OCCURRENCE AND PREVALENCE OF MANGO DECLINE IN THE PUNJAB PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica) is a popular fruit in Pakistan and ranks second to citrus. Pakistani mangoes have a large export potential in overseas markets that has yet to be realized. In Pakistan, important fruit trees such as citrus, mango, guava, etc. are facing a decline. Among these fruits, mango decline has been addressed strongly as they are important foreign exchange earnings and export items. In the case of mango, the decline has different forms, generally known as progressive, slow decline, or dieback; quick dieback, and sudden death. This type of condition is most common in poorly managed orchards that do not follow correct nutrition, plant protection, or irrigation techniques. Such a drop can be easily addressed if orchards are cultivated using the greatest possible production methods. The updated studies on the occurrence of mango decline are necessary to become a reference for further research and management strategies. Therefore, the present study was designed for disease estimation in the mango-growing areas of the Punjab province of Pakistan. According to the results, maximum mean disease severity of 2.70 was observed in district Bahawalpur followed by Khanewal (2.30), Multan (2.11), and Muzaffar Garh (2.00). The minimum disease severity (1.90) was recorded in Rahim Yar Khan district. Similarly, the maximum mean disease incidence (100%) was found in Khanewal followed by Bahawalpur (99.30%), Muzaffar Garh (96.00%), and Multan (96.00%) while the minimum disease incidence (90.00%) was observed in Rahim Yar Khan. The disease index which gives the actual picture of the disease was found to be the maximum in Bahawalpur (53.30%) followed by Khanewal (46.50%), Rahim Yar Khan (39.10%), and Muzaffar Garh (37.30%) while the minimum disease index of 36.89 was found in Multan district. This information will serve as the baseline information for research and management strategies in mango decline.