confused with calcium deficiency which tends to occur at the basal end of the fruit.
Mode of spread –
The spores are airborne and can be spread by rain splash and wind.
Reason for severity –
- Humid warm conditions favour disease development.
- Due to the heavy crowded orchards.
Management –
- Spray mancozeb 75% WP 2.5gm/ lit of water at 15 days interval.
- These problems are normally seen in crowded, unpruned trees so prune the trees 60 cm above the ground to enter the air circulation around the tree canopy.
- Mummified fruit and dead twigs should be removed from the tree before fruiting commences.
