Anthracnose
A fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on leaves, flowers and fruit, especially mango, chilli and papaya.
Also known as: Colletotrichum, Black spot of mango
Symptoms and identification
Dark brown to black, irregular spots on leaves; blackened flower clusters on mango; sunken, dark, often ring-patterned spots on fruit that spread as the fruit ripens. Pink spore masses may appear in wet weather.
Causes
Caused by Colletotrichum fungi spread by rain splash. Warm, wet weather during flowering and fruiting, and wounds on fruit, favour infection.
Organic treatment
Remove infected plant parts. Spray a copper-based fungicide at the start of flowering and repeat every 2–3 weeks in wet weather.
Prevention
Prune trees for airflow, remove fallen leaves and mummified fruit, and harvest carefully to avoid bruising.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
Fungicides labelled for anthracnose (for example carbendazim or mancozeb) can be applied following the label, starting before flowering on mango.