Management of Mango Stem End Rot

Stem end rot disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a major post harvest disease of mango fruits cv. Kesar, a pride of Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Three fungicides were applied as pre and post inoculation to suppress the stem end decay in mango fruits. Carbendazim (0.05%) was found most effective. Two fungal (Trichoderma harzianum - JAU isolate, Aspergillus parasiticus) and two bacterial (Bacillus sp. (BS1) and Bacillus sp. (BF1) isolates were tested as a pre and post inoculation treatments and all of themwere found very effective for reduction of stem end rot disease.The pre harvest spray application of carbendazim (0.05 %) and propiconazole (0.05 %) was proved very effective in the reduction of stem end rot.The four bioagent tried successfully as pre and post inoculation along with T. harzianum (JAU isolate) were finally tested as a pre harvest application for post harvest diseases management. For the benefit of consumer, mango orchard owner should apply a singlespray of Trichoderma harzianum (JAU isolate, 107 /cfu) or carbendazim (0.05%) 15 day prior to harvesting to minimize fruit decay during ripening.