In vitro Evaluation of Botanicals and Fungicides against Mango Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in tropical and subtropical regions, but its productivity is severely constrained by anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of selected fungicides and botanical extracts against C. gloeosporioides under in vitro conditions using the poisoned food technique. Diseased mango samples were collected and the pathogen was isolated and purified on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Four fungicides, namely carbendazim, mancozeb, copper oxychloride, and carbendazim + mancozeb, were tested at three concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%), while two botanicals, garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa), were evaluated at 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations. Percent inhibition of mycelial growth was calculated and statistically analyzed. Among the fungicides tested, carbendazim + mancozeb exhibited the highest inhibition of mycelial growth (up to 87.28%), followed by mancozeb (90.00%) at higher concentrations. Carbendazim showed moderate inhibition, whereas copper oxychloride was comparatively less effective. Among botanicals, garlic extract recorded the highest inhibition (90.00%) at 15% concentration, while onion extract showed moderate antifungal activity. The results indicated a clear dose-dependent increase in inhibition for both fungicides and botanicals. The study concludes that fungicides were more effective than botanicals under in vitro conditions; however, garlic extract demonstrated promising antifungal potential and could be integrated into sustainable disease management strategies for mango anthracnose.