An integrated anthracnose management approach in Tommy Atkins mango cultivars in Cundinamarca - Colombia

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in mango production, can lead to crop losses of 60 %. Synthetic fungicides constitute its leading management strategy. We evaluated combinations of different management practices to control anthracnose in a commercial Tommy Atkins mango grove in 2015 and 2016. We followed a randomized complete block experimental design with a subdivided plot arrangement composed of 12 treatments, three replicates per treatment, and one mango tree per replicate for 36 trees. Pruning was practiced at plot level (with and without pruning), nutrients were applied to subplots (soil fertilizer, foliar nutrient application, and no nutrient supply), and at sub-subplot level, three anthracnose management treatments were given (chemical, biological, and no treatment). In 2015 and 2016, the treatments involving natural or biological applications against anthracnose plus nutrient supply led to the most significant reductions in quiescent leaf infections and disease presence in flowers and fruits. In addition, pruning at specific crop development stages improved results. In light of our results, this integrated anthracnose management approach in mango production can deliver the expected results if implemented consistently.