Decoding the Nutrient–Disease Relationship in Mango: Insights from Orchards of Different Ages

Background Mango is a premier fruit crop grown in warm climates which is contributing major to the Indian economy through export. However post-harvest diseases and pests infestation causing severe yield loss and quality deterioration in mango to the farmers. A two year study was conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in mango orchard of 28 years old trees and 20 years old trees with and without spraying of plant protection chemicals. Results 20 years young age managed trees have shown higher total soluble solids (18.76 brix), pulp per cent (77.53%) and lower acidity (0.31%). Further these criteria were supported by nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and CN ratio) in leaf at before flowering, flowering, fruiting and at maturity, these nutrients shown decreasing trend from initiation of flowering to maturity which was a positive indication of attaining to the reproductive phases which supports development of quality mango. Percent disease incidence (PDI) of powdery mildew was higher in the old age trees with no management (26.74 ± 11.69) and managed areas (15.49 ± 7.21). Post harvest diseases anthracnose and stem end rot incidence was higher in mid age trees and unmanaged treatments (50.5 ± 20.6 and 41.5 ± 32.4 respectively). Unmanaged treatment recorded significantly higher hoppers count per panicle (7.01 ± 4.41) compared to mid age managed treatment (2.90 ± 1.78). Fruit fly population was higher in orchards of 20 years old (84.1 ± 25.9). Conclusion Quality of the mango was influenced by the pests and diseases incidence during the growth and development. Timely orchard management practices, including plant protection measures, improved fruit quality and reduce disease and pest incidence in mango orchards.