Mango Anthracnose Control Challenge Quiz

Explore key practices for managing anthracnose in mango cultivation. Test your understanding of symptoms, risks, and modern disease control methods in horticulture.

1. Identifying Anthracnose Symptoms

   What is a common visible symptom of anthracnose on mature mango fruit during post-harvest storage?

   1. Leaf curling and stem twisting
   2. Yellow halo rings around stems
   3. Dark, sunken spots with orange spore masses
   4. Powdery white patches on leaves

   Explanation: Anthracnose typically appears as dark, sunken lesions with orange or pinkish spore masses on mature mango fruit. Yellow halos are not typical of anthracnose but may be seen in bacterial infections. Powdery white patches are more indicative of powdery mildew. Leaf curling and stem twisting are not specific signs of anthracnose.

2. Favorable Conditions for Disease Spread

   Which environmental condition most favors the rapid spread of anthracnose disease in mango orchards?

   1. Frequent foggy mornings without rain
   2. Extended dry periods and low humidity
   3. Low nighttime temperatures
   4. High humidity with frequent rainfall

   Explanation: Anthracnose fungi thrive in humid conditions, especially when accompanied by rainfall that aids in spore dispersal. Dry periods generally limit fungal spread. Nighttime temperature does not significantly drive anthracnose outbreak. Foggy mornings alone, without precipitation, are less ideal for the pathogen than rain.

3. Best Time for Fungicide Application

   When is the most effective time to apply fungicides for managing anthracnose in mango trees?

   1. After fruit harvest only
   2. At flowering and fruit set stages
   3. Before tree pruning
   4. During full leaf drop

   Explanation: Applying fungicides at flowering and fruit set targets the most susceptible stages to anthracnose infection. Application after fruit harvest is too late for effective control. Full leaf drop is unrelated to the main infection period. Pre-pruning applications do not specifically address anthracnose risk.

4. Cultural Practices for Disease Reduction

   Which cultural practice helps reduce anthracnose incidence in a mango orchard?

   1. Delaying harvest until overripe
   2. Infrequent irrigation and mulching
   3. Planting trees closer together
   4. Regular pruning to improve air circulation

   Explanation: Pruning improves air circulation, reducing humidity and the risk of fungal infection. Infrequent irrigation and mulching do not directly target humidity near fruit. Planting closely increases disease spread. Delaying harvest allows more time for infection to develop in fruit.

5. Integrated Disease Management Application

   Which of the following is an example of integrated management of mango anthracnose?

   1. Relying only on frequent fungicide sprays
   2. Applying organic manure for fruit sweetness
   3. Combining resistant varieties, cultural, and chemical controls
   4. Using only copper-based pesticides repeatedly

   Explanation: Integrated management involves using resistant mango varieties, good orchard practices, and judicious chemical treatments together. Sole reliance on chemicals increases resistance risk. Organic manure addresses nutrition, not anthracnose. Continuous copper use can cause resistance and environmental concerns.