Stem-end rot (Dothiorella dominicana, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Phomopsis mangiferae)
Credit: Biovision-Infonet
(c) A. M. Varela & A.A. Seif, icipe
Symptoms consist of a dark-brown, firm decay starting at the stem-end of the fruit and developing rapidly to involve the whole fruit. The fungi survive on dead twigs and branches where they produce large numbers of spores. During wet weather, these spores are spread to adjacent fruits where infection occurs. The rot generally does not develop until the fruits begin to ripen.
Chemical sprays are neither recommended nor necessary.
What to do:
- Prune dead twigs and branches.
- Avoid harvesting immature fruits.
- Cool fruits immediately after harvesting.
- Store fruits in well-ventilated containers.