Retention of latex at harvest, enhanced mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit resistance and reduced anthracnose and stem-end rot.
Karunanayake K. O. L. C., Sinniah G. D., Adikaram N. K. B., Abayasekara C. L., Wijayasekara D. S.
Author Affiliation: Department of Botany, Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Australasian Plant Pathology 44 : 113-119
Abstract : Unripe mangoes contain a network of minute latex canals in its exocarp, outer mesocarp and the pedicel. Latex, when retrieved, separates into an upper oily layer containing antifungal resorcinols and a lower aqueous layer with chitinase activity. Latex disappears in coincidence with ripening and decline of fruit resistance to fungal pathogens. The present study investigated if retention of latex at harvest enhances fruit resistance and reduces anthracnose and the stem-end rot (S