If the mango tree is drying from top to bottom (top death), how to manage?

Published on: 21-Dec-2023

Top death (dyback) in mango is a condition in which the branches die gradually , the twigs start drying from top to bottom, resulting in the overall decline in the health of the mango tree and the tree eventually falls due to a consistent environment . Various factors contribute to death , including fungal infections, insect infections, nutritional deficiency, environmental stress, and improper agricultural work. To manage the dyback effectively adjustment of cultural (agricultural work), chemical and biological control strategies are necessary.

The main causes of having top death in mango trees

1. Fungal infection

Pathogenic fungi, such as colletotrichum gloeoSporioides, mango trees, which causes dioback. It first makes dark chocolate coloured spots on the leaves that turn these spots into big spots when they get a favourable environment. It turns yellow and falls. Living becomes naked and starts drying from top to bottom and slowly the entire tree dries up.


Also read: Mango, guava, litchi and other fruit gardens (Leaf Weber) insects will not manage time, there will be heavy loss


2. Pest infection

Pests like stem borer contribute to weakening of stem because of which stems start to die 


3. Nutritional shortage

Lack of essential nutrients, especially potassium and magnesium, makes mango trees more sensitive to dying 


4. Environmental stress

Adverse environmental conditions, such as drought or excessive temperature, can increase death.


5. Inappropriate agricultural work

Inadequate harvesting , irrigation, or poor soil management contributes to dyback


How to manage if the mango tree is dry (top death) from top to bottom ? 


Preventive Measures


Following preventive measures will help to manage disease lik top death .


Also read: How to protect fruit trees from water logging?


1. Proper harvesting pruning

Regular and correct pruning helps to maintain a balanced umbrella, which reduces the risk of dying.


2. Proper irrigation

Ensuring frequent and adequate water supply helps in preventing stress and dehydration.


3. Soil management

Applying proper soil nutrition and pH management promotes a healthy tree.


4. Mulching

Mulching around the base of the tree helps to maintain moisture and keeps the soil temperature controlled.


Chemical control

If the top death disease is not managed on time, then the tree will die after a few days. To manage it, the following measures should be taken along with spraying of fungicides.


1. Fungicides spraying (spray)

Applying fungicides can help control the fungal infection associated with diaback. After cutting the diseased part with a sharp knife or CKTeer, it should be sprayed on the same day by dissolving it in a clean @ 2 grams per litre of water, after ten days, blitox @ 3 grams per litre of water should be sprayed. But it should be sprayed once again with the above solution.


Also read: Bananas's sigatoka leaf spot disease, causes, symptoms, effects and various measures to manage the tree.

 Should be painted with boards paste up to a height of 5-5.30 feet from the ground surface. How to make boards paste. If the boards are painted twice a year from the paste twice a year, then most of the fungi are saved from the diseases borne by the paste. Mango can be saved from various fungal diseases like Chilco's bursting etc. It should be used on all fruit trees.


Required items for making boards paste

Copper sulphate, unextinguished lime (calcium oxide), jute bag, muslin cloth sieve or finely sieve, clay / plastic / wooden tank and wooden stick. 1. Copper sulphate 1 kg gram 2 ,  Unextinguished lime -1 kg 3 , water 10 litres


Recipe 

Add Copper sulphate in half amount of water . Extinguish lime and mix in the remaining half water, during this time, stir continuously with a wooden stick.


Important points that should be taken care of 

• Farmers should use it in the garden immediately after preparing the solution of Bordeaux paste. 

• While preparing the copper sulphate solution, farmers should not use iron / galvanised utensils. 

• Farmers should take care that they dont use it with any other chemical or pesticide.


2. Pesticides

The targeted use of pesticides can control the infection of insects that contribute to death.


3. Nutrient supplements

Providing balanced fertiliser to overcome nutrient deficiency is important for preventive care. If your tree is more than 10 years or 10 years, then 500-550 grams of diammonium phosphate, 850 grams of urea and 750 grams of muret of potash and  25 kg very well rotten cow dung manure should be used by making a ring 2 metres away from the main stem around the manure plant.


Biological control

Natural hunter: Encouraging the presence of natural predators helps control the population of pests. 

Beneficial microorganisms: Use of beneficial microorganisms can suppress pathogenic fungi.


Summary

Mango trees require a multidimensional approach to manage dyacks including preventive measures, early detection, reactive action and long -term stability exercises. By integrating cultural, chemical and biological control strategies, farmers can reduce the effects of dybacks, ensuring the health and productivity of mango orchards for the coming generations.