Postharvest anthracnose disease in mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit: Sustainable alternatives for the control.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) anthracnose disease has been a challenging issue for the past several years, causing about 30%–60% economic loss in its annual production. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides survives as an endophyte, during later stages develops infection, thereby causing serious pre‐ as well as postharvest crop losses. Such losses become difficult to overcome as the supply of the fruit gets affected due to quality reduction as a result of anthracnose. For many decades, synthetic fungicides have been used as primary control measures to the disease. However, indiscriminate use of synthetic fungicides against the pathogen has raised concerns due to their detrimental effects on environmental health and residual toxicity in plants and fruits. The disease resistance and resurgence against synthetic fungicides have also been major threat to farming community and stakeholders. Given these harmful effects, researchers, agro‐industries, and farming communities are exploring sustainable alternatives to anthracnose disease in mango with phyto‐extracts and essential oils as promising options globally. This comprehensive review suggests eco‐friendly alternative for combating C. gloeosporioides in mango fruit. The effectiveness of plant‐based extracts and oils in preventing anthracnose‐related postharvest losses is highlighted, along with the future prospects for high‐quality mangoes. The botanical‐based management strategies can also provide a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic control measures and reduce chemical load in the management of the disease during storage. In the context of climate change, developing and using these options will have a strong potential to address the challenges posed by chemicals. Core Ideas: Postharvest diseases majorly contribute to over 50% postharvest losses of mangoes globally.Anthracnose by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a major cause of mango postharvest losses.Physical, chemical, and biological treatments are opted for mango anthracnose control.Botanicals, essential oils (EOs), and plant metabolites are more sustainable than synthetic fungicides.Systematic, research‐oriented approaches for botanical pesticides development are required. Plain Language Summary: Anthracnose is a worldwide disease caused by Colletotrichum species. Over 50% of postharvest loss of mango is attributed to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It survives as an endophyte, which initially forms irregular spots followed by damaged plant cells, dry tissues, and dark necrotic patches after the onset of favorable conditions. This review illustrates different methods such as physical treatments (hydrothermal, irradiation, etc.), chemical treatments (fungicide use, etc.), and biological treatments (especially plant‐based solutions) to understand sustainable options for managing anthracnose‐based postharvest loss of mangoes. Mango anthracnose can be effectively controlled by using botanical fungicides. Plant‐based treatments are naturally safe, sustainable, and eco‐friendly alternatives as compared to synthetic fungicides. Botanical fungicides will be beneficial for mango growers as cost‐effective and sustainable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]