Mango Crop Alert: 'White Enemy' Powdery Mildew Threatens Yields in North India

• 'Powdery Mildew' fungal disease, caused by Oidium mangiferae, is threatening mango crops in North India, especially in Shahjahanpur.
• Initial symptoms appear as white powder on leaves and flowers, often mistaken for dust, leading to delayed treatment.
• The disease spreads rapidly with warm days and cold, humid nights, halting photosynthesis and pollination, causing blossoms to dry and fruits to drop.
• District Horticulture Officer Dr. Puneet Kumar Pathak advises farmers to spray 2g sulfur/liter water or Dinocap (0.1%) / Carbendazim if symptoms appear.
• Timely intervention in January can save 70-80% of the crop, improve fruit quality, and ensure better market prices.

Why It Matters: Act now to protect mango crops from Powdery Mildew; early treatment is crucial for yield.