Temporal analysis and fungicide management strategies to control mango anthracnose epidemics in Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

The temporal progress of anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) epidemics was studied in mango (Mangifera indica) orchards treated with fungicides from different chemical groups, mode of action, and application sequences in two regions of contrasting climates (sub-humid and dry tropics) in Guerrero, Mexico. Full flowering, initial setting, and 8-15mm Ø fruits were identified as critical stages for infection. Epidemics started 20-26 days after swollen buds, and maximum severity was attained at 40-42 days after the first symptoms were detected. The Weibull model described (r2≥0.89) anthracnose epidemics in both floral and vegetative flushes. Active ingredients of different fungicide groups, mode of action, and residuality such as myclobutanil, azoxystrobin, cyprodinil+fludioxonil, quinoxyfen, and chlorotalonil + sulfur led to significantly low values (LSD≤0.05%) in the Yf, AUDPC and b-1 parameters. The best strategy was to initiate a preventive treatment with a systemic ingredient, independently of its chemical group. Severity of the disease in floral (Fl) and vegetative flushing (Veg) in the sub-humid tropic was related with temperature ≥30°C (rFl=0.79-0.86; rVeg=0.80-0.95) and relative humidity ≥ 90% (rFl=0.66-0.86; rVeg=0.67-0.94). In both regions, conidial sporulation was related to temperature ≥30°C (r=0.72-0.74), relative humidity <60% (r=0.66), severity (rFl=0.62-0.98; rVeg=0.75-0.97) and dew point ≤25°C (r=0.68-0.69). © the Brazilian Phytopathological Society. Printed in Brazil.