This study investigated treatment of mango
(Mangifera indica L.) fruit with 2 host
defence-promoting compounds for suppression of anthracnose disease
(Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). Cultivar
‘Kensington Pride’ fruit were treated at concentrations of up to
1000 mg/L with either potassium phosphonate or salicylic acid.
Applications were by various combinations of pre- and postharvest dips and
vacuum infiltration. Postharvest treatments at up to 2000 mg/L salicylic
acid were evaluated in a second fruiting season. Fruit were either
uninoculated or inoculated with the fungal pathogen. Colour, firmness and
disease-severity were assessed during shelf life at 23°C. There were
no significant (P>0.05) effects of potassium
phosphonate or salicylic acid on anthracnose disease severity in the first
season. Moreover, phosphonate or salicylic acid treatment did not
significantly affect fruit colour or firmness changes. There were significant
(P<0.05) reductions in anthracnose severity in
the second season, especially at the highest concentration of 2000 mg/L
salicylic acid. Mango fruit skin colour and firmness changes were also slowed
down significantly (P<0.05). These effects of
salicylic acid were attributed to inhibition of mango fruit skin ripening
(senescence).
EFFECTIVENESS OF CULTURAL PARAMETERS ON THE GROWTH AND SPORULATION OF COLLETOTRICHUM GLOEOSPORIOIDES CAUSING ANTHRACNOSE DISEASE OF MANGO (MANGIFERA INDICA L.)
