Causal organism – Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., F semitectum var. majus
Symptoms:
- The primary symptom is dropping of immature, young fruits.
- Infection typically starts at the peduncle (stalk) end, forming dark brown lesions.
- The fungus gradually weakens the peduncle, leading to fruit drop.
- The disease is marked by softening of the rind near the stalk end and the underlying pulp.
- At later stages, the affected rind turns dark brown.
- Infected fruits retain their shape and do not shrivel, but may fall during strong winds or heavy rains.
Management-
| Cultural Method | Chemical Control |
| Remove and destroy all infected plant parts | For effective control of the disease, two sprays of Thiophanate methyl 70% WP @ 2g/L at fortnightly intervals are recommended during the early stage of fruit development |
