Question: Which disease in mango trees is commonly associated with the development of "witches' broom" symptoms?
Options:
Anthracnose
Mango malformation
Black tip
Powdery mildew
-✅Explanation: Mango malformation disease, caused by a virus and spread by psyllid insects, is characterized by the development of excessive shoots with underdeveloped leaves, giving the tree a "witches' broom" appearance. This abnormal growth disrupts flower and fruit development, leading to significant yield losses.
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📌Other Options Explanations:
-(a) Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, anthracnose affects mangoes by causing dark lesions on fruits and leaves.
-(c) Black tip: This disease, caused by Fusarium species, affects the tips of mango flowers and shoots, causing them to die back.
-(d) Powdery mildew: Caused by a fungal pathogen, this disease leads to white, powdery growth on mango leaves.