Fungi Associated with Post-harvest Losses of Multani Mango

Abstract

The Multani mango, renowned for its exceptional taste and aromatic profile, is a cultivar thriving in the fertile soils of Multan, Pakistan, representing a cherished tropical delicacy. Despite its esteemed status in the region's mango-producing legacy, a formidable challenge arises from its limited shelf life. Fungal pathogens associated with the mango curtail its shelf life and detrimentally impact fruit yield and quality. This study aimed to isolate and identify fungal pathogens linked to Mango anthracnose, stem end rot, side rot, and fruit fly attack symptoms. Ten mango fruits exhibiting symptoms were systematically sampled from three distinct markets in Multan, totalling 30 fruits for each disease symptom category. Isolation and identification outcomes revealed that in mangoes displaying anthracnose symptoms, Colletotrichum gloeosporoides was present in 100% of fruit samples, followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (72.72%). For mango fruits with stem end rot, Botryodiplodia theobromae was identified in 90.90% of samples, followed by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides (70%). Fruits exhibiting symptoms of fruit fly attack and side rot contained Aspergillus flavus in 99.90% and 88.81% of samples, respectively. These findings underscore the pivotal role of fungal pathogens in the Multani mango's shelf-life predicament, necessitating strategic interventions in cultivation and post-harvest handling. The identification of specific pathogens provides valuable insights for targeted management practices aimed at preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of this esteemed mango cultivar.