Mango Glossary | Mango Database

Explore Mango Terminology

Browse definitions and growing concepts to expand your mango knowledge.

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Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease associated with Colletotrichum species that can affect mango flowers, young growth, and fruit. Infections acquired earlier may remain inconspicuous until the fruit ripens, when dark lesions and decay develop. Wet conditions and susceptible growth increase risk, but black spots alone do not confirm the cause. Good airflow, careful handling, and avoiding unnecessary wetting of flowers are useful preventive practices. Seek a diagnosis and locally appropriate advice before treating, rather than assuming every dark mark requires a fungicide.

Latent Infection

A latent infection is an infection that remains present without immediately producing obvious disease symptoms. Mango anthracnose and some postharvest rots can involve infections that become conspicuous only as fruit ripens. A clean-looking harvest therefore does not prove that every fruit is free of pathogens. Careful orchard management, gentle handling, and suitable storage each have a role. Distinguish hidden infection from later contamination when investigating a batch, because the point of visible decay may not be the point where infection began.

Sooty Mold

Sooty mold is a dark fungal coating that grows on sticky honeydew deposited by certain sap-feeding insects. On mangoes it can cover leaves, twigs, or peel without being the same disease as anthracnose. Heavy coverage can reduce light reaching leaves and make fruit unattractive. Inspect for scale insects, mealybugs, or other honeydew producers and consider ant activity. Managing the source of honeydew is generally more useful than repeatedly trying to remove the black coating without addressing the insects.