Incidence, Severity, and Causal Agents of Post-Harvest Fungal Rots of Mango Fruit in Different Storage Conditions

Abstract

Post-harvest fungal rots are major causes of quality deterioration and economic losses in mango production and storage systems worldwide. The present study investigated the incidence, severity, and causal agents associated with post-harvest fungal rots of mango fruit under different storage conditions. Mango fruits showing visible symptoms of decay were collected from storage facilities and local markets maintained under varying temperature and humidity conditions. Disease incidence and severity were assessed periodically based on lesion development, tissue deterioration, and percentage of infected fruits. Fungal pathogens were isolated from infected tissues using standard microbiological techniques and identified through morphological and molecular characterization. The results revealed significant variation in disease incidence and severity among different storage environments. Higher temperature and humidity conditions favored rapid fungal growth and increased fruit decay, whereas low-temperature storage reduced disease progression and maintained fruit quality for longer periods. Several fungal pathogens were identified as major causal agents of post-harvest rot, including species of Colletotrichum, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, and Lasiodiplodia. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of the isolated fungi through reproduction of typical rot symptoms on healthy mango fruits. Differences in aggressiveness among fungal isolates were observed, with certain pathogens causing extensive tissue maceration and rapid spoilage. The findings demonstrate the strong influence of storage conditions on fungal disease development and post-harvest quality loss in mango fruits. The study provides valuable insights for improving storage management practices and developing integrated post-harvest disease control strategies aimed at minimizing fungal decay and extending shelf life in mango supply chains.