Spatiotemporal dynamics of mango anthracnose disease in relation to agro-meteorological parameters in Paralakhemundi, Odisha

AbstractThis study aims to examine the impact of key agro-meteorological parameters viz., temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and sunshine hours on the incidence and severity of mango anthracnose disease. Results indicate a negative correlation between temperature and disease severity, with higher temperatures in the months of April and May leading to lower anthracnose prevalence. In contrast, both relative humidity and rainfall showed a strong positive correlation with increased disease severity, particularly during the wet months of August and September. Sunshine hours exhibited a negative correlation with disease incidence, as longer sunlight exposure reduced the severity of the disease. These findings emphasized the critical role of environmental conditions in shaping anthracnose outbreaks and suggest that high humidity, rainfall and moderate temperatures are conducive to pathogen spread. The study underscores the importance of integrated disease management strategies that include optimizing irrigation practices, applying fungicides during high-risk months and enhancing canopy management to reduce humidity around the plants.