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Scale, mealybugs and mites are frequent pests in
the greenhouse and orchard. In the greenhouse, thrips often turn leaves rusty
brown. Malathion is the conventional spray for insect pests; sulfur works on
mites. Gophers are attracted to the roots. The flower panicles, young fruit and
leaves are subject to powdery mildew (Oidium mangiferae), especially in
rainy weather or frequent fog. A spray of powdered kelp at bud break will often
control it. Sodium bicarbonate and fungicide sprays are also effective. Trees
planted in pavement openings seldom develop mildew.
Bacterial spot (Colletotrichum oleosporides) distorts and turns
developing leaves black and disfigures developing fruit. Infection may spread to
fresh young growth. Anthracnose can be controlled with bimonthly applications of
copper spray or captan as a growth flush begins, and until the flowers open.
Resume spraying when the fruits begin to form. Mango trees are very sensitive to
root loss that can occur from digging, transplanting or gopher damage. "Soft
nose," a physical disorder of shriveling at the fruit apex, seems associated
with excessive nitrogen in soil. Exposed fruits sunburn in high temperatures.
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