Distribution and occurrence of mango anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.Penz and Sacc) around jimma, southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is grown throughout the tropics and subtropics of the world and its production and productivity is limited by several biotic and abiotic factors. Mango anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is considered as the most important mango disease in the humid tropics that contribute significantly to pre-harvest and post- harvest fruit losses. Despite its important, research work addressing the distribution and occurrence of mango anthracnose both in the field and at market in mango producing areas of Jimma Zone, SW Ethiopia is not yet documented. The current study was conducted to determine the distribution and occurrence of mango anthracnose (C. gloeosporioides penz.) around Jimma, south west Ethiopia. The study was conducted in three potential mango producing woredas (Gomma, Seka chokorsa, and Kersa woreda) and Jimma town of Jimma Zone in the SW Ethiopia. Twelve (12) kebeles from all woredas was assessed. Assessments were performed at three positions per tree (upper, middle and lower). Isolation was done to confirm the causal pathogen. Pathogenecity of the identified C. gloeosporioides was tested on detached leaf and fruits of mango. From all assessed PAs significantly higher (83.5%) incidence on the leaf was recorded on the lower tree canopy at Bulbulo kebele of Gomma woreda and the lowest (26.3%) anthracnose incidence was recorded in Kitto kebele of Jimma area on the upper tree canopy. Higher percentage of mango anthracnose incidence on the leaf was recorded at Gomma woreda (72.1%) whereas lower percentage of mango anthracnose incidence was recorded at Kersa Woreda (41%). Mango anthracnose incidence on the fruit was higher in Gomma Woreda (74%) and lower in Kersa Woreda (36.24%). The severity of mango anthracnose was the highest in Kasohixi Kebele of Gomma woreda (80.5%) at the lower tree canopy and the lowest at Marewa kebele of Kersa woreda (30.3%) at the upper tree canopy. The incidence and severity was high (95.3% and 82%) in Agaro market respectively and lower disease incidence and severity (70.66% and 64%) was recorded in Jimma market. The fungus was, identified to be Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Generally from this study mango anthracnose (C. gloeosporioides) was 100% prevalent in the assessed three waredas and one urban area. The incidence was higher on the fruits than the leaves. The disease was more severe in the market place than in the farmers’ fields. However, to get full picture of the prevalence of this disease and to design appropriate control methods, it is advisable to conduct similar assessments in different mango growing agro ecologies and along mango value chain.