CHARACTERIZATIONS OF DIEBACK OF MANGO AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Mango is susceptible to various diseases throughout its growth stages from seedling to storage. Notably mango dieback caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. also known as Botryosphaeria rhodina in its anamorphic stage is particularly destructive. This disease often referred to as tree decline disease results in substantial yield reduction and compromised fruit quality.Given the seriousness of the disease and the need to address it at the seedling stage this research aims to: isolate identify and conduct pathogenicity tests on the pathogen responsible for mango dieback; survey the incidence of mango dieback disease in nurseries; examine the variability in cultural morphological and molecular characteristics of L. theobromae; assess the effectiveness of various bio-control agents and fungicides against L. theobromae in vitro; and develop strategies for managing mango dieback in nurseries.