Hapus enemy #1 – fungal attack – powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is one of the most serious fungal diseases of mangoes. The characteristic visual symptom is the white superficial powdery fungal growth on leaves, stalks, flowers and young fruits. The affected flowers and fruits drop prematurely considerably reducing the cop load or preventing fruit setting. 

Light rains or mists or heavy dew fall accompanied by cooler nights during flowering our ideal conditions for the disease spread. Hence this is more prevalent in the earlier part of the season before the summer heat sets in. As the temperature at the farms rises after April end or early May, this problem is not seen.

Common organic treatments that we use at our farms are neem oil and garlic powder/juice spraying in winter. Constant vigilance of the mango trees and immediate removal of leaves/flowers affected by fungus helps to control its growth and spread.