Mango malformation: A fungal disease, physiological disorder or malady of stress

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the important commercial crops occupying a prominent place among various fruit crops. Mango malformation is a crucial malady in mango production leading to heavy economic loss. Malformation occurs in vegetative as well as floral tissue, later being virulent leading to loss of entire crop. Fusarium moniliforme is suggested as dominant causal agent of the disease although association of ‘stress ethylene’ with disease occurrence has also been studied. Fungal pathogens responsible for the malady are known to elevate the level of ‘stress ethylene’ in malformed plants. Various reports have been put forward to explain the etiology and control measures of the disease but nature and management of the disease is still a mystery. Hence, the present review aims at offering information regarding aspects of development and management of mango malformation.