A critical review on bacterial black spot of mango caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. mangiferaeindicae: Current status and direction for future research

Abstract

Bacterial black spot (BBS) of mango, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri pv. mangiferaeindicae, is an emerging disease affecting mango-producing areas in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The disease spreads primarily through wind-driven rain and farm implements, and its host range is limited, affecting mango, cashew, and pepper plants. BBS is characterized by dark, angular lesions with elevated borders on infected leaves and fruits in the lower and upper parts of the tree canopy. Infected plants display numerous tiny water-soaked black lesions on leaves, fruits, and stems. Early symptoms on leaves include tiny, veined, water-soaked patches with angular black dots and occasionally chlorotic spots. Managing BBS presents challenges, but various control measures have shown effectiveness in different regions. Integrated disease control measures, such as cultural methods and removing diseased plant parts, could further reduce BBS prevalence in the field. This paper reviews the detrimental effects associated with the disease, while also offering a concise overview of the existing body of research concerning BBS and its implications for mango cultivation.