Abstract:
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is considered as
the most important mango disease in the humid tropics. The disease widely occurs in
some parts of Ethiopia that has characteristically tropical humid weather condition.
However, in southwest Ethiopia the prevalence and intensity of the disease is not
sufficiently studied. In the study the prevalence, incidence and severity of the disease
was assessed in some humid parts of Ethiopia. The study was conducted during the 2013
to 2014 production seasons by sampling a total of 36 plots in 9 locations in south west
Ethiopia. The sampling method for location and plot selection was purposive sampling
using a predetermined criterion, while mango trees were randomly sampled within a
plot. Disease incidence and severity on mango trees were measured on leaves, panicles
and fruits. The disease is prevalent in all locations and plots assessed. However, disease
incidence and severity of mango anthracnose varied significant (p < 0.05) across the
locations. The mean incidence of the disease on leaves, panicles and immature fruits was
76%, 71% and 68%, respectively, while the mean disease severity was 49%, 47%, and
41%, respectively. Seka-Chokorsa area had the highest mean disease incidence (90%) and
severity (61%), while Gura-Ferda had the least mean disease incidence (39%) and
severity (24%). Generally, the mean mango anthracnose incidence and severity were 71%
and 45.7%, respectively, in the studied areas. The disease was influenced by rainfall,
altitudinal gradient and temperature. The study revealed that mango orchards in
southwest Ethiopia are under mango anthracnose disease pressure suggesting the need
for appropriate management practices
