Destructive fungal infection likely to decline mango production in Banke

Ranjha (Banke), April 19:  Mango farming in Banke has been severely affected by powdery mildew (Oidium mangiferae), locally known as Madhuwa disease. This destructive fungal disease, which has appeared as mango plants are about to bear fruit, has left farmers worried over significant crop loss.

“If the plants are affected by the disease, yields can drop drastically,” said a mango farmer Abdula Wajid Sai of Janaki Rural Municipality–1.

According to the Agricultural Knowledge Centre, Banke, the disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on leaves, flowers and fruits. This leads to premature shedding and significantly reduces production. The Centre has been providing consultations and recommending appropriate pesticides to curb the spread of disease.

Senior Crops Development Officer and Information Officer Santosh Pathak is of the view that 'prevention is better than cure'. He recommended applying pesticides before the fruit bearing stage, as late application turns largely ineffective once the fungus has spread.

“There is a high likelihood that mango production across the district decline significantly,” he said.

Last fiscal year, Banke produced a total of 9,915 metric tons of mangoes in 1,015 hectares of land. However, production is expected to drop this year due to fungal infection and pest invasion.

He said that disease-carrying insects can spread rapidly from one garden to another. These insects feed on young leaves and fruits, causing them to fall prematurely. They also leave behind a white, sticky substance that promotes the growth of black fungus on the plants.

The Agricultural Knowledge Centre has urged farmers to seek timely technical support and use recommended pesticides in appropriate quantities to effectively cope with the disease. (RSS)